Ed Grimes
Founder, Exec Director
Founder and Executive Director of Murfreesboro Rescue Mission. Ed graduated from Hyles-Anderson College with a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Theology and Masters of Education in School Administration.
He is a licensed minister and also certified Instructor for Handle with Care behavior management training. Ed had been involved in Christian service for 32 years and 15 of those years devoted to rescue ministry at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Throughout his time at the Nashville Rescue Mission, Ed has held positions as Second shift supervisor for the Anchor Home (4 years), Director of Education (4 years), Head Chaplain (1 year), and Director of Guest Services (6 years). In addition to these jobs, Ed served as a member of the Mission’s Executive Leadership Team for over 5 years. Some of his accomplishments include; 80 GED graduates in a 4 year span and the addition of 2 new Guest Service programs currently being used by the mission. Ed is married to Tiah Grimes. They have been married for 24 years and have two children, Kaylee and Kyle.
Tiah Grimes, MPH
Co-Founder
Tiah Grimes is a public health professional with experience in epidemiology and mental health initiatives. At the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), she previously worked in the Surveillance Systems and Informatics program, collaborating with program directors to update disease reporting guidelines. Tiah is dual certified as a Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor and joined TDH’s MHFA team as an Epidemiologist in a Program Manager role, serving in this capacity to date.
She holds additional certifications from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing tailored to rural communities, public safety personnel, and veteran families. As MRM’s Co-Founder, Tiah conducts independent research to inform program development. Her expertise includes collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on shelter operations, client demographics, and service utilization, as well as implementing systems for client management and data tracking. Tiah is the wife of Ed Grimes. Together they have two children (Kaylee and Kyle). She is passionate about promoting holistic well-being, guided by compassion, civility, and a deep respect for human dignity.
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9
Fred Tyus
Board Chair
Fred Tyus is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission. Fred graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Business Administration, majoring in Marketing with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate. He also holds a two-year degree from Faith Is The Victory Bible School. Licensed as a minister since 2000, Fred functions in ministry as a teacher and evangelist, with a heart to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those in need. With over 30 years of experience in the finance industry through mortgage companies and financial institutions, Fred has also worked as a licensed Real Estate Agent since 2016. His ongoing focus is on strengthening the local community through volunteerism, mentoring, and promoting unity
Angela Ponder
Board Secretary
Allan Niles
Board Treasurer
Allan is guided by his faith and values, and is committed to serving the community. He is a proud husband to LaToya and father of three, and an active member of First Baptist Church Murfreesboro.
Dale Stover
Board Director
Dale Stover brings seasoned leadership and expertise to the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission Board as a Director. With years of experience serving on the MRM Board, he provides valuable guidance and support to the mission’s efforts.
Dale currently resides in Ohio with his wife, and is committed to helping the MRM fulfill its mission.
Don Watson
Board Member
Don is the President of On the Move: Moving and Storage. He has been with the company for 15 years ago and has 40 years of experience in the moving industry.
Don is MRM’s newest board member. He currently serves as MRM’s capital campaign co-chair and is dedicated to the success of the mission.
Don resides in Murfreesboro, TN, with his wife Lisa, whom he’s been married to for 30 years. They have two children, Tatum and Jay.
Shelby Feathers
Board Member
Shelby Feathers serves as a board member, serving on the building committee, where he advises on infrastructure quality and design. As the founder of Feathers Touch Electrics in Murfreesboro, TN, Shelby brings valuable expertise to the table.
A proud resident of Murfreesboro, he lives with his wife Sherry and enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren.
John Hooper
Advisory Board
John has a passion for accelerating change to make the world a better place for humanity, as evidenced by his role as an Advisory Board Member for numerous non-profits. He believes that giving back is not just essential for personal growth but is also the most rewarding action an individual or a company can undertake, inspiring others to lead and follow suit. John often remarks, “When a non-profit’s mission is to equip future generations or aid those who are disenfranchised, we are all ears to help.”
“When we discovered and partnered with Murfreesboro Rescue Mission to give them an elevated (First Impression) web presence it was a no-brainer because of their emphasis on caring for under privileged in the local community.”
One of his favorite quotes encapsulates his philosophy:
“We don’t ‘HAVE TO’ get up and hit the grind; we ‘GET TO’ live and breathe life in… to then go out and change the world.” – John R Hooper
This “Get To” versus “Have To” mentality, he says, changes everything, when the focus is to glorify God!
Homelessness Needs Analysis from MurfreesboroTN.gov
Murfreesboro Rescue Mission is a faith-based nonprofit seeking to create an awareness of its services and the needs of citizens experiencing homelessness. The name Murfreesboro Rescue Mission was chosen because we recognize that caring for the homeless will take the efforts of the entire Murfreesboro community.
The following are some of the media strategies the Mission will employ upon opening the shelter:
DNJ press release and advertisements
WGNS news release and advertisements
Major TV press releases
Short DVD presentation
Social media outlets
Murfreesboro Rescue Mission
P.O. Box 11368
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(MRM) is a 501 (c) (3)
nonprofit organization