Board Spotlight #1: Our Chair, Linda Kosack
The perfect person to lead our first board!
I imagine some of you are quite familiar with boards—that is, the governing kind—while others, less so. For a nonprofit, the board is vitally important, as they are the people who are legally in charge. So one of my first decisions in starting CATHARSIS Nashville last year was choosing whom to invite to be on our first board. I went through a discernment process and was led to six key people, all of whom are trusted friends, fellow HSPs, and persons of great integrity.
I was delighted when Linda Kosack volunteered to serve as the Chair, as she brings a remarkable steady temperament and savvy skill set to the table. Please read on to get to know this wonderful person (whom I once described as “so nice you forget she’s a lawyer!”) . . .
Tell us a little about yourself . . .
“I am delighted to serve on the Board of CATHARSIS! I have lived in middle Tennessee 36 years. My husband and I raised our two sons here in the Nashville area. We have a new grandson named Thomas. I have been a human resource professional for most of my career. It has always been my goal to work in a field where I identify with the mission. I work in healthcare, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has been very rewarding. I was lucky enough to pick a field that I enjoy and feel fulfilled.”
What excites you most about CATHARSIS?
“There are so many things to be excited about for CATHARSIS! Most of all, the mission and vision for those it will serve. Many people who need mental health care, may not be able to afford counseling, or may be fearful of going to see someone for help. A clinical setting can sometimes feel cold and unfriendly. CATHARSIS will be the opposite. Along with healing, CATHARSIS will be a place for the community.”
Why did you decide to serve on the board?
“I decided to serve on the board because I believe in the founder and mission of CATHARSIS, and also, the ability to be a part of something from its inception. I have known Laura for several years. Laura has a vision for clients that she has served, which includes a place of healing, and connection, in a space that will be artistic and nurturing. Her creative energy, business acumen, and leadership made the decision for me to be on the board very easy. I knew this would be exciting and rewarding.”
What are you most looking forward to about our journey this year?
“I’m looking forward to the journey of finding a home for CATHARSIS. I hope we can find a church, or any building that is light-filled and is in a natural setting. To me, that represents a place of healing. Being able to offer exceptional care, a place for friends to grab a cup of coffee, or spend a few quiet minutes on themselves- I can’t wait to make this happen!”