Harvest Hands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working
in the inner city of South Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement:
Harvest Hands exists to be a catalyst of wholistic community development, focusing on healthy living, education, spiritual formation and economic development.

Our mission is not to simply "help" our neighbors but to work alongside them, empowering them to bring about positive change within themselves, their families and the neighborhood. It is our main goal to empower our neighbors – both young and old – to come to know their full potential in Christ.

Our organization's name was inspired by the following passage from The Message:
"Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. 'What a huge harvest!' he said to his disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'" - Matthew 9:35-38, The Message

Staff team

Brian Hicks, Executive Director
Brian has his bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and his master's of divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Brian is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has served as a pastor in several United Methodist churches before taking the role of executive director at Harvest Hands. He, alongside Brentwood United Methodist Church and his wife, Courtney, founded Harvest Hands. Brian grew up in Lexington, KY, where the grass is blue and the fire hydrants are too. Brian enjoys running, reading and good food and drink. His favorite food is Indian, corn pudding and French toast, but not together. Brian cheers for the Kentucky Wildcats and looks forward to a new season of top-notch recruits and a deeper bench. He is also looking forward to becoming a dad later this year. Brian steers the ship at Harvest Hands and can also be found plunging toilets and repairing vehicles… he is THE one that makes the Harvest exist day to day, no matter what it takes!

Courtney Hicks, Director of Communications & Development
Courtney has her bachelor's degree in Journalism from Belmont University and her master's of education in nonprofit leadership also from Belmont. Courtney worked in account management in advertising and public relations before joining the team at Harvest Hands. She helped her husband, Brian, found Harvest Hands and has been on staff for 3 years. Courtney grew up in Louisville, KY, but don't get her wrong, she is a wholehearted Kentucky Wildcat fan, bleeding blue since she could walk. She enjoys running, cooking, collecting antique and vintage treasures, writing and reading. Her favorite foods consist of Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian and chocolate chip cookies. Courtney looks forward to becoming a mom later this year, most likely on Christmas day. She is behind all things communication and fundraising for Harvest Hands and is always more than happy to take your donation!

Abby Buter, Volunteer & Communications Coordinator
Abby has her bachelor's degree in Community Development from Trevecca Nazarene University. She began as an intern with Harvest Hands, and due to her impressive work ethic and commitment to Christian Community Development, worked herself into a job! Abby is from the great state of Michigan, Spring Arbor, to be exact. She enjoys cooking, reading, playing golf and volleyball, traveling, watching sports and dominating the Harvest Hands teenagers in basketball. Abby's favorite sports teams are the Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Tigers. Her favorite foods are cereal and Mexican food. If interested in volunteering with Harvest Hands, Abby is THE person to talk to! She will make sure you are ready to go and well-taken care of as a volunteer with Harvest Hands!

Marshall Cook, Coordinator of Youth & Mentoring
Marshall has his bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy from Baylor University. Marshall has a background in serving young people in after-school, summer and advocacy programs in both church and nonprofit settings. Originally from Waco, Texas, Marshall found his way to Harvest Hands through friends and a calling to help men and women develop their God-given potential. Marshall enjoys studying theology and history and spends his free time writing, finding dive restaurants (he has officially named Thursdays as "Gabby Thursdays") and going to just about any college sporting event. He cheers for the Baylor Bears and finds joy in devouring some macaroni and cheese. If you stop by Harvest Hands, Marshall's Texas accent will most likely be the first voice you hear, whether it's a goofy phrase, country song or ridiculous joke, he's sure to make you laugh!

AK Jamieson, After-school & Summer Program Coordinator
AK graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in
English Literature. AK originally connected with Harvest Hands as an intern with our Summer Program after she had been volunteering with a Christian Community Development ministry in her college town of Waco, Texas. She is a world traveler, having been to 17 countries, and served as an English teacher with the Peace Corps after graduating from Baylor. AK is originally from right here in Tennessee, and enjoys eating new food and learning hands-on from different cultures. In her free time, you can find AK with a cup of good coffee (preferably Humphreys Street), either reading a book or listening to music. AK's favorite sports team is the Nashville Predators, and her food of choice is French fries. AK is a born teacher and has a gift for making learning a fun, creative process.

