Gail Car Williams

Gail earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michigan and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. She practiced law in Michigan for several years before moving with her family to Columbus, Ohio. While there, she worked as a human resources employee relations specialist at The Ohio State University, and later became Executive Assistant of Outreach and Engagement at the university. In 2001, Gail began her tenure at Vanderbilt University and held the position of Associate Director of Community Relations until March 2020. She was responsible for building partnerships and collaborations on behalf of the university through innovative and creative academic based programming. In 2014, Gail became an instructor at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College’s Independent School Leadership Master’s program teaching courses in Independent School governance and community engagement.

Gail is a strong community leader who understands the power of engagement to create a deeper understanding of the issues of our communities along with strategic responses that create sustainable positive change.

Her service and dedication to multiple communities is demonstrated in a variety of ways including being a member of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Board of Directors. She currently serves as Chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Transit Authority Board of Directors and has been a member of that board for over 20 years. Additionally, she supports the Nashville arts community by serving on the boards of The Frist Art Museum, Tennessee Performing Arts Center and The Nashville Symphony. Gail is also a board member of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee; The Women’s Fund Advisory Board as well as the Regions Foundation Board. Gail is a strong advocate for education and sits on the boards of The University School of Nashville, American Baptist College, and the Nashville Public Education Foundation. She also very proudly serves her alma mater The University of Michigan as a member of the College of Literature Science and Arts Dean’s Advisory Council.

Gail is a member of the Nashville (TN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.

Gail loves spending time with her family and friends and enjoys traveling, sports and reading.