Megan Barry is the former mayor of Nashville, TN, the first woman to be elected to the office. While she was in office, she lost her only son, Max, to a drug overdose. Since leaving her position, Barry is working to combat the shame and guilt that comes from this soul-sucking disease and to help those who struggle with substance use disorder and their loved ones by speaking up and speaking out.  

She has shared her story in numerous podcasts and publications including Elle magazine, TOKENS Podcast, Nashville Edit, and arcHive Nashville. Her professional experience includes working as a corporate executive, as an independent consultant focusing on business ethics and corporate responsibility, and as an adjunct professor. 

She has an MBA from Vanderbilt University and currently serves on the board of H.A.R.T and the Women’s Fund for the Community Foundation.  She has served on several boards including the YWCA of Middle TN and the Center for Non-Profit Management.  She has been an invited speaker for numerous organizations and events including TedX Nashville, the International Women’s Forum, Georgia Pacific, National Overdose Awareness Days, and many others.