The East Bank Development Authority (EBDA) Board member Mona Hodge, a Principal at local architectural firm Smith Gee Studio, will assume the role of Board Chair, as appointed by Mayor O’Connell. The announcement came during the February 24 meeting of the EBDA, as Chairwoman Emily Lamb announced that she is stepping down, effectively immediately, to prepare for a new full-time role leading Metro Nashville’s Codes and Building Safety Department. Trisha Herzfeld, founding partner at Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall, PLLC, has accepted the Mayor’s appointment to fill the vacancy on the Board.
As an architect and lifelong Nashvillian, I’ve had the privilege of watching our city realize its extraordinary potential for transformative development over the past three decades. I love Nashville, and as Chair of the East Bank Development Authority, I’m honored to step off the sidelines and take a more active role in helping bring the East Bank vision to life and contribute to Nashville’s vibrant future. I think it goes without saying but I’m excited for the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation Emily established through her thoughtful leadership over the past year and I’m ready to keep running the ball towards the goalline!
Mona Hodge, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, – Principal at Smith Gee Studio
“I’m thankful for Emily’s service on the board that oversees the largest urban development project in our city’s history,” says Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “The East Bank has the ability to connect neighborhoods and serve as a blueprint for future work across the city. Emily and Mona share that vision, and I know Mona will dutifully guide the board in the coming years.”
Lamb has been a Shareholder at Winstead, PC, since 2024, where her practice has focused on land use entitlements and development. She previously served as Deputy Director of Metro Codes, where she oversaw nearly $5.5 billion in annual permit issuances and managed Metro’s Board of Zoning Appeals. During her time as an attorney with Metro Legal, she served as counsel for Metro Planning Department and Planning Commission, Metro Codes, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Metro Beer Permitting Board, as well as a liaison to Metro Council.
“When Mayor O’Connell asked me to join the EBDA Board, I was honored to accept his appointment and serve Metro in this way. But when the opportunity to further serve the administration as the head of Metro Codes arose, I could not pass it up,” says Lamb. “Serving as Chair of the EBDA Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life, and I’d like to extend my thanks to Mayor O’Connell for this opportunity, as well as to the EBDA staff and my fellow Board members. I cannot wait to see how the East Bank continues to evolve in the years to come.”
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