Jeff Gregg has a lifelong passion for helping Nashville children and young people learn and succeed. Along with his Creative Artist Agency (CAA) colleagues, Gregg has volunteered at Whitsitt Elementary School for 14 years. He has also been an active volunteer with teens at Stratford High School and is just beginning work with students at the new Entertainment Business Academy at Pearl-Cohn. He is an active “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is known throughout the music industry for his willingness to open his home to and help meet the "survival needs" of young people who are trying to begin a career in the industry.
“Jeff has always gone to bat for our school and secured additional funding for the arts, reading, technology and professional development," said a Whitsitt teacher. "He has encouraged CAA employees to come and mentor students weekly at Whitsitt. They work with the same student for three years, and the improvement in their reading progress and confidence is priceless.”
From another teacher: “With humility, humor and integrity, Mr. Gregg exhibits an understanding of what community means. By integrating the lives of our students into the lives of strong and successful business leaders, these students see further than the immediacy of academics. When they visit CAA headquarters and meet regularly with their reading partners, they get a glimpse of what is possible in their own life. The academic gains that our children make because of the consistent efforts of Jeff and the other CAA staff are life-changing. “
Gregg is a well-known supporter of the PENCIL Foundation, and not just in name. He goes to Whitsitt once a week to read with his reading buddy, something that requires a lot of his own personal time. Every year, he personally purchases school supplies to include in the Welcome Back bags that CAA gives Whitsitt Elementary students. He has also bought gift cards given to students and teachers at Whitsitt for Christmas over the years.
Each year, the PENCIL Board of Directors gives the E. Bronson Ingram Award to a community member who has been a leader in bringing support to public schools, served as an advocate for public education in Nashville and made exceptional commitments to education through their work and their influence. For his efforts, Gregg received the E. Bronson Ingram Award at the PENCIL Bravo! Luncheon on May 4.
Volunteer Jeff Gregg with two Whitsitt Elementary students
Jeff Gregg accepts his E. Bronson Ingram Award at the PENCIL Bravo! Luncheon