Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee Transitions Leadership to Lynn Metler After H. Lee Martin's Notable Retirement
In a pivotal moment for the Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee, the Board of Directors has officially declared a leadership transition as H. Lee Martin, Ph.D., prepares to retire after a commendable 13 years at the helm. Under Dr. Martin's stewardship, the foundation flourished, leaving an indelible mark on the East Tennessee region through innovative grant-making strategies and an unwavering dedication to nonprofit empowerment. He has been instrumental in redefining the foundation's approach to community support, demonstrating that effective philanthropy involves not only funding but also fostering sustainable and collaborative initiatives.
Effective January 1, 2025, Lynn Metler will assume the responsibilities of President and Executive Director. Lynn is not a new face to the organization; she has served as Foundation and Grants Coordinator for the past six years. In this capacity, she has overseen the allocation of around $7 million in grants to 113 local nonprofits. Her tenure was marked by an adaptive response to community needs, especially evident during the pandemic, which showcased her ability to pivot strategies in line with evolving challenges.
Lynn's journey in nonprofit leadership extends over 25 years, enriched by diverse roles, including that of a pastor's wife and children's curriculum director. Her extensive experience brings a well-rounded perspective to her new role, aligning seamlessly with the mission of the Trinity Health Foundation, which aims to enhance the overall well-being of communities through physical, emotional, and spiritual health initiatives.
The Board expressed high hopes for Lynn’s leadership, recognizing her passion and profound commitment to the foundation's mission. As the Board anticipated, "Lynn's expertise and vision position her to guide the foundation into a promising future." Esteemed contributions by Dr. Martin have set a high benchmark, and he will be honored with the title of President Emeritus, acknowledging his transformative service and substantial groundwork laid throughout his tenure.
To celebrate Dr. Martin's outstanding legacy, a special reception will take place on February 27, 2025. This gathering will unite community leaders to pay tribute to his impactful leadership and the long-lasting changes he fostered.
The Trinity Health Foundation, founded to extend the healing ministry of Jesus, aims to improve community health through strategic financial support to local 501(c)(3) organizations and churches. With the two-phase grants designed for impactful initiatives, the foundation addresses critical issues such as mental health, addiction recovery, wellness, and housing access, among others.
As Lynn prepares to take up her new role, the community can look forward to the continued evolution of the foundation's mission under her stewardship. Her collaborative mindset and community engagement approach are poised to enrich the lives of many residents in East Tennessee, promoting a healthier and more vibrant community for all. The foundation remains committed to fostering partnerships and developing innovative solutions that cultivate meaningful improvement in the quality of life for individuals and families in the region. With such a dedicated leadership transition, the future of the Trinity Health Foundation is undeniably bright, paving the way for continued excellence in community service and support.