Power Players 2022

Welcome to the 2022 edition of Inside Memphis Business’ Power Players. On the following pages you’ll find the movers, the shakers, the difference makers: These are the folks who make things happen in Memphis, from top executives to specialists in a wide range of areas that keep this city and its economy healthy. 

This year we collected more than 500 Power Players, including many members of the Society of Entrepreneurs, who are designated with the marker  SOE. The organization is honoring new inductees this year: banking veteran Frank Cianciola, and grocery pro Randy Stepherson. Read more about the Society’s newest additions here.

Be sure to hang on to this essential reference to Memphis industry leaders. We also feature a Power Player in IMB’s Tip Sheet newsletter every Friday, and we hope you’ll subscribe to this roundup of area business news. Sign up here. – Samuel X. Cicci 

Business Hall of Fame

Jack Belz, SOE:  Chairman and CEO, Belz Enterprises. Factory-outlet mall pioneer. Developed The Peabody and Peabody Place. Master Entrepreneur, SOE, Junior Achievement; Lifetime Achievement Award, DMC. Founder, Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art.

Karen Blockman Carrier,  SOE:  Founder, Another Roadside Attraction Catering, Bar DKDC, The Beauty Shop, Mollie Fontaine Lounge. Restaurateur of the Year award, MRA.

George Cates,  SOE:  Founder, former chairman, CEO, Mid-America Apartment Communities. Started company as Cates Company in 1977. MAA on New York Stock Exchange.

<IN MEMORIAM> William B. Dunavant Jr.,  SOE : Founder, former CEO, Dunavant Enterprises. Cotton, commodities trader with global holdings. Futures Industry Association Hall of Fame. Founder, Racquet Club of Memphis; brought major-league tennis to Memphis.

Avron Fogelman: Chairman, Fogelman Properties. Owner, Memphis Chicks, Rogues, Tams. First chairman, Memphis Shelby County Sports Authority. Won World Series as owner of MLB’s Kansas City Royals. 

Art Gilliam,  SOE:  Chairman, president, Gilliam Communications, Inc. Founded WLOK, first black-owned radio station in Memphis. Frequently #1 Gospel Station in nation, Religion & Media Quarterly. Sponsor WLOK Stone Soul Picnic. 2011 Visionary Award, DMC.

Carolyn Chism Hardy,  SOE:  President, CEO, Chism Hardy Investments. Entrepreneurial ventures include Hardy Bottling Co., Henderson Worldwide Investments. Past chair, Greater Memphis Chamber.

O. Mason Hawkins,  SOE:  Chairman, CEO, Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. Operates one of the world’s most successful mutual-fund families. Seeks highly competitive businesses. Played key role in the Grizzlies’ move to Memphis.

J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III,  SOE : President, Hyde Family Foundations. Founded AutoZone. Automotive Hall of Fame. Helped found Memphis Bioworks Foundation, Memphis Tomorrow, National Civil Rights Museum. Helped bring Grizzlies to Memphis.

John R. Malmo,  SOE:  Chairman emeritus, Archer Malmo, Inc.; principal, John Malmo Marketing Consulting. Former president, Memphis Advertising Federation; former director, American Association of Advertising Agencies. American Advertising Federation Silver Medal.

Brad Martin,  SOE: Chairman, RBM Venture Co. Former chairman and CEO, Saks Inc. Former interim president, U of M. Grew Saks revenue from $70 million to $7 billion. Author, Five Stones: Conquering Your Giants; Myles’ Pesky Friends (a children’s book).

Jim McGehee: Former chairman, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority. Secured Northwest Airlines hub status for Memphis and inauguration of transatlantic service. Director, Financial Strategy Group Investment Management and Pinnacle Airlines.

Allen B. Morgan Jr.:  SOE  Co-founder, chairman emeritus, Regions Morgan Keegan, Inc. Launched Morgan Keegan as leading investment firm. Merged with Regions Bank; acquired by Raymond James. Entrepreneur of the Year, SOE 1994.

