ALUMNI

MB-AI Symposium

Alumni at reunion weekend

ALUMNI

Reunion Weekend

As part of Reunion Weekend 2026, Montgomery Bell Academy will host an AI Symposium — a two-day exploration of artificial intelligence, its near-term impact on society, and the skills young men must develop to thrive in a future informed by AI.

Bringing together national thought leaders, distinguished alumni, students, faculty, and members of the broader Nashville community, the symposium will examine how AI is transforming industries, careers, and the way we live — and how MBA prepares students to navigate this changing landscape with integrity, and confidence.

Dates: April 16-17, 2026

For more information on goals of the event and a detailed schedule of events including times, locations and speakers, please click the dropdowns below.

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Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 16th
Community Keynote Address - Kevin Roose
6:00 p.m. | Open to the Public

The symposium begins with a keynote address from New York Times award-winning technology columnist Kevin Roose, who will offer a wide-ranging look at artificial intelligence and its near-term implications. His remarks will explore how AI is likely to shape education, business, creativity, and civic life over the next decade.

This event is open to the broader MBA and Nashville communities and sets the stage for deeper conversations throughout the symposium.
Friday, April 17th
Assembly Panel: AI, Skills & Career Preparation

Moderated by Kevin Roose, this morning panel brings together MBA alumni working at the forefront of technology and innovation. Panelists will discuss how AI is reshaping professional fields and what skills today’s students must cultivate — from adaptability and critical thinking to ethical leadership — to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Panelists

  • Thompson Paine (‘01) - Head of Geopolitics, Anthropic 
  • Hanlin Chien (‘99) - Vice President | Data Systems Software Development, Oracle 
  • Paul Robinson (‘03) - Technical Program Leader | Security, AI Governance & Infrastructure, TikTok 

This session is designed specifically for MBA students and faculty, connecting classroom learning to real-world application.

Alumni AI Panels
1:00–3:30 p.m. | Alumni Audience

The afternoon will feature two alumni-focused panel discussions exploring AI through the lens of industry, entrepreneurship, leadership, and long-term societal impact.

Panel 1 (1:00–2:00 p.m.) - Moderated by Gray Skinner ('02), Chief Executive Officer, MasterBorn

  • David Buttrey (‘06) - President & Co-Founder, Mangrove AI 
  • Andrew Powell (‘11) - Co-Founder & CEO, Ethos Systems 
  • Ty Allen (‘18) - Co-Founder & CEO, LastingMind 
  • Jonathan Springer (‘85)  - Senior Director | Technology, Qualcomm 

Panel 2 (2:30–3:30 p.m.)

  • Andy Stahl (‘95) - General Manager, Primordial Designs (Constellation Software) 
  • Thomas Peterson (‘21) - AI Engineer, Hyve Health 
  • Naveen Chadalavada (‘10) - Director | Product Management, Phreesia

These sessions provide alumni with the opportunity to engage thoughtfully with peers leading in AI-related fields, while strengthening the network that has long distinguished the MBA brotherhood.

 

Looking Forward

The MB-AI Symposium reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to preparing young men not only for college, but for a rapidly evolving world. By convening alumni leaders, national experts, and students in meaningful dialogue, MBA continues its 158-year tradition of forming graduates ready to lead with character in every era.


Questions?

Contact Andrew Triggs at 615-234-5573 or andrew.triggs@montgomerybell.edu.