Arlie Haddix

Engage, Equip, Empower

The “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County. This month, we feature Arlie Haddix, Chief Executive Officer with Operation Stand Down—a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving U.S. military veterans and their families by helping them achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and success in civilian life. Their motto — “Engage, Equip, Empower” — reflects their holistic approach to supporting veterans through housing, employment, benefits access, and community connection. Arlie’s commitment to helping veterans across middle Tennessee is truly appreciated, and we were honored to recognize him in our November issue’s “I Am Williamson” feature. Read his interview here. 

How long have you lived in Williamson County, and what is it about WC itself that makes it feel like home to you?

I have lived in Williamson County twice. The first time was in 2009 when I was active-duty Air Force, and my wife secured a new career role in Brentwood. In 2011, I was transferred to Langley, Virginia, and my wife became a remote/hybrid employee in a world not yet set up for that dynamic. It was difficult navigating splitting time between two states. When I became retirement-eligible in 2014, choosing to return to Williamson County was easy. It’s a beautiful area with good neighbors and a lower cost of living. So, we put down roots and remain here to this day.

What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?

My career has been defined by solving complex problems in high-stakes environments. I spent over twenty years in the Air Force, managing large teams, overseeing multi-million-dollar programs, and driving operational success in intelligence and recruitment. My father was in the Air Force, and I was also very influenced by events in the mid-1980s, including the book Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy, one of the key characters is a naval intelligence officer, and I knew that intelligence was what I wanted to do. That led me to the Air Force Academy. I had the experiences of a lifetime, both good and bad. I got to make a difference in a way that most people will never understand.

When I transitioned out of the military, I wanted to continue making a meaningful impact and knew I needed to reskill, which led me to the Vanderbilt MBA program. I struggled in my transition; however, it was gut-wrenching. I felt alone. At times, I thought I had landed on another planet. There were days when I wanted to be deployed again; people didn't get me, and I didn’t get them. Eventually, I figured it out. I learned a lot, a lot of things I wish someone had told me. I applied my experience and expertise to help Veterans have a better transition than I did. Seven years later, I now lead a seventy-five-person team delivering career, connection, and crisis support services to veterans across Tennessee.

What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc)?

I like to work out - I am in the gym every morning lifting weights or in the pool. If I am not in the pool, I am on the Peloton. I also like to run in my Westhaven neighborhood. Admittedly, I am getting over recent shoulder surgery and am getting back to that routine. I am also a terrible golfer, but I love it.

Where is your favorite place to go in Williamson County, and why?

There isn’t just one place—top places on my list are: The Sanctuary Golf & Social Club, Amendment 18 (fun fact: I was their first customer), High Brow Coffee, Franklin Parks and Rec, and Scout’s and Public House.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

I have faith; it served me well on active duty, where I had my share of close calls and has sustained me in civilian life. I have two daughters who keep me motivated. And I truly do not want other Veterans to struggle in transition like I did. In terms of the Veteran space, Nashville has changed so much (for the positive) since 2014 and 2018. At times, I stop, look back, and appreciate the change. But it has farther to go, and I want to keep moving the needle.

What is the one thing you do not go a day without?

The two things I do every day: I work out and I read Psalms or Proverbs.

Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because…

Because I choose to live here, Williamson County offers so many choices for where and how to live—old farms, small towns, big developments, gorgeous subdivisions, walkable communities, and rolling hills. This county has it all, and we get to choose.