Apphia is a respected strategist, executive, and former Naval Officer with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, technology, and military operations. As Chief Operations Officer of the Southern Equity Collective, she leads the design, execution, and continual improvement of equitable, growth-oriented policies and processes so that SEq is consistently modeling effective, anti-racist business practices. A results-driven, innovative, and strategic professional with an equal passion for equity and efficacy, Apphia’s work is grounded in the concept of servant leadership. She specializes in cultivating and elevating the talents of those around her, with an eye towards fostering diverse, cohesive teams that deliver excellence at every turn.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Apphia spent five years as a Naval Officer, including serving in the Middle East and in Haiti following the earthquake of 2010. As a Surface Warfare Officer and later, Training Officer, Apphia designed and evaluated training programs for thousands of naval personnel on the Atlantic Coast. Following her military service, she joined HCA, where she serves as a strategic liaison for the $50 billion healthcare provider. At HCA, Apphia specializes in leading teams to develop system improvements that bolster operational efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce costs.
When not working her “day-job,” Apphia is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking and has served as Board President of the Starr Institute since January 2017. She is also an avid enthusiast of the arts and serves as a member of the Nashville Ballet Board. She resides in Nashville, TN with her family.
