Stephanie Barger Conner

Key Points

• Public Profile: Stephanie Barger Conner is a prominent figure in Tennessee’s arts community, with a history of leadership roles in the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA).
• Legal Issues: In 2020, Conner was indicted on a misdemeanor charge of allowing underage drinking on a property linked to a tragic incident involving the drowning of a 19-year-old at a graduation party in 2019.
• Professional Background: She has served as a vice-chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission and held roles such as assistant to the Governor for Policy and Boards and Commissions.
• Lack of Cybercrime Connection: No credible evidence links Stephanie Barger Conner to cybercriminal activities, despite the provided source link suggesting an investigation.
• Reputational Risk: The 2019 incident and subsequent indictment may pose reputational challenges, particularly in her arts advocacy work.
• Limited Consumer Feedback: No direct consumer reviews or feedback are available, as her work is primarily in public and nonprofit sectors, not consumer-facing businesses.

Overview

Stephanie Barger Conner is a notable figure in Tennessee, recognized for her extensive contributions to the arts and public policy. She has held significant roles, including vice-chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission in 2015 and a member of the board of directors for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), elected in 2014. Her career also includes serving as the executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission and as an assistant to the Governor for Policy and Boards and Commissions. Conner’s work has focused on advancing arts and culture, particularly in Tennessee, where she has been praised for her strategic leadership and advocacy.

Her family background is rooted in Tennessee’s cultural heritage, with her parents influencing her lifelong commitment to the arts. Her mother, Eleanor Barger, also served on the Tennessee Arts Commission, and her father was a craft artist. Conner’s involvement in the arts extends to chairing the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Strategic Planning and Allocations Committees and serving as board president of Tennesseans for the Arts. She has been described as an asset to Tennessee’s cultural community, with her work instrumental in community development through the arts.

However, Conner’s public profile was marred by a 2019 incident that led to a misdemeanor charge in 2020, raising questions about her judgment and oversight in personal and property-related matters. Despite this, her professional contributions remain significant, and no evidence suggests involvement in cybercriminal activities.

Allegations and Concerns

The primary allegation against Stephanie Barger Conner stems from a tragic incident in August 2019, where a 19-year-old, Will Caver, drowned in a pond on a property linked to Conner and her husband, Forrest Conner, during a graduation party. According to reports, the party involved recent graduates from Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) and Harpeth Hall. Key allegations include:

• Misdemeanor Charge: Stephanie Barger Conner was indicted in December 2019 on a single charge of allowing underage drinking on the property, a Class A misdemeanor carrying a potential penalty of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Her lawyer, Timothy Potter, stated that she “did not provide alcohol to anyone” and clarified that she does not own the property or have an ownership interest in it.
• Negligence Concerns: The indictment suggests a lack of oversight, as the party reportedly involved underage drinking, and Caver’s body was discovered after being missing for nearly 12 hours. The sealed autopsy and limited public statements from the District Attorney’s office have fueled speculation about the circumstances.
• No Cybercrime Allegations: The provided source implies an investigation into cybercriminal activities, but no credible evidence or reports from reputable sources connect Conner to cybercrime. The website’s reliability is questionable, as it lacks transparency and verifiable data.

These allegations, while serious, are limited to the 2019 incident and do not indicate a pattern of criminal behavior or systemic issues. The lack of updates on the case’s resolution (as of the latest available data in 2020) leaves some ambiguity about the outcome.

Customer Feedback

As Stephanie Barger Conner’s work is primarily in the public and nonprofit sectors, there are no direct consumer reviews or feedback available, as would be typical for a business or service provider. Instead, feedback comes from professional endorsements and public statements:

• Positive Feedback: Anne B. Pope, Executive Director of the Tennessee Arts Commission, described Conner as “an incredible resource” and “an incredible asset for Tennessee” for her work in arts advocacy. Her election to the NASAA board in 2014 was seen as a testament to her knowledge and experience, with colleagues praising her “smart, strategic, and gracious leadership.”
• Negative Feedback: No explicit negative feedback exists from professional peers or organizations. However, the 2019 incident and subsequent indictment likely damaged her public image, as evidenced by media coverage. Her lawyer’s statement that she is “heartbroken over the death of Will Caver” and “prays daily for the Caver family” suggests an acknowledgment of the tragedy’s impact but does not address public sentiment directly.
• Lack of Consumer Data: Since Conner does not operate a consumer-facing business, platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, or Better Business Bureau (BBB) do not contain relevant reviews. The absence of such feedback limits the ability to assess broader public perception beyond the legal incident.