David Porter: Founder, president, Consortium MMT. Songwriter, singer, producer. Part of Stax Studio success in 1960s-’70s. Wrote classics including more than 100 Billboard hits. Songwriters Hall of Fame. Involved in Memphis small-business enterprises.

Leigh Shockey: CEO, Drexel Chemical Co.; manufacturer and formulator of agricultural, ornamental, and turf chemicals since 1972. More than $100 million in sales annually. Chair, West Tennessee District Export Council, Greater Memphis Chamber.

Frederick W. Smith:  SOE  Founder, chairman, CEO, FedEx Corp. Launched Federal Express, which became a Memphis institution and a global powerhouse. First implementer of airport-hub concept and pioneer of the “Just In Time” inventory concept.

Pat Kerr Tigrett:  SOE  Chairman and CEO, Pat Kerr, Inc. Fashion designer specializing in bridal couture; offices in London, New York, Memphis. Influential in city’s music and cultural scene. Founded the Blues Ball, Moonshine Ball, Jingle Bell Ball.

Henry Turley:  SOE  Founder, Henry Turley Company. Real estate developer and New Urbanism pioneer. Created mixed-use Harbor Town community and similar developments at South Bluffs and Uptown Memphis. Founding member of SOE.

Jesse Turner Jr.: Former president, chairman, Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Succeeded his father at the bank in 1990. Bank, founded to serve African-American community, was integral in civil rights struggles. Operates own CPA firm. Treasurer, NAACP National Board of Directors. 

ARCHITECTURE

Rebecca Conrad: Partner and president, ANF Architects. Projects include U of M Law School, Student Rec Center, & Community Health Building, Crosstown High School, CBU Rosa Deal School of Arts & Cooper Wilson Science Center, FedEx Main Screening & SuperHub, Trezevant, The Village at Germantown, St. Jude Shared Resource Center, First TN Bank Ops Center, Baptist Medical Group projects, and Freedom Prep Academy.

Metcalf Crump: Chairman and CEO, The Crump Firm. Clients include FedEx, Smith & Nephew, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, International Paper, Orpheum Theatre, Highwoods Properties, CBRE Memphis, Commercial Advisors.

Scott Fleming: President, Fleming Architects. Projects include U of M Law School, Madison@McLean, Kroc Center, St. Mary’s School, CBHS, Briarcrest HS, Church of the Holy Communion, New Collierville HS, U of M Centennial Place, U of M Scheidt School of Music, Bartlett HS, Conwood/Snuff District, Leftwich Tennis Center, CBU Living Learning Center.

Rick Gardner: Principal and CEO, HBG Design. Practice ranked 4th nationally in hospitality, entertainment architecture, interior design; nine national and local “Best Workplaces” awards. Clients include Elvis Presley Enterprises, Carlisle Corporation, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, International Paper, FedEx Express.

Timothy N. Garrett: Director of architecture, Belz Enterprises/Belz Architecture. 

Susan Golden: Founding partner, president, & healthcare practice leader, brg3s architects. Clients include Youth Villages, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Shelby County, Regional One Health, West Cancer Center, Shelby County Health Department.

Mary Haizlip: Principal, Haizlip Studio. Practice specializes in education, museums, and nonprofits. Projects include U of M Pedestrian Bridge, U of M Student Center, Hospitality Hub + Women’s Shelter, new Frayser Library.

Carter Hord: Principal, Hord Architects. Specializes in master planning, architecture, interior design for nonprofit and institutional clients, particularly churches and Christian schools. Projects include churches in multiple states. AIA 150 Design Award of Merit.

Michel Lebel: Principal and architect, Allen & Hoshall. Registered Architect in seven states. Manager of architecture division since 2018. Served as project manager for DeSoto County Schools’ Building Program for past six years. Award-winning projects include DeSoto County Career and Technology Center, West Memphis Library and Innovation Center.

Tom McConnell: Principal/lead architect, Pickering Firm. Projects include FedEx Ground Sort Hubs, Smith & Nephew manufacturing, AutoZone distribution centers and various industrial parks , including Gateway Global Logistics Center.

