Nashvillian of the Year 2025

Ralph J. Schulz, served as President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for over 18 years. During his tenure, he led one of Middle Tennessee’s oldest and most influential business federations through transformative economic challenges—steering regional recovery after the 2007 recession, launching the innovative Partnership 2020 and 2030 strategies for business relocation and expansion, founding the nationally recognized Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and pioneering initiatives to improve public education and regional transportation. Under his leadership, the Chamber earned national accolades, including the 2009 “Chamber of the Year” award from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and the 2019 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development.

Prior to his Chamber leadership, Schulz forged a distinguished career in nonprofit management, marketing, and fundraising. In 1974, Schulz’s career in nonprofit management began when he joined the Junior Achievement of Nashville. Establishing his reputation as a transformative leader in the field, he was named national Executive Vice President for Junior Achievement in 1990. He spent six years as Chief Executive Officer of the Adventure Science Center in Nashville focusing on transforming an aging, science-based nonprofit for children into a leading destination for young people. In 2001, the Science Center was recognized with the Marvin Runyon Leadership Award by the Center for Nonprofit Management. 

Throughout his career, Schulz demonstrated a steadfast commitment to civic and nonprofit engagement.  He served on numerous boards and advisory committees across healthcare, business development, and regional infrastructure. His extensive civic involvement includes service on the Nashville Health Care Council, Tennessee Business Roundtable, Western Governors University Advisory Board, Fort Campbell Historical Foundation, Nashville Predators Foundation, Music City Music Council, and Alignment Nashville, as well as active participation with the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, the Citizens Advisory Committee for Bus Rapid Transit, MTA’s Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, and the NashvilleNEXT Steering Committee. His leadership in these roles was further recognized by his 2020 appointment as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Tennessee-South.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Schulz resides in Nashville with his wife, Leeanne. They have four children and seven grandchildren.