Gail Carr Williams, JD

Gail Carr Williams earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michigan and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Gail practiced law in Michigan for several years before moving with her family to Columbus, Ohio. While there, she worked as a human resources employee relations specialist at The Ohio State University, and later helped launch the Office of Outreach and Engagement at the university.

In 2001, Gail began her tenure at Vanderbilt University, continuing her focus on community engagement in higher education until 2020. She was responsible for building partnerships and collaborations on behalf of the university through innovative and creative academic based programming. In 2014, Gail became an instructor at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College’s Independent School Leadership Master’s program teaching courses in Independent School governance and community engagement until 2021.

Gail is a strong community leader who understands the power of engagement to create a deeper understanding of the issues of our communities along with strategic responses that create sustainable positive change. Her service and dedication to multiple communities is demonstrated in a variety of ways including being a member of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Board of Directors and the Nashville (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

She currently serves as Chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Transit Authority Board of Directors and has been a member of that board for over 20 years. Additionally, she supports the Nashville arts community by serving on the boards of The Frist Art Museum, Tennessee Performing Arts Center and The Nashville Symphony. Gail is also a board member of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Women’s Fund Advisory Board as well as the Regions Foundation Board.

Gail is a strong advocate for education and sits on the American Baptist College and the Nashville Public Education Foundation boards. Previously, she served on the board of The University School of Nashville for 20 years, including serving as President of the Board and as an honorary board member as well as a board member at The Harpeth Hall School for Girls. She also proudly served her alma mater, The University of Michigan, as a member of the College of Literature Science and Arts Dean’s Advisory Council for 10 years.

When Gail isn’t serving our community, she loves spending time with her family and friends and enjoys traveling, sports and reading.