The Sycamore Institute, an independent and nonpartisan public policy research center for Tennessee, announced today that Christiane Buggs has joined its board of directors. A Nashville native, Buggs has served the city in many ways, currently as the President & CEO of the PENCIL Foundation and previously as a member of Nashville’s Board of Education.
“Christiane brings a perspective that will strengthen Sycamore’s ability to inform policy decisions for Tennesseans,” said Sycamore Institute President Brian Straessle. “Her experience as a nonprofit leader and elected official gives valuable insight into the real-world challenges decisionmakers across our state make every day”
Christiane Buggs serves as President & CEO of the PENCIL Foundation, Nashville’s business connector to its public schools and citywide educator resource center. She is a Nashville native and former Metro Nashville Public Schools student who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in physics and work for NASA. Christiane returned home to earn two master’s degrees in education—from Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University respectively—before becoming a MNPS teacher. In 2016, she won a seat on the Metro Nashville Board of Education and was re-elected to a second term in 2020, serving two terms as board chair during the COVID-19 pandemic. Christiane has also served as the campaign manager for State Senator Charlane Oliver and is a founding board member of The Equity Alliance.
The Sycamore Institute’s board includes members from across the state to reflect the range of perspectives and people found in Tennessee. Buggs joins Sycamore’s board of statewide leaders, including Christi Branscom from Knoxville, Doug Overbey from Maryville, Garnett Decosimo from Chattanooga, Dr. Jeff McCord from Kingsport,, Leslie Hafner, Beth Harwell, and Kerry Hayes from Nashville, Matt Marshall from Jackson, and Veronica Jamison and Dan Springer from Memphis. Karen Pershing of Knoxville and Judge Sheila Calloway of Nashville will roll off the board at the end of this year having each served two terms.
Full bios for every Sycamore staff and board member are available here.
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