Leading with Compassion: Andrea Burckhard’s Impact on Cookeville

Amid the demands of work, family, and service, Andrea Burckhard has found her purpose in empowering others and strengthening her community.

Andrea is the founder of Upper Cumberland Women and an insurance agent with New York Life. As a successful businesswoman and a champion for women in the Cookeville community, she has made it her mission to give back using every available avenue. From her involvement in local charities to her role as a caretaker for her husband, Andrea’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and hope.

A New Beginning in Cookeville

Andrea didn’t always call Cookeville home. For twelve years, she lived with her family in Byrdstown, Tennessee, and before that, New York and Belgium. Cookeville, however, drew her in with its charm. 

“When we moved to Cookeville, it was to give our kids a better environment to grow up in and build our business.” Andrea explains. “It just felt like the perfect place to raise a family and become a meaningful part of the community.”

Cookeville’s tight-knit atmosphere offered her more than a career; it became a place where she could truly make a difference. She recalls how she felt compelled by the idea of raising her children in a town in which community connections run deep and ample opportunities for her and her family to flourish were present.

Founding Upper Cumberland Women

One of Andrea’s most significant contributions to the Cookeville area has been the creation of Upper Cumberland Women (UCW) in 2010, alongside her friend Linda Brooks Jones. What started as a small social group soon blossomed into a platform for women to connect, learn from one another, and give back to the community.

“We started it because we wanted a place for women to come together, share their ideas, share their challenges, and support each other,” she explains. “It’s grown into something so much bigger than we imagined. There are so many unique ladies who contribute. It’s really rewarding to see.”

UCW hosts monthly gatherings that provide a space for women to network, collaborate, and socialize. Beyond the camaraderie, the group also focuses on philanthropy, contributing to local charities and nonprofits. Among the contributions she’s most proud of, Andrea highlights the friendships and support network the group has cultivated, as well as the ongoing charitable work that has made a tangible difference.

“We’ve been able to give a lot of blessings back to the community,” she said.

For those new to the area, UCW also serves as a lifeline, offering a sense of belonging and a way to get involved in local causes. “There’s always something special about seeing new faces come in and immediately feel welcomed,” Andrea adds.

A Heart for Service

In addition to her work with Upper Cumberland Women, Andrea has made it a personal mission to partner with a variety of nonprofits in the Cookeville region, including the Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation and Impact Leadership, among others. She firmly believes in the power of giving back and lives out that belief to its fullest extent.

“We’re all put on this earth to be givers and servants to our communities,” she says. “You can always make a difference, no matter how big or small. Whether you give your time, talents, or treasures, anything can help your community or someone in a difficult situation.”

Her contributions have helped strengthen numerous organizations, and she finds the rewards of service to be immense. She described the joy of seeing how even the smallest efforts can create ripple effects, positively impacting women and families across the area.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Life took an unexpected turn for Andrea when her husband suffered a stroke. The event drastically altered many aspects of her life, but there was at least one thing that was only reinforced: her belief in the importance of planning for the unknown.

“Life is fragile, and we’re not promised tomorrow,” she reflects. “My husband’s stroke showed me how important it is to plan for the future while cherishing every moment with the people we love.”

Andrea has long been passionate about helping her clients prepare for life’s unexpected moments, but after her husband’s stroke, that zeal only deepened. She is now able to share her personal testimony with those she works with.

“Seeing firsthand how having a plan in place helped us adapt to our new normal made me even more committed to what I do,” she says. “I have had many clients go through hard times, from cancer diagnoses to car accidents, but those who had plans in place were better equipped to handle the challenges that came their way.”

Looking Ahead

As UCW continues to grow, Andrea is excited about the group’s future. The organization has expanded well beyond what she and Linda envisioned, bringing in fresh energy and new ideas from women throughout the region. Andrea’s goals for the group are simple but powerful: to continue fostering community connections and to find more ways to give back.

“I’m excited to see where the group goes from here,” she says. “There’s so much potential for UCW to evolve and continue making an impact, both for the women involved and for the community.”

For Andrea Burckhard, the future is bright—not just for Upper Cumberland Women, but for the Cookeville community as a whole. Through her dedication to service, leadership, and family, she exemplifies what it means to be a pillar of strength in times of joy and hardship alike.

– written by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden