Kevin Dean, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Kevin Dean’s path into the nonprofit world wasn’t meticulously planned — it started with a leap of curiosity. In 2002, unsure of his next step after graduation, Kevin applied for an AmeriCorps position with Volunteer Memphis. He had no experience in volunteer management or nonprofit operations, but on his very first day, he knew he had found his calling. “This is what I’m going to do forever,” he thought — and more than two decades later, he still feels the same way.
On Episode #34 of Just Bluffin’, Kevin shares his story and vision for a statewide non-profit alliance.
Kevin’s AmeriCorps service led to a staff role managing teen and family volunteer programs, then on to his first fundraising position at Hope House in 2008 — just as the economic downturn hit. It was trial by fire, learning to raise over a million dollars annually in a challenging climate. In the years that followed, he stepped into leadership at Literacy Mid-South, guiding the organization through a difficult turnaround. He then worked as a consultant and researcher before being asked to step in as interim CEO for what was then the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence. The role was meant to be temporary, but Kevin saw untapped potential to better serve nonprofits across Tennessee — and he stayed.
Today, as CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Kevin leads a small but mighty team supporting nonprofits statewide. His work spans training, advocacy, research, and resource-sharing — all aimed at helping mission-driven organizations thrive. But for Kevin, it’s never just about programs or services; it’s about the people running them, often under intense pressure, and ensuring they feel supported, seen, and equipped to succeed.
When asked about a project that stands out, Kevin points to the transformation of his organization from a regional nonprofit support center into Tennessee’s first statewide nonprofit association. This shift was fueled by pandemic-era advocacy, when he and his peers pushed for nonprofit voices to be included in state economic recovery planning. “We went from serving 1,100 nonprofits in Memphis to more than 1,600 across the state,” he says. “It proved that when we work together, we have real power.”
Kevin’s favorite Memphis memory isn’t tied to a single event — it’s the everyday moments of connection. He recalls early volunteer experiences as a teenager, making friends through service work that lasted for decades. “That’s what keeps me grounded,” he says. “The relationships, the shared purpose — that’s the magic of this city.”
Kevin’s story is one of saying “yes” to opportunities, tackling challenges head-on, and believing that collective action can transform communities. Whether he’s speaking at the state capitol or swapping stories with nonprofit leaders over coffee, his passion for service is unmistakable.
Listen to our full conversation with Kevin on the Just Bluffin’ podcast.
