Alex Hughes is a native to Nashville and graduate of Belmont University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in public relations and biology.  Her areas of expertise include workforce retention, creation of national talent attraction strategies, project management, economic development and program development and planning.

In her current role as VP, talent attraction and retention for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Hughes leads the expanded effort to ensure that the workforce meets the needs of the region’s expanding economy. She engages a broad cross section of partners to provide quality programs and services to the region’s existing businesses, relocating companies, HR professionals, young professionals, universities, Veterans and local organizations and to support workforce development.

Key programs and initiatives under her supervision include strategic planning for regional talent needs, workforce support for relocating and expanding companies, human resource and young professional programming; WorkIT Nashville, LiveIt Nashville, YP Nashville, and the creation of regional and industry-focused workforce studies.

Previously, Hughes served as the talent retention manager for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she was the primary contact for individuals looking to find a career or get involved within the Nashville region.  She also held the position of member relations coordinator for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where she was responsible for the engagement and retention of first and second year members.  She was also instrumental in planning, developing and implementing a multi-faceted organization-wide marketing and membership campaign.

Currently, she serves on the board of directors for Bridges for the Deaf and Special Olympics of Tennessee. Hughes is a member of MT|SHRM, TACE and serves on the board for the Nashville Serving Veteran’s Community Board through the TN Dept. of Veteran Services. She is a graduate of Young Leaders Council and Nashville Junior Chamber Leadership Institute.  She has been an active member of the Nashville Zoo since 2009 and was the young leaders representative on the organization’s board of directors in 2013. Previously, she served as a judge for the Student of Integrity scholarship program through the Better Business Bureau.