Tag: Melissa Smithson

  The Davidson County Republican Party has appointed a new finance chairman. Craft Hayes, who was tapped for the position, received “resounding support” from the executive committee, according to a news release posted Aug. 15 on the county party’s Facebook page. The executive committee includes Melissa Smithson, who became chairman in June and has been working hard to boost the county party’s profile. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Melissa and her team to further conservative principles and candidates in Davidson County,” Craft said. “Nashville is a vibrant, growing city that will benefit from investment in business-minded, fiscally sound policies and leaders that will preserve our home as one of the best places to live and work in the nation.” Hayes, who will chair the finance committee for the 2017-2018 election cycle, leads the Nashville team of employer advisers for Bernard Health, where he helps employers get health plans for their organizations. He has an MBA from Tennessee Tech and is a member and former president of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, a nonprofit organization of young men that seeks to benefit disadvantaged youth in Middle Tennessee and to help members become community and business leaders.    

The Davidson County Republican Party will host a social event July 20 at Clyde’s on Church in downtown Nashville. The announcement on Facebook of the “Eat, Drink and Be Republican!” event describes it as “our first of many social meetups.” The invitation says the social hour will be a chance to “meet other like-minded Republicans who are passionate about the party and share your thoughts and visions.” Melissa Smithson, the new chair party chair, has only been in her role for a month but already has become involved in the community and given the chapter a boost. She was active in the campaign to stop the now withdrawn “sanctuary city” bills being considered by Metro Council and was present at a large gathering of concerned citizens at John A’s restaurant who were organizing to defeat the proposed legislation. Smithson has also taken steps to promote the conservative group Latinos For Tennessee, which has been working to have a greater impact. The event at Clyde’s on Church on Thursday, July 20 will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant is located at 1700 Church Street.