East Bank: Partnerships That Shape Our City

Building on our previous session exploring the rise of the mega-project, this follow-up dives deeper into how those projects are actually delivered—and what it takes to be part of them. As Nashville enters a new era of transformative development, projects like the East Bank and the newly rezoned Wasioto Bend are redefining not just the city’s skyline, but how project teams are formed, evaluated, and succeed.

This session explores the full lifecycle of teaming in today’s AEC industry, from early collaboration and pursuit strategies to real-world delivery and long-term outcomes. We’ll examine what makes teams credible, where alignment breaks down, and how public process and community expectations are reshaping traditional roles.

Looking ahead, the conversation will focus on what it takes to be part of Nashville’s next wave of major projects—offering practical insights on building teams that not only compete, but collaborate to deliver lasting impact.

Date: 7.30  | 11:00-1:00 PM

11:00-11:30- registration, lunch+ networking

11:30-12:40 Panel

12:40-1:00 Q+A

Program Sponsor - S&ME 

Meet our Speakers

Moderator: Robbie Hayes, AICP, Senior Vice President, Gresham Smith

A widely recognized industry leader, Hayes brings more than two decades of experience in driving strategic growth and delivering complex projects and programs across Tennessee and the Southeast. He also brings deep expertise in practice building, team development, strategic planning, business development and government relations. Hayes is actively engaged in the Middle Tennessee community, holding leadership roles across prominent regional organizations and initiatives.

Councilmember Jacob Kupin, District 19

Jacob Kupin currently represents District 19 on Nashville’s Metro Council, a role he has had since 2023. District 19 encompasses the 440 loop, Downtown, Germantown, Salemtown, Buena Vista, Hope Gardens, the Gulch, Watkins Park, Capitol View, East Bank, and Midtown. A Belmont University graduate, he began his career in the music industry before discovering his passion for real estate in 2016. In 2020, he launched The Kupin Group, a real estate team he co-runs with his wife, Hayley Levy Kupin. To further support his clients, Jacob became a licensed mortgage lender in 2024. Since moving to Nashville, Jacob has been deeply involved in the Jewish community, serving as President of NowGen and holding leadership roles on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and Hillel at Vanderbilt University. He also serves on the Board of the Downtown Partnership and The District.

David Powell, FAIA, Principal at HASTINGS

David M. Powell has been designing nationally recognized, award-winning architecture since 1991. As a former musician, Dave draws inspiration from various art forms—pulling from the perspective of sincere storytelling rooted in the legendary songwriters and music producers of his home city of Nashville, Tennessee. As a Principal at HASTINGS, Dave has led the design of a diverse range of projects which have garnered over fifty AIA design awards and have been published by ARCHITECT Magazine, Architectural Record, The Chicago Athenaeum, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Urban Land Institute. He has personally been recognized with one of AIA's top honors for "Excellence in Public Architecture."

Beth Ostrowski, PE. PTOE Regional Practice Leader for KCI Technologies, Inc.

Beth Ostrowski serves as Vice President and Regional Practice Leader for the transportation group of KCI Technologies, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee.  A graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Beth has nearly 20 years’ experience as a traffic and transportation leader.  Beth has worked on a broad range of transportation projects throughout her career, including traffic design, signal timing optimization, traffic calming, traffic impact studies, and intelligent transportation systems.  Beth began working at KCI Technologies in 2017. She is passionate about improving the mobility network for all users; she loves solving problems and doesn’t back down in the face of a challenge.  She prides herself in her ability to see each project from multiple angles and works to find solutions that create the best solution for all modes of road users. 

Michelle Scopel,  Director of Program Management of the East Bank Development Authority

Michelle Scopel was named Director of Program Management for the newly established East Bank Development Authority (EBDA) in August 2025.  She has 20 years of experience working in and around Metro Nashville in both the public and private sectors, with a focus on Program/Project Management and Environmental Services.  Michelle has been an integral part of some of the city’s high-profile developments, including First Horizon Park, the Fairgrounds Campus Improvements Projects, and the rebuilding efforts of Historic Second Avenue following the Christmas Day 2020 bombing.  

Michelle is a Nashville native, holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University.  She is known to lean into complex projects, create a strong team environment, and provide innovative solutions for the betterment of all who work/live/play in Nashville.