Policy Priorities
Our Staff
Supportive. Strategic. Statewide.
The Roundtable’s work is powered by its members—and supported every step of the way by a small yet highly committed team. From policy research and logistics to member engagement and communications, our staff ensures the work stays focused, collaborative, and aligned with our mission.
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We don’t just manage projects—we build momentum.
Nashville, TN
Patrick J. Sheehy, President
As President of the Tennessee Business Roundtable, Pat Sheehy leads the organization’s strategic direction and public policy engagement efforts. He works closely with the Board of Directors, member executives, and public officials to ensure the Roundtable’s work remains focused, responsive, and aligned with the needs of Tennessee’s business community.
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​​Pat brings to his Roundtable leadership role three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and in government, legislative, political, and industry and corporate affairs. A thoughtful consensus-builder, he has anchored the Roundtable through change and growth as its chief staff executive since 2016. Before joining the Roundtable, Pat began his career in legislative roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and the National Restaurant Association, then led the government relations department of Lebanon-based Cracker Barrel Old Country Store for over a dozen years.​
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Known for his calm approach and commitment to collaboration, Pat ensures the Roundtable remains what it was always meant to be: a platform where business leaders don’t just advise—they lead.
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Nashville, TN
Jessica L. Davis, Director of Public Affairs
Jess leads the Roundtable’s member engagement and strategic events, helping business leaders across Tennessee connect, collaborate, and drive forward public good. She manages statewide programming, supports sponsor and partner relationships, and oversees initiatives like the #IAmTNBusiness series and the Milestone Timeline Reflection Project.
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Originally from Sharon, Tennessee in the northwest corner of the state, Jess holds a degree in Strategic Communication and Public Relations from the University of Tennessee at Martin and is currently earning her M.P.P. in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. She brings experience in nonprofit leadership, statewide coalition-building, and issue advocacy—particularly in workforce, early childhood, and economic opportunity.
Her approach to engagement is deeply people-centered: she believes good ideas move farther when leaders feel seen, connected, and supported.