Leadership

Executive Director

Allie Wallace

Allie (she/her) became Executive Director of Open Table Nashville in June 2023 after serving in an interim role for several months. Prior to that, Allie was a long time OTN volunteer before joining staff as Operations Coordinator in 2019. That same year, she also obtained her Masters of Divinity from the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University. Her commitment to the work of Open Table Nashville runs deep and started back when she was a college student. She believes that everyone deserves a safe place to exist and Nashville can and should be a city where ALL can thrive. If she isn’t hanging out with her husband, chasing their hilarious and delightful toddler, you can find Allie rewatching her favorite TV shows, spending time with her twin sister, or eating a snack.

Co-Founder and Director of Advocacy

Lindsey Krinks

 For over fifteen years, Lindsey (she/her) has worked on the underside of Nashville—the streets, encampments, jails, slums, and underpasses—while also working with faith leaders, community organizers, and public officials to make the city more hospitable and just. In 2013, she graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Master of Theological Studies degree and was ordained to serve as an interfaith street chaplain. Her book, Praying With Our Feet: Pursuing Justice & Healing on the Streets, is available everywhere books are sold. On any given day, Lindsey can be found in tent cities, marching for change, or foraging for native herbs and plants with her toddler and newborn. To learn more about Lindsey’s writing, visit her website.

Director of Finance

Lisa Avrit

Lisa Avrit (she/her) began volunteering with Open Table Nashville in 2015. After serving on the board for a few years, the opportunity arose to join the staff as the Finance Coordinator and she jumped at the chance. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, hiking and playing outdoors.

Outreach and Data Coordinator

Edward Kehoe

Edward (he/him) comes to Open Table Nashville from the community organizing family in Nashville, working with several local grassroots organizations and nonprofits. Edward moved to Nashville in early 2018 from Washington where he went to college at The Evergreen State. His goal is to de-professionalize community organizing in order to bring politics back to the people. Because of this goal he can be found canvassing in your neighborhood sometime soon.

Digital Communications Coordinator

Cal Gurley

Cal (they/them) has lived in Nashville since 2012. In 2022 they graduated from Belmont University with an art degree. As Open Table Nashville’s Digital Communications Coordinator, they have the opportunity to combine their knowledge and skill in art and design with their passion for activism and care for Nashville’s unhoused community. When they aren’t working, you can find them at the movie theater catching the latest films, working on a painting, or spending time with their partner and their cats Mister and Goose.

In-Kind Donations Coordinator

Kelly C.

Kelly (she/her) was born in Toronto and raised in Middle Tennessee where she has been involved in community organizing efforts around displacement, eviction, and affordable housing in Nashville. She has volunteered and worked with multiple nonprofits throughout Nashville, including winter canvassing with Open Table Nashville! Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and minors in economics and political + civic engagement. Kelly also has experience in real estate, interior design, and a general construction diploma. The thread that connects Kelly’s work, education, and advocacy is her passionate belief that everyone deserves a safe and dignified home. She looks forward to using her experience to add to the life-giving work of Open Table Nashville and to contribute to a Nashville for all.

Advocacy and Outreach Specialist

India Pungarcher

India (she/her) holds a bachelor of science degree in dietetics and global health from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a Midwest transplant who came to Nashville to pursue her master of public health degree at Vanderbilt. She started as a volunteer and immediately fell in love with the Open Table Nashville way – building relationships and standing in solidarity with our friends. She wants to spend her career working with and advocating for people experiencing homelessness and affordable housing by merging efforts from local government, advocacy, and research sectors. She believes housing is a fundamental human right and supports housing first models.

When she is not doing nerdy things on her computer, you can find her at the dog park with her pug, trying a new coffee shop, going for a run, or planning her next escape into the wilderness for some hiking and camping. She is always in search of people, places, and experiences that allow her to experience grace deeply.

Resource Specialist

Will Compton

Will (he/him) is originally from Kentucky, but moved to Nashville in 2019 to attend Vanderbilt Divinity School. In 2022, he received his Master of Divinity degree, and was later ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). While working with Open Table Nashville, he's enjoyed learning about non-institutional contexts for chaplaincy, as well as creative ways that faith communities can use their land for the benefit of the unhoused. In his downtime, Will enjoys going on walks, making collages, and writing poetry.

Street Outreach and Housing Navigator

Claire Hennigan

Claire (she/her) moved to Nashville from Greenville, South Carolina in 2017 to attend Belmont University for social work. As her freshman year eventually turned to her senior year, she grew to love the spirit of Nashville and found a home within it. She got her start interning at Planned Parenthood, which instilled a deep passion within her to advocate for the Nashville community. She’s excited to continue supporting Nashville at Open Table! When she’s not at work, she loves to play Stardew Valley and watch mindless TV.

Street Outreach and Housing Navigator

Jessica Fincher

Jessica (she/they) was born and raised in Nashville. She graduated from Lipscomb University in 2023 with a degree in social work. She has a deep passion for cultivating community and building a more equitable Nashville for all. She is excited to put this passion to action as a member of Open Table Nashville’s outreach team! When she’s not out and about serving her community, you can find her listening to music, spending time with friends, or working on art projects.