Our Team
Lonna Downard
Owner/Operations Manager
A native of Evansville, Indiana, Lonna relocated to Nashville in 1999 after obtaining her business degree from Ivy Tech State College. Her career in the legal field spans nearly 20 years, during which she has received numerous merit awards and business-related certifications. Lonna specializes in business operations and customer care. She continues to build on her late husband’s legacy by helping as many people possible get approved for the benefits they deserve. When she’s not working, Lonna enjoys exploring new destinations and celebrating holidays and milestones with her family and friends.
David Downard
1968-2019, Founder
David Downard was born in Springfield, Tennessee; when he was just 12, years old, he lost his father and was raised by his grandparents. Social Security stepped in and awarded the young Downard benefits, helping with costs through the remainder of his childhood. He credited his success, in part, to the benefits he received, something that allowed him to worry about school and success instead of how he would pay bills. He began his career as a service specialist with the SSA.
During this time, his grandmother applied for, and was denied Social Security Disability benefits. After learning more stories like hers, he earned his law degree in 2002 so he could help people just like his beloved grandmother.
Mr. Downard spent his entire career fighting for people who were unable to work and that same spirit of service continues at Downard today.
Joseph M. Dalton, Jr.
Owner/Managing Attorney
Joe was born and raised in Colonie, New York and graduated from Notre Dame- Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. He became a “Tennesseean” when he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He went on to obtain his Master of Science Degree from the University of Miami in Florida , then attended the Nashville School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1981. Joe is a lifetime member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, former board member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and has spent 35 years as a trial lawyer. He has helped people all over Nashville with their Social Security Disability claims since 1984. Joe and David had been dear friends since college and trusted one another both personally and professionally.
Ray Akers
Attorney
The son of a minister, Ray grew to appreciate people from all cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. And like both of his parents, he decided early on to choose a profession centered on service to others. Approaching his 7th year at Downard, Ray helps people navigate the complicated SSD process and fights for their rights each day, something he admits “never gets old.”
Ray graduated cum laude from Cumberland University, earned his Juris Doctor degree from Nashville School of Law and was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2004. He enjoys spending time with his three kids, the eldest proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Otherwise, don’t be surprised to catch Ray on a soccer field somewhere watching his kids’ soccer games, or volunteering for local charities on his time off.
Brandon Chapman
Accredited Disability Representative (ADR)
Graduating from of Jackson State Community College with Associates degree, Brandon served six years as a Combat Engineer in the Tennessee National Guard with a tour of duty in Iraq. He began his career at Downard, and after more than ten years as a paralegal, moving on to become our first professional to become an Accredited Disability Representative (or ADR). This coveted position is awarded by the NADR (National Association of Disability Reresentatives) and by the SSA under PL 111-142, which means he has undergone rigorous coursework and testing in order to have extended capabilities through the SSA for clients. Achieving this distinction is an honor and we’re so proud to have Brandon on our team! Brandon and his wife, Karen, work together in our Jackson office. They enjoy traveling, golf and tennis.
Karen K. Chapman
Office Manager/Paralegal
Karen is a native of Jackson, Tennessee where she graduated from Lambuth University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She has been part of our team for more than 14 years and specializes in all phases of the Social Security Disability process. When she’s not working, she and her husband Brandon (also with Downard) enjoy spending time with friends and traveling to far-away destinations. The pair also enjoys travel, tennis, and golf.
Legal Support Areas: Social Security Disability
Martha Ruehle
Office Manager/Paralegal
Martha has nearly 40 years of experience as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Her extensive background includes experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance defense, workors’ compensation, real estate, probate, juvenile court and Social Security Disability. And if that isn’t enough, Martha also served as an assignment clerk for a Chief Criminal Court Judge, as a Paralegal/Office Manager for a Family Law Firm, and handled criminal defense cases for a Private Investigation company.
Martha enjoys spending her time off working in her yard and spending time with family and friends.
Mike Jenson
Intake & Document Specialist
Mike graduated from Gallatin High School in 1996 and Vol State in 2001 with an Associates Degree in University Studies. He also attended Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University where he graduated with degrees in History and Political Science.
Mike specializes in the Social Security Disability intake process and Document Management.
Samantha Gray
Paralegal
A graduate of White House High School, Samantha specializes in customer service and medical collections. She will be celebrating
Legal Support Areas: Social Security Disability.
Jodi Biggs
Paralegal
Jodi was raised in Greenbrier, Tennessee and in enjoying her sixth year at Downard & Associates. She loves working with our clients and always has a smile on her face. We can always count on Jodi to keep the office in high spirits; when she’s not working, she loves spending time with her daughter, and dogs Lily & Oliver.
Katie Norris
Paralegal
Katie graduated from Gallatin High School and Volunteer State Community College with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. She has worked as a legal assistant and paralegal for the last several years with a focus on Family Law and Custody. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys painting.
Kelly Jones
Paralegal
Kelly graduated from Franklin High School and embarked on her Paralegal career at personal injury law firm in Columbia, Tennessee. She has the unique perspective of sharing a great deal in common with many of our clients. In 2007, she and her sons were in an automobile accident that resulted in life-threatening injuries. She knows first-hand how it feels to be injured, unable to work, yet unsure where to turn. Kelly has said that helping clients obtain positive outcomes after accidents or injuries is incredibly gratifying. Since many of our clients are injured or sick due to an accident of some kind, Kelly is able to provide valuable insight for Social Security Disability clients..
Legal Support Areas: Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation and Auto Accidents
Kelsey Dunkle
DDS Specialist
Kelsey was born in Columbia, TN and raised in Lewisburg. She recently celebrated her second year with the firm and specializes in disability determination services and serving clients at the initial claim level. What Kelsey loves most about her position is helping clients who come to us feeling helpless, then seeing their cases achieve a positive outcome.
When Kelsey isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her son Jax. If you’re lucky enough to catch Kelsey on the phone when you call, you’ll love her cheery disposition and willingness to help.
Taylor Paxton
Paralegal
A native of Indiana, Taylor was raised in Hendersonville, TN and is proud to call middle Tennessee home. She continues her family’s legacy of rooting for the “underdog” and fighting to get clients the benefits they deserve. Taylor’s strong customer service and management skills are second nature to her, coming from years of watching and learning her family’s business.
When not at work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Carter Herrick
Reception
A native of Virginia, Carter graduated with a bachelors degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. With experience in the service industry, she knows the importance of friendly, yet effective communication. She enjoys interacting with our clients and making sure they get the help they need.
Carter enjoys spending time with friends and family and event planning.