Charles “Chooch” Pickard: Principal, Architecture, Incorporated. Projects include Court Square Center, My City Rides Headquarters, 124 Newsroom/McEwen’s on Monroe, Friends For Life Headquarters, Mallory Neely Carriage House Renovation, Historic Gaston Community Center Renovation, and Downtown Memphis Commission Tower Renovation.

Frank Ricks: Managing principal, LRK and founding member, ULI Memphis and RegionSmart. Projects include Crosstown Concourse, Renasant Convention Center, The Walk on Union, FedEx Logistics HQ, Orion Federal Credit Union HQ, Artspace Lofts, Chisca on Main, FedExFamilyHouse, AutoZone Park/Ballpark District, Stax Museum, Old Dominick Distillery, Tennessee Brewery, Pinch Plan, and Edge District Plan.

Stewart Smith: Principal, senior architect, A2H. Specializes in education and healthcare design. Projects include U of M STEM Research and Classroom Building, Memphis Health Center, Lakeland Middle School, Baptist Medical Group, Forest Hill Elementary School, University of Mississippi Manning Center.

Michael Terry: Senior vice president and partner, the Renaissance Group Architecture and Engineering. Architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and electrical engineering design services for industries from automotive to retail.

Jimmie Tucker: Founding Principal, Self + Tucker Architects with Juan Self. Projects include Universal Life Insurance Building Revitalization, Clayborn Temple Restoration, Historic Melrose School Adaptive Reuse, Memphis Innovation Corridor BRT Stations, South Memphis TIF Planning.

Todd Walker: Founding partner, archimania with co-partner Barry Yoakum. Projects include Brooks on the Bluff, U of M Scheidt Family Music Center, Frayser Community Center, OrthoSouth, FedEx, Collage Dance Collective, Girls Inc., Youth Villages, The Grove at GPAC, Christ Community Health Services, Ballet Memphis.

Arts & Entertainment

Tony D. Alexander: Co-founder, president and managing director, Made in Memphis Entertainment. Subsidiaries include 4U Recording, Beatroot, Heavy Hitters Music, MIME Publishing, RoyaltyClaim. Entrepreneur, intellectual property attorney, law professor.

Ekundayo Bandele: Founder and CEO, Hattiloo Theatre. Spearheaded $4.3 million and a later $1 million capital campaign for a theater and development center that opened, debt-free, in June 2014. United Way of the Mid-South award, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis award, Congressional Certificate of Honor, IMB Innovation Award.

Brett Batterson: President & CEO, Orpheum Theatre Group. Entering seventh year as the head of the Orpheum Theatre and Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. Leadership helped the organization successfully navigate the pandemic with innovative ideas, programs, and community events. Officer, Rotary Club of Memphis. Executive Committee member, Independent Presenters Network. Tony Award voter.

Michael Bollinger: Artistic director, Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center. At BPACC, launched Arts In Ed and Music by the Lake series, growing live theater program, presents eclectic performing arts series,  Former director of theaters in Missouri, Virginia, and New York City. Produced &/or directed 500+ concerts/events, 200+ live theater productions.

Scott Bomar: Musician, Emmy Award-winning film/TV composer, music producer. Projects include Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan, and Dolemite is My Name. Produced Grammy-nominated albums by Cyndi Lauper, Memphis Blues (2010), and Don Bryant, You Make Me Feel (2020). Songwriter, William Bell’s 2017 Grammy-winning album, This is Where I Live.

Ned Canty: General director, Opera Memphis. Directed at Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Florida Grand Opera, New York City Opera, Israeli Vocal Arts Institute, Shanghai Conservatory. Created annual 30 Days of Opera program, now replicated in 17 other states. 2017 CEO of the Year, IMB.

Paul Chandler: City of Germantown department head and executive director, Germantown Performing Arts Center, which includes the Duncan Williams Performance Hall, The Grove, and Watkins Studio Theater.  Directs the development of Germantown’s Public Art Master Plan funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Michael Detroit: Executive producer, Playhouse on the Square. Oversees $15 million in assets and $2.7 million annual budget producing 14 shows on three stages, 2 tours, and 13 education outreach programs. Audition coordinator for the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions, the largest audition conference in the U.S. 100+ professional stage credits, 100s of TV commercial, industrial, and voice-over credits, appeared in nine films.

