Brian Sexton is an accomplished community development professional who currently serves as Metro Council Liaison for Mayor O’Connell.

As the chief relationship builder between the offices of the mayor and council, he facilitates effective communication, collaboration, and coordination on various projects, policies, and initiatives impacting the city of Nashville. No matter the challenge, Brian takes a solutions-focused and data-driven approach to his work. He strategically balances the priorities of both the mayor’s office and council members to promote productive dialogue, enhance synergy between the executive and legislative branches, and ultimately drive positive outcomes for Nashville.
Throughout his career, Brian has welcomed opportunities to connect with government agencies, nonprofits, artists, and entrepreneurs to build bridges that unite them with the community at large. He is especially passionate about improving education, workforce development, and access to affordable housing for Nashville and the surrounding areas. Before becoming Metro Council Liaison, Brian served as Community Engagement and Strategic Partnership Leader for the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) where he is credited with amplifying MDHA’s Community Development funding while managing the participation of local community groups, and nonprofits for a $7 million-dollar Nashville Promise Zone effort.
As a connector, Brian’s public-private partnership expertise includes:
• Collaboration with policy advisors, department heads, and council members to align the Mayor’s strategic priorities with Council activities.

• Assistance with the development and implementation of citywide projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with both the Mayor’s and the Metro Council’s objectives.

• Founding Creatives Day, Nashville’s first public-private songwriting hotel residency in partnership with the Hutton Hotel. This program provided songwriters with free studio time and educational networking events, allowing them to redirect funds to necessary critical living expenses.

• Co-creating the Music Business Accelerator at Tennessee State University, a program offering mentorship and career opportunities for students by connecting them with music industry executives and artists. This program has been instrumental in developing public-private partnerships, networking, and job prospects to fuel Nashville’s creative economy.

Brian’s community involvement includes board and commission leadership roles with the Nashville Music, Film and Entertainment Commission, National Museum of African American Music, the Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville, HOME, Nashville Music Equality, Academies of Nashville Partnership Council, and Advisory Council Chair for Music Makes Us. Through these organizations, Brian has provided meaningful support for Nashville’s creative economy, cultural institutions, and public schools. He holds a Masters of Urban Planning degree with a focus in Community Development from Texas Southern University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Tennessee State University.