As the Chief Executive Officer at Nashville CARES, Interrante has been instrumental in forming the strategic groundwork of the organization that was founded in 1985. SinceInterrante joined CARES in 1994, he has helped guide the agency through the ever-changing dynamics of the AIDS crisis to what’s now become an organization of more than 100 staff who, year after year, are successfully changing the course of the AIDS epidemic for people living with HIV from surviving to thriving, while limiting new infections to their lowest point in history,through prevention, education, advocacy and support.

“For more than two decades, Joe has led CARES with great vision and passion for realizing our mission,” said Joe Burchfield, who serves as the organization’s board president. “The impact of CARES reaches across Middle Tennessee, indeed across the state and beyond, and that’s due in large part to Joe’s leadership. His commitment to our clients, staff and community is unwavering and the CARES board is grateful for Joe’s service.”

Over the past 25 years, Interrante has worked with dedication to meet the needs of Middle Tennesseans both at-risk of and living with HIV/AIDS. As the needs of the community changed, he helped in creating new services and redesigned old programs to improve CARES strategies to prevent the spread of HIV, to increase opportunities for testing, to expand healthcare and services, and to advocate for responsible public policies that will one day usher in a world without AIDS.

“None of what we have accomplished or still hope to achievewould be possible without the extraordinary support of the Middle Tennessee community - our staff, volunteers, board and donors,” Interrante says. “Thank you for 25 years of hope and compassion.”

For an in-depth interview with Joseph Interrante, please contact CARES Director of Marketing & Communications for arrangements.

The CARES board has appointed a search committee to identify Interrante’s successor. The committee will conduct a national search in the coming months.