Hohenwald native Debbie Landers has been named executive director of Nashville's Big Back Yard, the new regional movement promoting rural quality of life and tourism in a dozen small communities in Middle Tennessee and The Shoals region of North Alabama. NBBY received extensive media coverage recently with the national launch by spokesman Mike Wolfe, star and creator of HISTORY's "American Pickers."
NBBY is a region anchored by 100 miles of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway that connects communities with populations under 5,000 - from Leiper's Fork, Tenn., down to The Shoals of Alabama. Nashville's Big Back Yard is bookended by two of the world's most iconic music cities, Nashville and Muscle Shoals. In the age of coronavirus, small communities like the ones in NBBY are seeing a surge of interest from people who are drawn to rural living, remote work and an affordable lifestyle.
"Debbie was all in from day one," NBBY Founder Aubrey Preston said. "She knows the value of these communities working together for the good of all. Debbie will lead the team in the day-to-day business of accomplishing our mission which is to connect and ignite opportunity for all in Nashville's Big Back Yard."
Landers has served as executive director of the Hohenwald/Lewis County Chamber of Commerce since 2016 and will continue in that position.
"I have always loved promoting my town, county and state. No matter where I've traveled in the world, I have never found a place that rivals the natural beauty and resources we have in our area," Landers said. "I am super excited and honored to promote all of Nashville's Big Back Yard!"
Landers added, "It is humbling to be part of this dream team, including working with Mike Wolfe, Aubrey Preston, the leaders of the NBBY communities, and the local government and business leaders who are supporting this project. It is a privilege to live, work and play in this Big Back Yard!"