The Adoption Project Honors Outstanding Leaders as Champions for Adoption and Foster Care
Leaders recognized for their dedication to helping children and families
NASHVILLE, TN – The Adoption Project recently honored four individuals for their outstanding leadership and support of public policies that are making meaningful improvements to Tennessee's adoption and foster care systems at its inaugural Champions Dinner.
The 2023 Champions for Adoption and Foster Care were recognized for their leadership this year in advancing legislation, policies, and programs that impact children and families. Damon Hininger served as chair of the event.
“Improving the adoption and foster care systems is important work, and I was honored to chair this event to publicly thank and recognize the leaders who have worked with The Adoption Project to make significant policy changes this year,” Hininger said.
"Each of the 2023 Champions for Adoption and Foster Care has a passion for helping children and families and their work is transforming the adoption and foster care systems," said Jeremy Harrell, president and CEO of The Adoption Project. "We celebrate their dedication to this important work and for helping us make Tennessee the best state to build strong families through adoption and foster care."
Governor Bill Lee | Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Bill Lee has prioritized supporting children and families. This year, Gov. Lee strengthened support for foster and adoptive families through the passage of the Forever Homes Act and dedicated nearly $600 million to directly support child placement efforts and wraparound services for families. His administration launched TN Fosters Hope to elevate opportunities for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption, expanded services for youth who age out of foster care, and extended health care benefits for pregnant and postpartum mothers.
Senator Ferrell Haile | Speaker Pro Tempore of the Tennessee Senate, Ferrell Haile is long known for his work to improve the lives of children and families in Tennessee. Sen. Haile introduced and advocated for many of the adoption and foster care bills passed in 2023 and collaboratively worked with stakeholders, including The Adoption Project, throughout the session. An adoptive parent himself, Haile also serves as co-chairman of the Joint Adoption and Foster Care Caucus and helped establish and expand the state’s Safe Baby Courts.
Representative Mary Littleton | Rep. Mary Littleton serves as Chair of the Tennessee House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee and is well known around the State Capitol as a vocal advocate for the most vulnerable, especially abused and neglected children. Rep. Littleton sponsored and supported legislation this year to improve the lives of children and families. This legislation has already reduced the time to permanency for children and adoptive families and improved stability for children in the foster care system. She also serves as co-chair of the Tennessee Second Look Commission.
Crissy Haslam | Crissy Haslam serves as the Honorary Chair of The Adoption Project’s Policy Committee. For years, the former First Lady of Tennessee has championed children’s causes and campaigns across the state, including TNFosters and Building Strong Brains: The Tennessee ACEs Initiative. Mrs. Haslam currently serves on the board of directors for Tennessee Kids Belong. She and her husband, former Gov. Bill Haslam, are adoptive grandparents.
Click here to learn more about recent legislative changes that will help build stronger families through adoption and foster care in Tennessee.