Rebecca McCutchan, LMSW, Program Counselor and Family & School Liasion
Rebecca graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Family, Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, having earned her master's in social work from the University of Tennessee and is currently working towards her LCSW. Rebecca has experience working in the mental health field, working as both a case manager and therapist, in the home and school setting. She has extensive experience providing mental health counseling for children and youth on both an individual and group basis. Rebecca claims the Panhandle of Florida as "home" and cheers for the Florida Gators. She loves any type of ethnic food and enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, cooking and gardening. Her desire is to ultimately serve children and families in a way that glorifies God and honors the unique diversity and needs of the community where she lives.

Lindsey Kurtz, Affordable Housing Coordinator
Lindsey has her bachelor's degree in Human and Organizational Development and Cognitive Studies from Vanderbilt University. She is currently working towards her master's of education in community development and action at Vanderbilt. Lindsey has experience serving in a nonprofit setting and working with youth. She is originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan and began working with Harvest Hands as part of her practicum work through Vanderbilt. You can spot Lindsey running in the neighborhood or hosting "Arts and Crafts with Miss Lindsey" during the after-school youth program. She also enjoys reading, swimming and decorating cakes, and her favorite food is anything and everything lemon. Lindsey is full of energy and brings loads of enthusiasm and organization to our staff team!

Jessica Mooney, emPower Sports Coordinator
Jessica has her bachelor's degree in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and is currently working towards her master's of education in community development and action at Vanderbilt. She brings experience in the nonprofit setting having previously served as a mentor, basketball coach and league assistant. During her time at Vanderbilt, Jessica was the point guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team… she has definitely taken the mentor basketball team to the next level, leaving no room for defeat by our students! She is a Nashville native and enjoys watching and playing sports and spending time with family and friends. Jessica, of course, cheers for the Vanderbilt Commodores, and her favorite food is her mother's homemade hamburger pie. She is well organized and great at keeping the emPower Sports leagues running smoothly and the emPower athletes in line!

Board of Directors

Kerry Hart, Chair, Viability Company
Kerry Hart is the founder and CEO of The Viability Company, a Nashville based healthcare consulting and interim management company. His career encompasses management positions at General Motors, Partners National Health Plans, Aetna and Concentra, as well as principal consulting roles at the Tiber Group and Arthur Andersen. 
Kerry has served as Chair of the board of Harvest Hands since its launch in 2007. Prior to joining the board, he was Chair of the Missions and Outreach Committee of Brentwood United Methodist Church, which oversaw the planning and formation of Harvest Hands. Kerry also serves on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for Middle Tennessee. Kerry, his wife Linda, and their three teenage children are all members of Brentwood United Methodist Church.

George Harvey, The Harvey Company
George Harvey consults with senior managers and executives on a wide variety of projects.  He has more than 35 years of successful business operating experience in United States and International markets.  He has guided successful growth and turnaround projects throughout his career.  George is a 1967 graduate of Vanderbilt University.

Dr. David Bratton, The Bone & Joint Clinic
Dr. Bratton, a Memphis native, received a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Dr. Bratton did his internship and surgical residency at Methodist Hospital in Memphis. Following completion of his orthopaedic residency at Campbell Clinic, he began a private practice in McMinnville in 1981. He remained there until the fall of 1995 when he joined The Bone & Joint Clinic. Dr. Bratton is married and has four children. He is a golfer and has been very active in his church, Brentwood United Methodist.

Sharon Cox, Cox & Associates
Sharon Cox is a speaker and author with over twenty years experience as a healthcare consultant in the US and Canada. As the Principal Consultant with Cox and Associates her expertise is in organizational development and training.

Kathie Hendren, The Frist Clinic
Kathie Hendren has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She works part time at the Frist Clinic in Nashville, TN.  She is married with two children.  She lived in Nashville for eight years and has lived in Brentwood for sixteen years.  Kathie and her husband have been members of Brentwood United Methodist Church since 1986 where she has been a children's Sunday School Teacher and has chaired the Brentwood Day School as well as served on the Children's Council, and Serving Team.

Lynn Queener, Volunteer
Lynn Queener, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, has been a buyer in retail sales and is an alumnus of Leadership Brentwood and a 22-year member of the Junior League of Nashville. She has served in leadership positions for a wide variety of community organizations including Brentwood Historical Society and various art shows and home tours. She is skilled in event planning and mobilizing volunteer efforts.