Nashville Rescue Mission Announces Stephanie Sewell as Chief Executive Officer
NASHVILLE, TN — The Board of Directors of Nashville Rescue Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Sewell as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime CEO Glenn Cranfield. Stephanie will officially begin her role on August 3, 2026, following Glenn’s retirement on July 31.
Following a comprehensive national search led by executive search firm CarterBaldwin Executive Search, the Board unanimously selected Stephanie Sewell to lead the Mission into its next chapter of service, growth, and community impact.
Sewell brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience across nonprofit, humanitarian, education, and community-serving organizations. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Development at Bay Area Rescue Mission in California, where she oversaw major donor strategy, corporate partnerships, foundations, and community engagement.
Previously, Sewell served as Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand’s largest education-focused nonprofit organization, leading a national team across 10 offices and helping impact more than 60,000 children each week through leadership, character development, and life-skills programs. Her career has also included leadership roles with World Vision, community development organizations, ministry leadership, and nonprofit management.
Sewell said she is honored to join an organization that has served Middle Tennessee for generations.
“Nashville Rescue Mission has a long and respected history of helping individuals and families find hope, stability, and a pathway forward during some of life’s most difficult seasons,” said Sewell. “I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me and grateful for the thoughtful process led by the Board and CarterBaldwin. I have tremendous respect for the legacy Glenn and the team have built, and I look forward to building relationships with staff, guests, donors, volunteers, churches, and community partners as together we continue advancing the Mission’s impact throughout Middle Tennessee.”
The appointment follows the planned leadership transition of Glenn Cranfield, whose faithful leadership has helped shape Nashville Rescue Mission into one of Middle Tennessee’s most respected and impactful organizations serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, addiction, and crisis. During his tenure, Cranfield strengthened the Mission’s programs, expanded community partnerships, deepened donor engagement, and reinforced the organization’s commitment to life transformation.
“The Board is profoundly grateful for Glenn Cranfield’s years of faithful leadership and service,” said Eric Ward, Chair of the Nashville Rescue Mission Board of Directors. “As we looked toward the future, we sought a leader who could build on the strong foundation Glenn helped create. Stephanie brings proven executive leadership experience, a heart for people, and a strong commitment to our mission. We are excited to welcome her to Nashville Rescue Mission and look forward to the impact of her leadership in the years ahead.”
For more information about the Mission, visit NashvilleRescueMission.org
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