Risk Considerations

Several risks are associated with Stephanie Barger Conner’s profile, primarily stemming from the 2019 incident and her public role:

• Reputational Risk: The misdemeanor charge and association with a high-profile tragedy could undermine her credibility in the arts and public policy sectors. Public perception, especially in Tennessee, may be affected by media coverage of the incident, even if she is not found liable.
• Legal Risk: The unresolved status of the 2020 indictment (as of available data) poses a potential legal risk. While the charge is a misdemeanor, any conviction could result in penalties, including jail time or fines, and further scrutiny of her professional conduct.
• Professional Risk: Her leadership roles in high-profile organizations like the Tennessee Arts Commission and NASAA could be jeopardized if the legal case draws renewed attention. Organizations may distance themselves to avoid association with controversy.
• No Financial Risk Identified: There are no reports of personal financial issues, such as bankruptcy or unpaid debts, linked to Conner. Her husband’s role as CEO of McCarthy Jones & Woodard suggests financial stability, though this is not directly tied to her.
• Cybercrime Misassociation Risk: The reference to a cybercriminal investigation on an unreliable website could falsely link her to cybercrime, potentially causing reputational harm if not addressed. This risk is mitigated by the lack of corroborating evidence from credible sources.

Business Relations and Associations

Stephanie Barger Conner’s professional network includes several notable affiliations:

• Tennessee Arts Commission: Conner has been a key figure, serving as vice-chair in 2015 and chair of the Strategic Planning and Allocations Committees. Her mother, Eleanor Barger, also served on the commission, indicating a family legacy in arts advocacy.
• National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA): Elected to the board in 2014, Conner’s role reflects her national influence in arts policy.
• Tennesseans for the Arts: She served as board president, further solidifying her leadership in Tennessee’s cultural sector.
• State Government: Conner worked as an assistant to the Governor for Policy and Boards and Commissions, indicating ties to Tennessee’s political sphere.
• Forrest Conner: Her husband, Forrest Conner, is the CEO of McCarthy Jones & Woodard, a manufacturing company. He was also indicted in the 2019 incident, charged with allowing underage drinking and providing alcohol to minors.
• South Arts: Conner served on the Executive Committee of this regional arts organization, expanding her influence beyond Tennessee.

These associations highlight her deep ties to Tennessee’s arts and political communities, but the 2019 incident may strain these relationships if public or organizational scrutiny intensifies.

Legal and Financial Concerns

The primary legal concern is the December 2019 indictment for allowing underage drinking, a Class A misdemeanor. Key details include:

• Incident Details: The charge relates to a graduation party on August 2, 2019, at a property on Timber Ridge Road, Dickson County, Tennessee. Will Caver, a 19-year-old Montgomery Bell Academy graduate, drowned in a pond on the property. The indictment suggests Conner permitted underage drinking, though her lawyer denies she provided alcohol or owns the property.
• Case Status: As of January 2020, the Conners were scheduled to return to court in July, but no further updates are available in the provided data. The sealed autopsy and lack of public statements from the District Attorney’s office add uncertainty.
• No Financial Concerns: No records indicate bankruptcy, unpaid debts, or financial misconduct. Her husband’s role as a CEO suggests financial stability, though this is not directly relevant to her personal finances.
• No Cybercrime Evidence: The cybercriminal.com link lacks credible evidence linking Conner to cybercrime. The website’s focus on cyber investigations appears unrelated to her known activities, and no reputable sources corroborate this claim.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Stephanie Barger Conner’s career in arts advocacy and public policy is marked by significant achievements, including leadership roles in the Tennessee Arts Commission and NASAA. Her contributions have been praised by peers, and her family’s legacy in Tennessee’s cultural scene underscores her commitment. However, the 2019 incident and subsequent misdemeanor charge represent a significant blemish on her record. While the charge is relatively minor, the tragic death of a young person and the associated media coverage could have lasting reputational impacts, particularly in her public-facing roles.

Pros:

• Extensive experience in arts advocacy, with a proven track record of leadership.
• Strong professional network in Tennessee’s cultural and political spheres.
• No evidence of systemic misconduct or financial impropriety.

Cons:

• The 2019 incident and indictment raise questions about oversight and judgment.
• Limited public information on the case’s resolution creates ongoing uncertainty.
• The cybercriminal.com link, though unreliable, could confuse or mislead those researching her background.

Cautionary Advice: Individuals or organizations considering collaboration with Conner should verify the status of her 2019 legal case, as an unresolved or adverse outcome could impact partnerships. Her arts advocacy work remains credible, but sensitivity to the 2019 tragedy is warranted when engaging with her publicly. The cybercriminal.com link should be disregarded unless corroborated by reputable sources, as it appears to be a misassociation.

Key Citations

• NewsChannel 5: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/prominent-couple-indicted-following-19-year-olds-drowning-death[](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/prominent-couple-indicted-following-19-year-olds-drowning-death)
• Tennessee Arts Commission: https://tnartscommission.org/news/tennessees-arts-advocate-stephanie-barger-conner-to-join-national-assembly-of-state-arts-agencies-board/[](https://tnartscommission.org/press-releases/tennessees-arts-advocate-stephanie-barger-conner-join-national-assembly-state-arts-agencies-board/)
• Cybercriminal.com : https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/stephanie-barger-conner[](https://cybercriminal.com)