Linda Leathers trusts the Lord to accomplish what only He can do through servant leadership among people of faith in our city.
She recognizes that “Operation Andrew Group (OAG) is poised to build on its strong foundation to bless, equip and serve our community and beyond in strategic ways,”

As the Founding Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, of The Next Door (TND), Linda led the nationally recognized Nashville model of behavior health, affordable housing and reintegration from incarceration to community for women. Over 9,000 women have been served since the organization’s founding. Recognized by both the Bush and Obama administrations, Linda received the 2007 Director’s Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and honored during the White House’s 2011 “Champions of Change” initiative.

Linda Leather’s personal leadership recognition include: Director’s Award for Distinguished Service presented by the National Office of Drug Control Policy; the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Advisory Council, 2010-2018; named Baptist of the Year by EthicsDaily.com, 2014; served on Governor Haslam’s Task Force of recidivism and Sentencing, 2015-16; appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, 2010-20-13; served on Governor Bill Lee’s Criminal Justice Reform Substance Abuse and Mental Health Subcommittee, 2019; and Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Addiction Services CEO of the Year, 2016.

The Next Door’s organizational recognitions include: National Criminal Justice Association’s 2008 Outstanding Criminal Justice Program of the Southeast; National Drug Control Strategy as 2008 national model for recovery; named Frist Foundation Innovation in Action recipient in 2015; honored as a Tennessee Best Workplace 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Named Tennessean Best Workplace Hall of Fame Employer in 2019.

Linda emphasizes that “it inspires me to meet with pastors and dream together about how OAG is positioned to bring Christians from all walks of life together to serve beyond the walls of their churches, their cultures, and lay aside potential division to demonstrate the love of Christ.”

“The possibilities for OAG’s future ministry initiatives are unlimited.” – Linda Leathers, President