In Conversation with Lisa Gardi
With 17 years of marketing, media, advertising, and communications experience, Lisa Gardi has been helping Second Harvest better communicate our mission and spread awareness during her past four years as a board member. We recently spoke with Lisa about her career, background, and why she is a powerful advocate for fighting hunger in her community.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Since 2017, I have served as the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for HCA Healthcare’s TriStar Division. In this role, I oversee the marketing, communications, and PR for a network of 17 hospitals, ERs, and medical group practices throughout Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Prior to moving to Nashville, I worked for HCA Healthcare in South Florida. I have been with the company for 17 years, and can’t speak highly enough about it. As one of the largest healthcare companies in the country, HCA Healthcare puts the patient at the center of everything they do. Their concern for patients, internal colleagues, and the communities they serve is unparalleled and unfaltering.
Originally from Miami, Florida, I attended the University of Miami for my undergraduate degree and obtained an MBA from Florida International University. I currently live in Brentwood and love the Nashville area. I enjoy visiting all the latest Nashville restaurants and traveling with my boyfriend, Joe.
How did you first become introduced to Second Harvest?
I became involved with Second Harvest shortly after moving to Nashville. I was looking for a way to get involved in the community and to give back, and I knew this was a wonderful organization right from the start. This year marks my fourth year as a board member.
How does your expertise help advance Second Harvest’s mission?
I believe my background in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, and Community Relations lends well to serving on the External Affairs committee.
What has been one of your favorite memories?
I have two. The first time I toured the warehouse, I was amazed at how much food moves through the space and what a large operation this really is. I really enjoyed hearing about each department within the Food Bank and how they all come together with one mission to serve. One of my more recent favorite memories is when we provided food boxes to the Antioch community during the pandemic. The lines of cars were coming for hours and I really enjoyed packing their trucks with multiple boxes of food that I knew these families needed. They were all so appreciative and thankful.
Why should someone become involved with Second Harvest, whether volunteering or becoming a donor?
There are so many reasons that someone should get involved with Second Harvest but I believe the main reasons are that this organization is so focused on helping those with food insecurities in any and every way possible. An amazing 96 cents out of every dollar donated goes directly to feeding programs, they are very conscientious and operate very efficiently to ensure they can support as many people as possible. Second Harvest also has so many tentacles in various programs throughout Middle Tennessee, all focused on serving those who are food insecure. On many occasions, without prompting, I have been involved in conversations where Second Harvest is mentioned and praised about all the good work they do.
If you’re considering it, just get involved! Whether it be by volunteering in the warehouse, attending one of the many fun and unique fundraising events or by donating financially, Second Harvest needs your help to support those in need in our community. They cannot do it alone!
