Board of Directors

Ellen Adams, Secretary

Ellen Adams is a retired educator and the owner of a fluffy bichon mix named Watson. She has been a volunteer at Begin Anew, Healing Housing, Brentwood Academy, The Nashville Zoo, Book ‘Em and Pawster Nashville. She believes in Pawster Nashville because pets are family and no one should lose a family member because they are facing a difficult situation.

PJ Cowan, Chair of the Board

PJ Cowan is a native of the Gulf Coast who has called Nashville home for over 5 years.  One of PJ’s earliest memories is of being woken up Christmas morning by a puppy that would soon become his first childhood friend.  PJ has worked in the nonprofit world for nearly a decade in both program management and fundraising roles.  He is passionate about reimagining social systems to support all members of society, including maintaining these crucial relationships with our loyal and incomparable pet companions.

Trice Gibbons

A native New Orleanian and thirty-plus year resident of Nashville, Trice Gibbons is Audience Development Editor at the Christian Century magazine. He has held positions in strategic business planning, product management, and marketing. Trice holds a Master of Divinity (2013) from Vanderbilt Divinity School, a Master of Health Administration from Washington University School of Medicine (1986), and a Bachelor of Science from Rhodes College (1983). An ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he served as national board member of More Light Presbyterians for six years including two years as board co-chair.

Chelsey Hedglin

Chelsey Hedglin brings 8 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital, including management of the boarding facility. She serves as chaplain at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital and holds a Master of Divinity (2017) from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts (2013) from Millsaps College.

Gabe Horton, President

Gabe Horton comes to Pawster Nashville with a passion for helping people and the pets they love. He brings eight years of leadership experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He holds a Master of Divinity (2015) with a focus on organizational leadership from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts (2011) from Vanderbilt University.

Allison Ruari

Allison Ruari brings over ten years of experience volunteering in the nonprofit sector. She serves as the Associate Minister at Vine Street Christian Church, and she holds a Master of Divinity (2014) from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts (2010) from Occidental College.

Nathan Yates, Treasurer

Nathan Yates is Director of Corporate Accounting at OneOncology.  Prior to joining OneOncology, he was an Assurance Senior Manager in Ernst & Young’s Nashville office, and has more than eight years of experience in the fields of accounting and auditing. He holds a Master of Accountancy (2012) and Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science (2011) from Vanderbilt University and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Tennessee.