Laura Richards, BSJ '99

Laura Richards, BSJ '99

Name: Laura Richards

Year Graduated: 1999

Major at OU: Journalism and Political Science

Nashville Neighborhood: Cane Ridge

Job and Industry: Internal communications at UnitedHealth Group

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in May 2006. I was looking for a job and a change of scenery, so I drove down here with my life savings and whatever belongings fit in a Chevy Cavalier. I got into health care PR, bought a house and put down roots.

Favorite Athens spot: The Pigskin and Casa

Favorite Nashville spot: Suzy Wong's House of Yum, Subculture and Arrington Vineyards

Connect with Laura on Linkedin

Allison Giehl, '12

Allison Giehl, '12

Name: Allison Giehl

Year Graduated: 2012

Major at OU: Restaurant Hotel Tourism

Nashville Neighborhood: 12 South

Job and Industry: Taproom Manager and Catering Coordinator at TailGate Brewery

When you moved to Nashville and why: June 2014. I was still living in Athens, Ohio two years after graduating and was finally ready for a change. I didn't know anyone when I moved to Nashville and found my roommate on Craigslist.

Favorite Athens spot: Pigskin, Ping and 65 North Congress

Favorite Nashville spot: Two Rivers Dog Park, Martin's, any live music venue

Chris Brantley, BSJ '12

Chris Brantley, BSJ '12

Name: Chris Brantley

Year Graduated: 2012

Major at OU: Broadcast Journalism

Tennessee Neighborhood: Chattanooga 

Job and Industry: Social Media Producer

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Chattanooga in August of 2015. I moved there for my job as a Social Media Producer at WRCB-TV (NBC) I am looking to move to Nashville in 2017.

Favorite Athens spot: 5th floor Baker. Anywhere with my friends.

Favorite Nashville spot: Centennial Park, Four Points in East Nashville

Connect with Chris on Linkedin

Rachel Figley, BSC '11

Rachel Figley, BSC '11

Name: Rachel Figley

Year Graduated: 2011

Major at OU: Music Production

Nashville Neighborhood: Marathon Village

Job and Industry: Account Manager at FoxFuel Creative (Marketing Agency)

When you moved to Nashville and why: Moved here for a job offer right after grad school at OU (January of 2013).

Favorite Athens spot: Jackie O's is easily at the top of the list. Consequently, O'Bettys is also at the top of the list because it's 2nd location was right next to JO's.

Favorite Nashville spot: If I'm not at work, you can almost certainly find me at TN Brew Works, Skulls, or Three Brothers.

Connect with Rachel on Linkedin

Emily Webster, BSCSD '11

Emily Webster, '11

Name: Emily Webster

Year Graduated: 2011

Major at OU: Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences

Nashville Neighborhood: Hermitage

Job and Industry: Vision Therapist at an Optometrist office

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in March of 2013 when my husband started working for the Nashville Sounds baseball team. I wasn't too familiar with Nashville or what it had to offer, but once I moved down I realized it was the city meant for me. It's such a fun and exciting city that it's easy to make it my home. Plus, it doesn't take much convincing to have friends come visit :)

Favorite Athens spot: Pigskin

Favorite Nashville spot: Anywhere with a rooftop

Connect with Emily on Linkedin

Jason Peltier, BSC '02

Jason Peltier, BSC '02

Name: Jason Peltier

Year Graduated: 2002

Major at OU: Video Production

Nashville Neighborhood: Antioch

Job and Industry: Former Morning Director at WZTV FOX 17 for 15 years but currently working towards becoming a Vet Assistant

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville back in August 2006 for my career in local TV news. Fell in love with everything immediately and don't plan on leaving.

Favorite Athens spot: Who didn't love Goodfella's pizza late at night or Brennan's Bagel's during the afternoon.

Favorite Nashville spot: I have a few but I would say The Flying Saucer is at the top of the list.

Barbara Patchen, BS Marketing '09

Barbara Patchen, '09

Name: Barbara Patchen

Year Graduated: 2009

Major at OU: Marketing & Global Leadership

Nashville Neighborhood: Germantown

Job and Industry: Director, Talent Development - Healthcare

When you moved to Nashville and why: 2009 for Graduate school!

Favorite Athens spot: College Green, Bagel Street, CI, Union, Alden, Greenway

Favorite Nashville spot: Basement East, Steadfast, Jack Browns, Bicentennial Park, Rose Pepper, Robert's

Connect with Barbara on Linkedin

Kelly Watson, MBA '08

Kelly Watson, MBA '08

Name: Kelly Watson

Year Graduated: 2008

Major at OU: BA Marketing & MBA

Nashville Neighborhood: Sylvan Park

Job and Industry: IT Program Manager at Vanderbilt University

When you moved to Nashville and why: After living in Ohio my entire life, I was looking for a change.  I visited Nashville and fell in love with the city, and was lucky enough to find a job a few months later. 

