In this issue
January 2026 Newsletter 
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS
A special congratulations to Gillian Masarie for receiving the esteemed Pat White Chapter Service Award and to Nicole Provonchee for being honored with the Community Service Award; both outstanding ICFTN members who exemplify dedication and excellence in their contributions to the coaching profession and the broader community.
Congratulations to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CMFT) for receiving the prestigious Prism Award. CFMT has been a partner and hub for two years providing a welcoming environment for our conference, meetings, and educational programs.
MEMBERSHIP
YOU ASKED AND WE LISTENED - MEMBERSHIP AUTO-RENEWAL
As of January 1st any renewing or new member can select to have their membership auto-renewed. If someone would like to go ahead and switch to auto-renew, they could do that by renewing their membership early as well.
Not yet a member and curious about joining? Learn more here.
If you have questions about our new auto renewal, please contact Director of Membership, Matthew Kodsi at [email protected].
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Members can send in something they'd like highlighted (recent accomplishment, something about their coaching program, etc.) for a spotlight in the newsletter to the membership committee at [email protected]
We can't wait to hear from you!
ICFTN WANTS TO CONNECT WITH YOU!
There are amazing things happening in the chapter and we want to keep you in the loop. In addition to the newsletter, we are on social media and text messaging!
Keep up to date with your fellow members on our Community News page. You can find Member Kudos, the New Member Corner, and Welcome to New and Renewing Members here.
IMPACTING THE COACHING COMMUNITY FOR 30 YEARS
By Brenda Baird, MCC, Past President
In 1996, Pat White, a seasoned consultant based in Nashville, Tennessee, was at a crossroads. Burned out from her consulting work, she attended a mastermind meeting in Bermuda, where she received a transformative suggestion: “Become a coach.” Initially skeptical, viewing coaching as a "California fad," Pat eventually embraced the idea and enrolled in a coaching program. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would change her life and the landscape of professional coaching in Tennessee. Read the full article here>>
We are excited to celebrate this milestone year.
ICFTN’s success over the past 30 years is an ever-growing and evolving foundation of incredible coaches. To really celebrate, we want promote the voices of those who have made this all possible — and that includes you. Consider submitting a memory, a video, and/or connecting with our Director of Marketing, Hannah Finrow, MCC, to see how you can share your coaching story.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE: 2026 AFFINITY GROUP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
We’re excited to announce that ICFTN Affinity Group registration for 2026 is officially open! Affinity Groups are one of the most meaningful ways coaches connect across shared identities, lived experiences, and coaching interests creating spaces of belonging, learning, and authentic connection within our chapter.
Register for 2026 Affinity Groups here>>
BOARD OPPORTUNITIES
BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS FOR 2026
If you are interested in being a leader, now is the time to consider joining our Board of Directors as an elected board member.
Board members are elected for two-year terms (except for the Past Presidents, who may be elected to serve one year after their term).
Each Board role plays a unique part in moving the chapter forward. Below are more specific descriptions of how each Board role contributes to the overall leadership of the chapter.
In addition to the information detailed below, the Directors of Membership, Marketing and Communication, Events, Partnerships, and DEIB, also recruit and lead committees, offering members opportunities to engage, contribute, and grow as leaders.
Board Positions Open for 2026>>
NAVIGATOR PROGRAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ICFTN Community,
We are currently revamping our Navigator Program and all corresponding information. The web pages will temporarily be unavailable. We can't wait to share it with you soon!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
ICFTN CHAPTER MEETING: Level UP on LinkedIn
January 9, 2026 12:45 p.m. (ET) / 11:45 a.m. (CT) / 75-Minute Program Register Now>>
ICFTN NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
February 13, 2026 11 a.m. (ET) / 10 a.m. (CT) / 60-Minute Program Register Now>>
UPCOMING ORIENTATION DATES
ICFTN CHAPTER MEETING: Enhancing Your Visibility: Leveraging Speaking Engagements to Elevate Your Coaching Practice
March 13, 2026 12:45 p.m. (ET) / 11:45 a.m. (CT) / 75-Minute Program Register Now>>
PRO-BONO COACHING
DAY 7
Day 7 provides curated and affordable self-care resources to help nonprofit and ministry organizations and staff thrive. They offer a range of programs to support physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. When you invest in your self-care, you will not only become a healthier person, you will find more satisfaction in your career and your life. Learn more here>>
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT DISPLACED FEDERAL WORKERS
Executive Coach and ICFTN member Diane Watson shares, “When I learned that thousands of federal employees were being summarily laid off or fired, I wondered what I could do to help.”
A fellow ICFTN member told Diane about The Grounded Idealist. Launched by former federal employees, the Ground Idealist serves displaced federal workers and offers:
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1:1 and group coaching to support individuals through personal and professional transitions
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Skill development programs tailored to displaced workers and evolving sectors
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Communities of practice for peer learning, connection, and collaboration
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Workshops and events co-created with leading experts
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Regenerative social ecosystems that build collective resilience while incubating emergent futures
“I coached a former USAID leader,” Diane adds, “and it was one of the most gratifying coaching experiences of my career.”
If you are interested in learning more go to: https://www.groundedidealist.co.
To learn more about their coaching collaborative go to: https://www.groundedidealist.co/coaching-collaborative
The organization’s leaders understand that coaches need to receive compensation for their work. With that in mind, they recently started a fundraising campaign. Donations can be made here: https://www.groundedidealist.co/support-our-work
SUPPORT VETERANS WITH PRO-BONO COACHING
Stand Beside Them is a non-profit agency dedicated to supporting veterans since 2013. They would like to partner with ICFTN to advance their mission to coach and empower America’s veterans, their spouses and caregivers to achieve success at home, at work, and in the community. If you are a credentialed coach through ICF who desires to support veterans by offering pro bono coaching, learn more here.
Offerings by our members and associates can be found on the Training and Networking page (under the Resources tab on the website). You can find opportunities for continuing education here.
