We’re honored to celebrate the remarkable leadership of Rodger Dinwiddie, who was recently featured in The Tennessean in a profile that captures his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of Nashville’s most dedicated advocates for young people and families.

For more than four decades as the leader of STARS Nashville, he’s guided one of Middle Tennessee’s most impactful youth-support organizations, delivering prevention, intervention, and behavioral health services that address bullying, substance misuse, trauma, anxiety, and depression in schools and communities

Rodger’s leadership has intersected with Alignment Nashville’s work in meaningful and sustained ways. He has been a collaborative force behind several initiatives that center intentional systems change for young people:

• Positive Schools Conference: Rodger has served as a key leader and speaker at the Positive Schools Conference — an annual gathering of educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders; his voice has helped advance conversations about school climate, mental wellness, and relational approaches to discipline and prevention.
• Mental Wellness & Behavioral Health: Rodger has played a key role in embedding mental wellness and behavioral health into broader community efforts. His expertise in bullying prevention, school climate improvement, and restorative practices has informed strategies that reinforce support systems for students and educators alike.
• Parent University & Family Engagement: While Rodger’s primary platform has been school-based intervention, his influence extends into family engagement and community education — helping shape events like Parent University. These forums, which bring together caregivers, educators, and support providers, reflect the kind of ecosystem thinking that Rodger has long championed: that students thrive when adults are equipped, connected, and coordinated.

Rodger doesn’t seek the spotlight; he builds bridges. His commitment to collaboration — particularly in convening educators, mental health partners, families, and nonprofit leaders — has helped cultivate a culture where shared goals outweigh organizational silos.

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“Rodger exemplifies selfless leadership,” said Melissa Jaggers, President & CEO of Alignment Nashville. “He doesn’t seek the spotlight — he seeks solutions, connections, and positive outcomes for young people and the adults who support them. His generosity of spirit and willingness to collaborate have made our work together richer, more grounded, and more impactful.”

As Rodger transitions from leading STARS, we celebrate not just the programs he’s guided, but the countless relationships he’s helped nurture across Nashville’s education, health, and community sectors. His influence will be felt for years in the way our community works together to ensure every young person has what they need to thrive.

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