Favorite Athens spot: The Pub and Big Mamma's

Favorite Nashville spot: Neighbors in Sylvan Park

Connect with Kelly on Linkedin

Claire Surratt, MBA '11

Claire Surratt, MBA & MSA '11

Name: Claire Surratt

Year Graduated: 2011

Major at OU: MBA & MSA

Nashville Neighborhood: Oak Hill

Job and Industry: Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Arena-Home of the Nashville Predators

When you moved to Nashville and why: I first moved to Nashville in 2010 for an internship, then moved here permanently when that turned into a full-time job. I also happened to meet my husband during my internship, so Nashville was a win-win!

Favorite Athens spot: Courtside Pizza & Bagel Street Deli

Favorite Nashville spot: Taco Mamacita & Bridgestone Arena

Connect with Claire on Linkedin

Kara Oberholtzer, BSC '12

Kara Oberholzer BSC '12, MA '14

Name: Kara Oberholzer

Year Graduated: 2012-BS, 2014-MA

Major at OU: Communications and Media Managment

Nashville Neighborhood: Goodlettsville

Job and Industry: Management - Retail

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in June of 2016 after being born and raised in Athens.  I wanted to be around the music and creativity in Nashville.  I had an internship in Franklin during my undergrad and absolutely fell in love with Nashville and couldn't wait to call it my home, 4 years later, here I am!

Favorite Athens spot: Wednesday night Karaoke at the Skull and Lucky's.

Favorite Nashville spot: Santa's Pub and 3rd and Lindsley

Connect with Kara on Linkedin

Caitlyn Stratton, BSH '09

Caitlyn Stratton, BSH '09

Name: Caitlyn Stratton

Year Graduated: 2009

Major at OU: Health Service Administration

Nashville Neighborhood: Germantown

Job and Industry: Healthcare Consulting

When you moved to Nashville and why: I came to Nashville in February 2015 for a job opportunity.

Favorite Athens spot: The Cats Eye and Broneys

Favorite Nashville spot: Jack Browns, Old Glory, and Green Hour

Connect with Caitlyn on Linkedin

Gary Sadker, BA '74

Gary Sadker, BA '74

Name: Gary Sadker

Year Graduated: 1974

Major at OU: History

Nashville Neighborhood: Nipper's Corner 

Job and Industry: I own an entertainment company called Red Ridge Entertainment.

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in 1982 to play piano for recording artists' live concerts and in the studio.

Favorite Athens spot: CI and Red Brick Tavern

Favorite Nashville spot: Flipside, Toyamas, and Losers

Connect with Gary on Linkedin

Lyn Aurelius, BSJ '90

Name: Lyn Aurelius

Year Graduated: 1990

Major at OU: Journalism

Nashville Neighborhood: Brentwood

Job and Industry: Sr. Production Manager, The GRAMMY Awards-Music Industry

When you moved to Nashville and why:  I moved to Nashville in 1991 to get a job in the music business!

Favorite Athens spot: The College Inn. My mom, Mary Ellen Aurelius went to OU as well and hung out at the CI as well! My grandmother, Mary Nell Hall also went to OU!

Favorite Nashville spot: Nashville Jazz Cave, Downtown Franklin, City Winery, Radnor Lake, Cheekwood, Belle Meade Plantation

Connect with Lyn on Linkedin

Greg DiPasquale, BBA '90

Greg DiPasquale, BBA '90

Name: Greg DiPasquale

Year Graduated: 1990

Major at OU: BBA in HR and MARKETING

Nashville Neighborhood: Franklin

Job and Industry: VP, Sales Bausch and Lomb, Medical Devices

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to the Nashville area in 2005 to run a business in Fairview, TN.

Favorite Athens spot: Crystal Casino

Favorite Nashville spot: I have too many to pick just one but I love downtown old Franklin, Cool Springs, and the 2nd Avenue /Broadway area of downtown Nashville.

Connect with Greg on Linkedin

Alisa Kessler, BSVC '12

Alisa Kessler, BSVC '12

Name: Alisa Kessler

Year Graduated: 2012

Major at OU: Visual Communications

Nashville Neighborhood: Downtown

Job and Industry: Creative Services Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

When you moved to Nashville and why: In January of 2015. I had moved from Austin, Texas—where I had accepted a job after graduation. Moving to Nashville was an opportunity to advance my career and see my family (and horses) more often.

