Meet our Board Chair
Doug edwards
Get to know Doug Edwards, Refuge Center Board Chair 2018-2019
What is your role at The Refuge Center?
My role is serving on the Board of Directors, currently as its President. In my fourth year humbly serving this great ministry my role currently is to help build and strengthen the board, provide clarity of direction through thoughtful planning, and to help bring the vision of growth to reality. Working alongside an incredible team of servant leaders, supporting the world-class staff at Refuge, to preserve and strengthen the culture and assist in identifying and solving for the needs of an ever-growing ministry.
Why do you serve at The Refuge Center?
Well, a bit unplanned and guessing others have a similar story. It was without question a God thing, Him drawing Refuge Center and I together. I was introduced to The Refuge Center in 2015 by the then Board President, having had no prior knowledge of the organization. After meeting the team, seeing the facility, meeting other members of the board, and hearing client stories, I was quickly convinced this was a place I wanted to serve. In my professional life, I invest a lot in the development of people, culture, and building great organizations. I saw quickly several areas of The Refuge Center that I could learn from, in what they do incredibly well to intentionally build and maintain culture, and perhaps be able to bring value to other areas of opportunity. Moreover, very few would know that counseling played a huge part in my life and has forever changed its course. Thus, I am personally grateful for the work done at The Refuge Center, for the impact it makes on people’s lives.
Tell us a little about yourself?
An Iowa native, Go-Hawks, who migrated south to Nashville in the 90’s. The youngest of five children, the first of which to attend college, leave the mid-west, and to have a corporate career path. Currently reside in Franklin with my wife, Holly, of 13 years and trying to keep up with two boys, Sam (11) and Ben (7). Attended graduate school at Vanderbilt and currently invest my career time in a start-up healthcare company called Narus Health. We have attended Brentwood Baptist Church for 15+ years. In addition, enjoy giving back by teaching business at my alma mater, Vanderbilt…Go Dores as well! For fun I love coaching youth sports, working outdoors, and spending time with family.
What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville or Franklin?
I am actually a fairly reserved and quiet person. My greatest joy isn’t going to the big game, going out on the town, exploring different food venues, nor exploring the Nashville/Franklin scene. Boring I know. We do love the area and all it has to offer…an amazing place to raise a family. For me, however, after a long week of extending myself outside of the comfort zone of an ‘I’ (Introvert), my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, walk the isles of the local home improvement store, getting my hands dirty in the yard or working on a home project, and catching some quite time on my tractor. Perhaps the Iowan in me.
What is an interesting fact that others might not know about you?
I have been a motorcycle enthusiast all my life, started riding at five. My last motorcycle was a Harley Davidson Softail Classic. Recently swapped that love for a more family-friendly vehicle, a UTV (Utility Vehicle) that the entire family can enjoy.
About Us
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The Refuge Center for Counseling is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (20-3831943). We are also a United Way of Williamson County Partner Organization.