Jon Hornyak: Senior executive director, Memphis Chapter, Recording Academy. U of M College of Communication and Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement Award. Executive producer of over 50 video interviews for Grammy Museum’s Living Histories archives. Executive producer, Sounds of Memphis documentary. Multiple Mid-South Regional Emmy nominations for music-themed shows.

Carissa Hussong: Executive director, Metal Museum, only U.S. organization dedicated to art and craft of fine metalwork. Whitney Museum of American Art Curatorial Fellow. One of “25 Who Shaped Memphis: 1989-2014,” Memphis Flyer. Ellida Fri Leadership Award, 50 Women Who Make A Difference, Memphis Center City Commission Vision Award.

Marcia Kaufmann: Executive director, Iris Orchestra. Was executive director, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Breckenridge Music Festival. Co-founder and artistic director, Icicle Creek Music Center. Member, numerous chamber ensembles and chamber orchestras.

Preston Lamm: CEO, River City Management (Rum Boogie Cafe, King’s Palace Cafe, Pig on Beale, Mesquite Chop House, Spindini). Pioneer Award, 2004, Memphis Restaurant Association, for redeveloping restaurant business on Beale Street. Finalist, 2013 CEO of the Year, IMB.

David Less: Author, Memphis Mayhem: A Story of the Music That Shook Up The World. Producer Alex Chilton & Hi Rhythm Section Boogie Shoes LP, Ann Peebles/Hi Rhythm Section Live in Memphis LP. Member, Jazz Journalist Association. Keeping the Blues Alive Award, Blues Foundation. Former partner, Memphis International Records, Merless Publishing.

Debbie Litch: Executive producer, Theatre Memphis. Memphis Symphony Orchestra Hebe and Amphion Awards; Germantown Arts Alliance Arts and Humanities Award; American Association of Community Theatre’s Twink Lynch Award; Gyneka Award from Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis; “Janie McCrary Putting It Together” Ostrander; American Association of Community Theatre’s Distinguished Merit Award, 2021 Tennessee Arts Commission Governor’s Arts Leadership Award.

Sherry May: Co-Director, Live at the Garden and new Radians Amphitheater. Live at the Garden is the long-running premier outdoor concert series located at Memphis Botanic Garden since 2001, with an annual attendance of more than 35,000 people. Treasurer, The Blues Foundation Board of Directors.

Dan McCleary: Founder and producing artistic director of Tennessee Shakespeare Company, the first and only professional classical theater in the Mid-South, creating 35,000 points of contact annually through performances, education, outreach, and training. 2009 Distinguished Arts & Humanities Medal from Germantown Arts Alliance.

Gretchen Wollert McLennon: President and CEO, Ballet Memphis. With organization since childhood as former student and dancer. Led board of directors as chairman from 2014-17. Former founder and principal, DI Studio. 2009 Top 40 Under 40, MBJ.

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell: Chief manager/engineer, Royal Studios. Chapter governor, Memphis Chapter, Recording Academy. Producer, Take Me to the River documentary. NARAS awards for Grammy award-winning and nominated projects. Clients include Al Green, Bruno Mars, North Mississippi All-Stars, Keith Richards, Robert Plant, Boz Scaggs, Wu-Tang Clan, John Mayer. 2016 Record of the Year Grammy, Uptown Funk. 2019 Memphian of the Year, Memphis magazine.

Robert Moody: Music director, Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Guest-conducted Chicago Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. International work includes Slovenian Philharmonic, Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Work is on several commercial audio recordings.

<IN MEMORIAM> Tommy Peters: Founder and president of Beale Street Blues Company, which owns and operates B.B. King’s Blues Clubs in Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, New Orleans, Montgomery, and on nine Holland America Cruise Ships. Founder / president of Lafayette’s Music Room, Itta Bena, and Moondance Grill in Germantown with his wife, Liz.

Mark Resnick: Acting executive director, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Previously museum deputy director and COO. Former executive vice president, business affairs, 20th Century Fox.

