Name: Mary Roskilly
LMT Class: 2017
County: Davidson
Employment: Tuck-Hinton Architecture & Design
Tell us about yourself.
I moved to Nashville in 1994 after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Architecture. I took at job at Tuck-Hinton where I met my husband, Chuck Miller (LMT Class of 2020…and 2021). He and I are both partners at the firm. We have an 11-year-old daughter named Rory who is in 6th grade.
What was your favorite part of your Leadership Middle Tennessee experience?
Of course I loved the Black Hawk helicopter ride. I also remember feeling a little weird about coming back to the office after each of the county sessions and sharing all the great things I got to do as part of LMT. I think the staff thought I was off working hard as part of LMT but I really felt like I was a tourist in my own town/region for each of those 2-day sessions. It really opened my eyes to all the amazing people and resources we have in this 10-county region.
What regional issues interest or concern you most?
Affordability – as an architect, I have clients that want to develop multifamily projects but the land price in Nashville so high that it impacts their ability to develop the project and make money. Market rates for housing are already unaffordable for many which will drive people and development out of the region. Then, because people can’t live where they work (unless this whole work from home thing goes on forever), it will cause increased transit issues.
How has Leadership Middle Tennessee impacted your career/life?
Before LMT, I was primarily involved in organizations and activities that were related to architecture and my profession. LMT helped me realize the importance of connecting with people outside of my sandbox and provided the opportunity to make those connections. After graduating from LMT in 2017 I joined the Board and recently became a co-chair for the Alumni Engagement Committee.
What characteristics do you look for in a mentor?
A mentor is someone who can give me honest feedback on things that need improvement, and reinforcement for the things I do well. My mentor, Seab Tuck (Class of 2002) has been the person who gives me the confidence & encouragement to step outside of my comfort zone. He is also the person who told me I needed to apply to LMT.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I grew up in Cleveland, Oho, and both of my parents worked for NASA. And, I was conceived the day man walked on the moon. I have an artificial heart valve which you can hear tick if you are in the same room with me. I have been skydiving, and I have a 3-legged cat.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Recycle the glass bottles at the office
If you could eat lunch with one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
My grandfather – he was one of my most favorite people in the world and I would love for him to meet my daughter and see me now.
What were you like in high school?
I was a cheerleader and a gymnast. I got very good grades. I also had awesome feathered hair.