Centinel logo

Centinel Community Fund Raises $380k For Military Families And Veterans At 12th Annual 18 Fore Military Families Golf Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-based military housing and lodging provider Centinel Public Partnerships and its nonprofit branch Centinel Community Fund (CCF) hosted the 12th annual 18 FORE MILITARY FAMILIES Golf Tournament fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 28, raising more than $380K to benefit military families and communities. Since its 2013 inception, the tournament has generated more than $3.5 million, benefiting both Nashville-area and national nonprofits.

“Each year, the 18 FORE MILITARY FAMILIES Golf Tournament showcases the incredible support of the Nashville community for military families across the nation,” said Gretchen Turpen, president of the Centinel Community Fund. “Supporting the well-being of military personnel is at the heart of everything Centinel does. Due to the generosity of our partners, donors and players, CCF can expand scholarship opportunities and provide critical resources to these men and women and make an impact far beyond Nashville.”

The tournament featured a keynote address from LeAnn Morrissey, founder and Chief Shower Officer of Operation Shower, an 11-year CCF partner and national nonprofit that hosts group baby showers for military moms-to-be, easing the stresses of deployment and separation. Morrissey’s message highlighted heartfelt stories of military moms impacted by the organization’s programs and emphasized how moments of joy and generosity, like those created through CCF and Operation Shower, offer military families much-needed comfort. Emily Salter, an Operation Shower mom from Campbell Crossing, also attended the event, serving as a meaningful reminder of the families directly touched by this partnership.

“We are grateful to the Centinel Community Fund for their generosity and the chance to recognize Operation Shower at the 18 FORE MILITARY FAMILIES Golf Tournament,” Morrissey stated. “Centinel’s support is vital to our mission, allowing us to celebrate and honor military moms-to-be across the country. We are proud to bring comfort and community to families who sacrifice so much, ensuring these moms know they are not alone.”

Through initiatives like this tournament, Centinel Community Fund supports military communities through national and local nonprofit partners, including Operation Stand Down Tennessee, CreatiVets, K9s for Warriors, Thistle Farms and wear blue: run to remember. The Centinel BlueStar Scholarships Program has provided more than $1.5 million in college tuition assistance for children of service members living in privatized military housing communities since 2012.

This year’s tournament welcomed 230 attendees and participants, with appearances from local, regional and national corporate sponsors. Title sponsor ServPro, platinum sponsors Bureau Veritas, HD Supply, Mainscape and WinnResidential, and gold sponsors Ameresco, Ferguson Facilities Supply, Husch Blackwell, Lowe’s and Serenity Homes Services LLC helped make the event possible.

Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Davis is responsible for Centinel’s commercial services, including transactions, operations and government relations. He also oversees risk and compliance, along with leadership of Environment, Health and Safety, and Marketing and Public Affairs. Kevin spent 18 years with Lendlease in senior business development, commercial and legal roles, following earlier experience in private law practice and service in the U.S. Air Force.

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Meryl Exley leads Centinel’s brand, communications and public affairs strategy as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs. She oversees corporate communications, client and customer engagement, public relations, media, and crisis management, strengthening the company’s reputation and community connections. Before Centinel, Meryl held senior marketing leadership roles at Lendlease, where she advanced growth and visibility for its military housing and lodging platform.

Matthew Garrett is Executive Vice President responsible for Centinel’s Air Force Housing and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He directs operations and strategic initiatives across both programs. Before joining Centinel, Matt held senior leadership roles at Lendlease, where he expanded its student housing platform and managed a military housing portfolio of more than 40,000 homes. He also led federal lobbying and outreach efforts, engaging with congressional and Department of Defense stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Matt served as a U.S. Army officer, earning a Bronze Star for Valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Leading Centinel’s legal, compliance and governance functions, Heather Niemeyer provides strategic counsel to support growth and manage risk across the portfolio. She brings more than 15 years of experience advising global organizations, including senior legal roles at Lendlease and earlier practice with two international law firms.

As Centinel’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeremy Martin is responsible for financial strategy, operations and reporting, guiding the company’s long-term growth and performance. He has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and real estate finance, with expertise in financial planning, compliance and risk management. Jeremy served as CFO for Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC prior to the company’s acquisition by Centinel, where he directed financial operations for Lendlease Communities.

Gretchen Turpen serves as Executive Vice President, Asset Management, where she directs operations and asset, property and development management for Centinel’s Army housing portfolio of more than 25,000 homes. In this role, she leads corporate strategy, financial performance, and client and customer relationships. Previously, Gretchen was Head of Lodging, where she delivered the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program including the renovation of over 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 military installations nationwide.

In his role as President, Phillip Carpenter guides operations for Centinel’s Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He is responsible for property management, asset management, development, construction, and environmental health and safety. With more than 40 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Phillip has held senior leadership positions with Lendlease and J&J Worldwide Services, bringing expertise in real estate, development and facilities management. 

Justin Kern, Chief Executive Officer of Centinel, sets the company’s strategic direction with a focus on long-term sustainment and outcomes for customers, partners and employees. He has more than 20 years of leadership in real estate finance, construction and operations. Prior to Centinel, Justin served as President and CEO of Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC, where he oversaw asset management, property management and development for military housing and lodging communities.