Shemicka Adams Executive Director

Shemicka Adams is the Executive Director of Home of Potential and Excellence (H.O.P.E). She is a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has over 10 years of experience working with children. She received her master’s degree in special education and a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Lipscomb University. She taught special education with the Metro Nashville Public School District for six years. During her teaching career, she served elementary and middle school students with special needs. She served as her grade level department chair, a teacher mentor, and as the site director for her school’s before and after school program.
Shemicka is very passionate about H.O.P.E's vision. Her passion comes from serving families. She has a heart of service. Every parent wants their child to be surrounded by people that will help empower them to become the best version of themselves. Shemicka wants to be an avenue of HOPE for families. She wants to create programs and provide resources that enrich the whole family. Therefore, Home of Potential and Excellence was birthed. She looks forward to making a greater impact while providing HOPE to families and serving with EXCELLENCE.

Wilmoth “Bud” Baker, IV

Treasurer

Wilmoth “Bud” Baker, IV is an attorney and resident of Nashville, originally hailing from Tallahassee, Florida. He is currently an Assistant District Attorney at the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office where he represents the State of Tennessee in cases before the Davidson County Criminal Court. Prior to joining the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office, Bud worked in corporate law as an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions at the law firms of Bass, Berry and Sims PLC and K&L Gates LLP. While at Bass, Berry and Sims PLC, Bud advised Home and Potential of Excellence on corporate and other legal matters and is excited to continue helping Home and Potential of Excellence achieve its goals as a Board member. Bud received both his bachelor of arts and law degrees from Duke University. He is also a member of the Nashville branch of the NAACP and the Napier Looby Bar Association.

Alex Buchanan

Board Chair

Alex Buchanan was raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, and attended Penn State University, where he participated in Army ROTC. After graduating, he completed flight school and served eight years as an Aviation Officer and helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, with multiple deployments throughout Africa and Central Asia.

As he concluded his military service, Alex co-founded Brown and Buchanan Ventures Company with his best friend from flight school, focusing on improving and elevating the vacation rental experience.

In August 2021, he joined H.O.P.E., where he supports fund development efforts and coordinates volunteer engagement. After living in Nashville, he later relocated back to Pennsylvania. Alex resides with his wife, Kerry; his stepdaughter, Lana; their son; two dogs; and five chickens.

Randy Bury

Secretary

Randy  Bury  recently retired after a distinguished career with Johnson & Johnson.  He started in manufacturing operations and progressed through roles with increased responsibility in planning, distribution and logistics.  He later moved into a field-based role responsible for managing Johnson & Johnson’s corporate relationship with key hospital Integrated Delivery Networks(IDNs), Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and hospital companies.   

During his thirty-eight year career, Randy was respected as an innovative leader and mentor with strong strategic insights.  He has extensive experience with introducing new products, programs and procedures to his health care customers.  His unique background allowed him to translate customer needs into solutions for his customers and J&J. Randy has remained active in the healthcare community by mentoring at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, JumpStart Foundry and volunteering with the American Heart Association and JDRF.  He is also involved as a board member for several other non-profits and leads the local J&J community network volunteer committee.  

Randy earned a BA in Political Science in 1978 from Kean University and his MBA in 1984 from Fairleigh Dickson University. 

Creea Shannon

Board Member

Creea Shannon serves on the Board of Directors of Home of Potential & Excellence (H.O.P.E.) with a passion for data-informed decision making, health equity, and systems-level impact. As a doctoral student in Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University, Creea conducts research that leverages data science and health information systems to remove barriers to care and improve outcomes for underserved populations, including HIV-focused research.

Her professional experience spans health policy, grant research, and federal-level service, including work with the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy and Meharry Medical College. Creea has contributed to initiatives addressing health disparities, social determinants of health, and equitable access to care bringing an analytical, research-driven lens to organizational strategy and community impact.

With advanced training in data science, biochemistry, and informatics, Creea strengthens H.O.P.E.’s ability to measure outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness, and align initiatives with evidence-based practices. Her expertise in data visualization, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration supports the organization’s commitment to measurable growth and sustainable systems change.

Through her board service, Creea is dedicated to helping H.O.P.E. expand its impact by integrating data, equity, and innovation to better serve families throughout Davidson County and beyond.

Diamond Zirker

Board Intern

Diamond Zirker brings a strong foundation in relationship management, financial services, and community engagement to the Board of Directors of Home of Potential & Excellence (H.O.P.E.). As a Business Service Representative with First Citizens Bank, Diamond manages a diverse portfolio of business clients across Middle Tennessee, partnering with organizations to strengthen their financial strategy, optimize treasury services, and achieve sustainable growth.

With expertise in business development, cash management analysis, and strategic client advising, Diamond understands the importance of sound financial stewardship and long-term planning essential components of strong nonprofit governance. Her professional background reflects a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a results-driven approach that aligns with H.O.P.E.’s mission to cultivate healthy family units through education and empowerment.

Through her service as a Board Intern, Diamond is committed to ensuring H.O.P.E. remains financially strong, community-connected, and positioned for sustainable impact across Davidson County.