Nashville execs launch consulting firm

Starting dozen for Compass includes former Rogers Group, American General, Celeris and US Bank leaders

Email | Print By Milt Capps

Art Rebrovick

Twelve veterans of Nashville executive suites have launched Compass Executives LLC, a management consulting firm affiliated with NMG Advisers Inc.

The group will be led by three managing partners: Don Williamson, a former president and CEO of Rogers Group Inc.; Jerry Kiefer, former chief of human resources of National Life and American General and vice president of human resources for the Rogers Group; and, Art Rebrovick, NMG's founder and principal.

The company will provide interim executive staffing for companies with vacant leadership positions, leadership coaching and directorship candidates.

Kiefer and Rebrovick told NashvillePost.com today that the firm will initially target smaller companies within such sectors as healthcare and suppliers to automotive manufacturers.

Other executives within the Compass complement include: Harold Fogelberg, former executive vice president of AmSouth/First American Bank; Marc Fortune, former owner and CEO of Century II Staffing; and Tony Heard, former regional chairman of US Bank and current head of financial services at NMG Advisers.

Also joining the venture are Henry R. Hillenmeyer, former chairman and CEO of Southern Hospitality and Cooker Restaurant Corp.; technology and telecom entrepreneur Donald J. Hillenmeyer Jr.; Mary Huston McLendon, former owner and CEO of Centre for Health Care Planning; Warren F. McPherson M.D., former neurosurgeon and chairman of State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company; Barbara Cannon Wall, former president and CEO of Celeris Corporation; and, Richard A. Warden, former executive vice president and COO of Rogers Group.

Williamson said this morning that Compass aims to add another dozen C-level executives to its ranks within the coming year.

The organization is the brainchild of NMG's Rebrovick, who previously ran consultancy Warner Street Co. for 13 years. Earlier, he rose to CEO of Cutters Exchange Inc., a family business in which he was employed 25 years, before its sale to Singer.

Compass resides in NMG's offices at 95 White Bridge Road.