A veteran of the book industry for many years, Joanne Slaughter has authored two non-fiction books, served as executive editor for two books including a highly acclaimed cookbook in Georgetown. She has edited 12 books, both fiction and non-fiction published from across the United States. And, her books have won many national awards. As a former journalist, she has written many articles on international issues for various newspapers.

Serving as the Secretary of the Board and Book Group Chair of the Nashville chapter of Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) between 2005 and 2012 and co-chairing the Southern Festival of Books Author Breakfast 2009 - 2012, the author is well-known and beloved in literary circles in Nashville.

Additionally, Slaughter has been a driving force in the growth and enhancement of Nashville for several decades: in many capacities: at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, including as a Board Member and chair of several events; Humanities Tennessee; Rochelle Center; Schermerhorn Center as a docent and education volunteer; Frist Center for the Arts; Herb Society of Nashville as a board member and chair of various committees, among many other organizations.

She and her husband are philanthropists with a focus on accessibility to literature and the arts. Nashville has lauded her contributions to the community as she was the winner of the Women’s National Book Association Nashville Wilson Award, 2005, 2008 Kathryn von Eys Award Nominee at Cheekwood and a 2009 Athena Award Nominee sponsored by CABLE Nashville.

Before moving to Nashville in 1999, this dynamic professional was recognized in Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who of Female Executives in her thriving career as Executive Vice President of GSC while living in Naples, Fl. and Maryland.

She has received undergraduate and graduate degrees from several universities, including George Washington University and Catholic University. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Wilson College.