Favorite Athens spot: Court Street

Favorite Nashville spot: Broadway

Connect with Alisa on Linkedin

Tristan Kinsley, BSC '06

Tristan Kinsley, BSC '06

Name: Tristan Kinsley

Year Graduated: 2006

Major at OU: Communications

Nashville Neighborhood: Green Hills

Job and Industry: Real estate entrepreneur, developer, Realtor, and owner/founder of Domaine Real Estate Group

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in January of 2008.  Like so many of us here in town, I moved for the music industry and the bigger opportunities in music in Nashville.  After a particularly rough month where I lost record label tour support, a publishing deal, and a bandmate to law school, I decided it might be time to try something else!  I have been fortunate since that time to own some local businesses and work in a few different industries (including wine, franchising, and real estate) and find myself in real estate at a particularly dynamic time in our great city!

Favorite Athens spot: I'm one of the rare townies that you may have encountered while wandering the bricks of Court Street, so I have many favorite spots in town.  I'd been eating breakfast at Casa Nueva since the mid 80s and it was my go-to weekend brunch spot (full order of Huevos Rancheros with salsa verde).  Going back to Casa at night for some music and some Great Lakes on draft (for, like, $2.50 a pint at happy hour!).  I was a regular at the Front Room open mic on Friday (especially in the old Baker Center).  Hiking (and occasionally questionable swimming) at Stroud's Run/Dow Lake.  My Dad's office at Ellis Hall.  A beer (or three) on the rear porch of Jackie O's (though it was O'hooley's at the time).

Favorite Nashville spot: My house--no where better to kick back with a glass of wine!  A nice lunch with my wife on the patio at Epice on a Spring day.  The Ryman for anything.  A quick vacation night at The Hermitage Hotel (including a drink at The Oak Bar and some delicious room service).  Strolling downtown Franklin in early fall.  Hiking at Radnor Lake.  A cup of coffee and a catch-up session with friends and colleagues at Revelator Coffee in Hillsboro Village.

Connect with Tristan on Linkedin

Kate Goethel, BAC '14

Kate Goethel, BAC '14

Name: Kate Goethel

Year Graduated: 2014

Major at OU: Accounting

Nashville Neighborhood: Green Hills

Job and Industry: Internal Auditor at Aggregate/Construction

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in May of 2014. My family moved to the area during my junior year at OU. I fell in love with the city over the winter and summer breaks.

Favorite Athens spot: The Pub and CI

Favorite Nashville spot: Broadway Brewhouse in Midtown and Paradise Park

Connect with Kate on Linkedin

Chris Snyder, MA Sports Admin '13

Chris Snyder, MA Sports Administration '13

Name: Chris Snyder

Year Graduated: 2013

Major at OU: MA, Sports Administration

Nashville Neighborhood: Brentwood

Job and Industry: Partner at Alliance Sport Marketing

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in 1998 to work for the Nashville Sounds. I planned to stay here for a few seasons. It was my first time in Nashville, and I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. Broadway was nothing but Boot Stores. Almost 20 years later, I'm glad I stayed to see the city grow.

Favorite Athens spot: Broney's, B-Dubs, and the Pub

Favorite Nashville spot: Demos'

Connect with Chris on Linkedin

Rachel Yoke, BSJ '10

Rachel Yoke '10

Name: Rachel Yoke

Year Graduated: 2010

Major at OU: Photojournalism

Nashville Neighborhood: South Nashville

Job and Industry: Communications Coordinator at Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville in June 2015. After finishing graduate school in West Virginia, I was ready to make a big change. I had only visited Nashville once before moving, but I had so much fun on that visit that I didn't hesitate to move when I was offered my job. I am a big music fan so being able to see as much live music as I want has been a dream come true.

Favorite Athens spot: Tony's Tavern

Favorite Nashville spot: The Ryman

Connect with Rachel on Linkedin

Matt Brooker, BBA '12

Matt Brooker, BBA '12

Name: Matt Brooker

Year Graduated: 2012

Major at OU: Management Information Systems (Business)

Nashville Neighborhood: East Nashville

Job and Industry: Digital Marketing & Client Support at Ballparc, a provider of cloud-based software for parking revenue management

When you moved to Nashville and why: I moved to Nashville at the end of 2016. After 9 years in Athens, my wife and I were ready for a new adventure and a change of scene. Nashville was the perfect choice for us because we have a lot of family in the area, and we have always enjoyed the culture of the town when visiting. It didn't take long for Nashville to feel like home! It's been a lot of fun exploring and getting to know the area better. 

Favorite Athens spot: The Union

Favorite Nashville spot: The Hop Stop

Connect with Matt on Linkedin