For nearly four decades, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of Middle Tennessee (CNEMT) has been a true cornerstone for the region’s nonprofit leaders. Originally founded in 1986 by the HCA Foundation and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, CNEMT started with a clear goal: to strengthen the skills of nonprofit executives. Over the years, that mission has expanded to include a wide range of training, consulting, and support services, all designed to help nonprofit organizations truly flourish.
Today, CNEMT remains a vital hub for nonprofit board members, staff, and executives. It provides nonprofits in Middle Tennessee with the tools, resources, and relationships to deliver on their missions with greater impact.
And for a small but mighty team like theirs, operational efficiency is absolutely essential. Partnering with LBMC EP has been such a valuable asset for the organization.
“We began working with LBMC EP in January,” said Meagan Flippin, CEO of CNEMT. “With them taking on responsibilities like payroll, HR, and benefits, I’ve been able to focus on the work that only I can do in my role. That’s been a game changer.”
A Trusted Partner
Meagan first worked with LBMC EP over a decade ago in a previous role. When evaluating options for CNEMT, that past experience stood out.
“I’ve worked with several groups like LBMC EP over the last 15 years,” she explained. “But there’s a reason why I returned to them. Their customer service truly stands out. My account manager is extremely responsive and proactive—always checking in and making sure we have what we need. It’s not a transactional relationship. It feels like a partnership.”
Support for a Growing Team
As a lean team supporting an ever-expanding network of nonprofits, every hour of staff time at CNEMT is precious. Meagan shared how LBMC EP’s support has created space for CNEMT to stay focused on what matters most.
“Partnering with LBMC EP has removed a huge administrative burden,” Meagan said. “We’re now able to be more forward-facing with our members, stakeholders, and programs. That’s where our energy needs to go.”
This has been especially important during a season of strategic growth.
“We have an ambitious plan for the next few years,” she added. “From relaunching initiatives to transforming how we serve our members, we’re moving forward in big ways. Having LBMC EP as a partner frees up the capacity we need to do that.”
As CNEMT plans to grow its team later this year, LBMC EP is already helping to lay the groundwork.
“LBMC EP eliminates a lot of the onboarding and administrative work that comes with hiring,” Meagan noted. “That allows us to focus on what really matters: training new staff in the areas that support our mission.”
Access to quality benefits also helps CNEMT attract top talent.
“The benefits we offer through LBMC EP increase our compensation package considerably,” she said. “That added value makes a big difference when we’re trying to recruit high-quality candidates.”
A Service-Driven Approach That Stands Out
For Meagan, the biggest differentiator is LBMC EP’s commitment to service.
“Customer service may sound basic, but it’s honestly hard to come by,” she said. “LBMC EP’s responsiveness, the seamless way they operate, and their investment in our community—that’s what sets them apart.”
She also appreciates how LBMC EP looks for ways to go beyond the basics.
“My account manager has been incredibly thoughtful in helping identify opportunities to further invest LBMC EP’s resources into the nonprofit community,” Meagan shared.
And compared to previous providers, the difference is clear.
“Other relationships felt much more transactional,” she said. “In one case, we were still managing a lot of the workload ourselves—work that really should have been included. With LBMC EP, our role is more oversight. That’s made a huge impact.”
A Relationship That Makes a Difference
For organizations considering a PEO partner, Meagan is quick to recommend LBMC EP.
“Absolutely, I would recommend them,” she said. “There’s a reason we came back. It’s the service, the relationship, and the way they help us focus on what we do best.”
At LBMC EP, we’re proud to walk alongside clients like the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of Middle Tennessee. By supporting their mission, we’re building a stronger community in Tennessee. To learn more about how our PEO services can streamline your HR responsibilities, contact our team.
