Kitty Emery

Born in Nashville, TN on April 30, 1946

Departed on February 8, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN

Prominent Nashville business and civic leader Kitty Moon Emery died February 8, 2017.

From her childhood days at the family business, Moon Drug Co., to a ground-breaking career in media and promotion, Kitty has always been at the epicenter. This is evident not only in her long list of professional achievements, but even more so in her remarkable leadership as a volunteer.

After graduating from Stephens College with a major in film and television production, Kitty orchestrated fundraising activities at public television stations in Nashville and Tallahassee, Florida, where she hosted multiple on-air television shows. After her time in Florida, she became Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Bill Brock in Washington, D.C., one of only two female senatorial Press Secretaries on the Hill at the time. From there, she moved to New York City, where she served as Associate Director of Advertising for Ronald Reagan's first presidential campaign.

Returning to Nashville, Kitty co-founded Scene Three, Inc., a film and television production company which grew into a multimillion dollar enterprise and one of the largest and most successful production companies in the Southeast. In addition to serving as president and overseeing operations, Kitty produced many of Scene Three's award-winning projects, including Garth Brooks' "The Dance," CMA Best Music Video of the Year award; CBS Primetime Special "A Day in the Life of Country Music," winner of the Cine Gold Eagle Award; and "NHL Comes to Nashville," a promotional film that former Predators owner Craig Leipold credits with persuading the NHL to grant Nashville its hockey franchise.

Most recently, Kitty served as CEO of Kitty Moon Enterprises, a growth consulting company designed to help businesses and individuals flourish in the global marketplace. Over the past four years, she devoted her efforts to working with Dr. Scott Massey to create The Global Action Platform, a university/business alliance focused on food, health and economic development to provide every individual a chance to thrive in the global marketplace.

Kitty's vision and talent for making things happen blessed Nashville's non-profit community as well. For these efforts, she was inducted into the YWCA's Academy for Women of Achievement, recipient of the Harpeth Hall Distinguished Alumna award, an active member of the Tennessee Chapter of the International Women's Forum, named one of 50 "Powerhouses" behind Nashville's emerging success, and in 2002 honored as "Nashvillian of the Year" with Clayton McWhorter.

Her leadership roles included President of Leadership Music, President of the prestigious Downtown Rotary Club and President and Chair of the Country Music Association. During her 21 years on the CMA board, she received two President's Awards for extraordinary leadership and the Leadership Music Bridge Award for work in bringing together business and music communities. In 2011, she was instrumental in creating the CMA Foundation and was named Chair.

An avid lifelong sports fan, she worked to bring professional football and hockey to Nashville and served on the Nashville Sports Authority from its inception in 1998 until 2008, the last 5 years as its Chair.

Her most recent board service included Leadership Nashville, The Community Foundation, The Steering Committee of Nashville's Agenda and as Chairman Emeritus of The CMA Foundation.

The preceding is only a small sample of Kitty's public honors, board positions, event chairman roles and volunteer hours. Privately, she also gave countless hours to helping others realize their dreams through listening, advising and connecting. As her dear friend Charlie Anderson noted, "Kitty Moon Emery has a brilliant and unique way of putting people and ideas together to produce outstanding results."

She is survived by her beloved husband of 18 years, Patrick Emery, sister Lady Bird, sister-in-law Jacque Moon, niece, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Hazel Moon, brother Peter Moon and nephew Peter Mark Moon.

A Celebration of Kitty's Life will take place Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Woodmont Christian Church, 3601 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, at 11:00 a.m. Visitations at the church will be Tuesday, February 14 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and for one hour preceding the service on Wednesday. Interment will be private.

Kitty and Pat wish to thank the multitude of "angels" who provided support and loving care, too numerous to name.

Honorary Pallbearers: Moll and Charlie Anderson, Lady and Billy Bird, Betty and Marty Dickens, Sharon Reily, Virginia and Doyle Rippee, Beth and John Stein, Margaret Verble, Colleen Conway-Welch, Jerry and Ernie Williams, and Shirley Zeitlin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the "Kitty and Pat Emery Fund for Nashville" at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, 3833 Cleghorn Ave., Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37215.