About Us

Debbie Smith

Debbie has spent 30 years in various business and non-profit leadership positions, which provides her with a fundamental understanding of the unique issues and decisions facing professionals and business leaders. As a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she held finance and consulting positions in various industries including manufacturing, healthcare administration, financial services, governmental and nonprofit organizations.

After working for 14 years as a CPA, Debbie completed her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and certification as a Hudson Institute Professional Coach, and launched her own coaching and consulting practice in Nashville, Tennessee. As a result of her work with professionals in the Nashville medical community, Debbie created the curriculum and served as the course instructor for an elective course for Vanderbilt Medical School focused on helping medical students cultivate a solid sense of identity and purpose from which to live out their vocation as physicians. In addition, she founded the Center for Women in Medicine, a non- profit organization focused on addressing some of the unique challenges and stresses experienced by women pursuing careers in medicine.

Debbie's experience includes coaching executives, creating and facilitating functional work group training, improving efficiencies by streamlining processes, and providing project management expertise.

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John Tacke

John Tacke began his career in Information Technology at the young age of twelve when he used his allowance money to buy himself a TRS-80 computer from Radio Shack and began writing programs. After completing dual degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Whitman College/Columbia University in 1986, he worked for nearly ten years as an engineering professional. During those years, he was sought out to complete various software development projects for growing businesses, which led to the formation of Frontline Solutions, LLC in 1991.

Over the course of the past 30 years, John has led teams of software development professionals in the architecture, development and implementation of custom web, desktop and database solutions for a wide spectrum of businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Applications include standalone mission critical systems, bridging systems between commercial applications, high-volume eCommerce websites, engineering and construction applications, healthcare management and data exchange, to name a few. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), John provides his clients with a rare combination of technical and project management expertise, resulting in state-of-the art solutions with optimum utilization of resources.

Testimonials

  • “

    Over the 20 years I have worked at my company, no consultant has had as much positive impact on our team as Debbie Smith. One of Debbie’s unique skills is being able to analyze a business or team from a variety of levels – systems and processes, people skills and roles, conflict management, vision and mission. Putting all these together to achieve a high-performance team is no easy task, but one that Debbie does with great skill and grace.

    Rob Beers

    Senior VP & Publisher , Tyndale House Publishers

    ”
  • “

    Debbie’s counsel not only improved our business, it pumped up the ‘friendship factor’ within our organization. Her business acumen is sharp and her relational insights are 20/20. We’re glad we spent the time and money on Debbie’s counsel – you will be too!

    Pamela McClure

    Co-Founder and Owner , McClure Muntsinger Public Relations

    ”
  • “

    Meeting Debbie Smith was a turning point in both my personal and professional life. The process that Debbie led me through allowed me to discover a passion that had been covered up for years. The time spent with her and the outcome of our work together has released my passion and given me new direction.

    Dawn Eaton

    CEO, Susan G Komen, Central Tennessee

    ”