Kevin Sharp: Linda W. and S. Herbert Rhea Director, The Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Leads museum and public garden with diverse exhibition and education programs. Expanded audience, membership, donor base, income yearly since 2007. Led major renovation of the museum in 2015. Oversaw construction of the Farnsworth Education Building in 2018-2019.

Katie Smythe: Founder, CEO, and artistic director, New Ballet Ensemble & School. Secretary, National Guild for Community Arts Education. National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, 2014. Founding Board, Overton Park Shell.

Howard Stovall: President and co-founder, Resource Entertainment. Produces annual pre-game concert for College Football National Championship Game. Company provides event management services and entertainment from local bands to national headliners for its clients. Manages The Columns Downtown rental venue.

Natalie Wilson: Executive director, Overton Park Shell. Former director of visitor experience, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, where she was key in redevelopment of the park.

Cindi Younker: Director, Buckman Arts Center and Buckman Dance Conservatory. Center at St. Mary’s is Memphis’ premiere, intimate performance venue welcoming world-class artists to the Mid-South with educational outreach for Shelby County youth since 1996. Conservatory offers ballet, jazz, and modern to over 125 dancers ages 3 to adult from across the community with performance opportunities. Levy Gallery features exhibitions for five visual artists each season.

Auto Dealers

David S. Andrews,  SOE :  Founder and CEO, City Enterprises, LLC, holding company for City Auto, Dealers Auto Auction Group, City Auto Finance, City Leasing, Pace Finance, City Construction and Development, Chief Automotive Group of Jackson, Auto Simple Chattanooga. Operations in 4 states and 12 cities; employs over 950.

Bobby Cline: General manager, Landers Cadillac. Former general manager of Bud Davis Cadillac.

Karen Dawson: General manager, Roadshow BMW/MINI franchise. Previously in financial services and marketing roles for BMW in Ohio, New Jersey, and Louisiana. 2018 Automotive News Top 40 Under 40. National Automobile Dealers Association NextGen Leadership Club.

Mark Goodfellow: Owner, It’s All Good Auto Sales. “Favorite Used Car Dealership,” The Commercial Appeal, Memphis Most. Four-star athlete at Marion High School in Arkansas in basketball, baseball, football, tennis. With Devin Donaldson, won 2010 United States Tennis Association’s 7.0 Mixed Doubles National Championships in Arizona.

Al Gossett: President, CEO, owner, Gossett Motor Cars. Largest privately owned automotive group in the Mid-South. Manufacturers include Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Kia, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Fiat. Member, Memphis Grizzlies ownership group.

Russell Gwatney: President, Gwatney Mazda of Germantown, Gwatney Saab of Memphis, and Gwatney Mazda of Jackson. Finalist, 2005 Time Quality Dealer of the Year. Andrew Jackson Award, 2000 Tennessee Volunteer of the Year, Tennessee Society of Economic Development.

Trudy Higginbotham Moody: Owner, Mercedes-Benz of Collierville and Mercedes-Benz and Porsche of Jackson, Mississippi. Best Mercedes-Benz Dealership to Work For in nation, Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer, Porsche Premier Dealer.

Henry A. Hutton: President/dealer, Chuck Hutton Chevrolet, Chuck Hutton Toyota, Chuck Hutton Co. Graduate, Tennessee Banking School at Vanderbilt, Banking School of the South at LSU.

James J. Keras: President, Jim Keras Automotive Group. Family-owned business. Became dealer principal in 1978. Circle of Excellence, General Motors Select Dealer, and Mark of Excellence awards.

Ernie Norcross: Owner/dealer principal, Volvo Cars of Memphis & Norcross Mazda of Memphis. Past president, Greater Memphis Automobile Dealers Association. Chairman, Volvo Retailer Advisory Board. Member, North American Volvo Product Advisory Board.

Bruce Kent Ritchey Sr.,  SOE:   President, Landers Auto Group with locations in Memphis, Southaven, and Jackson, Mississippi. Franchises include Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Cadillac, Volkswagen. President, Greater Memphis Auto Dealers Association.

Joseph H. Schaeffer III: Owner, Wolfchase Honda and Wolfchase Nissan. Member, Honda Market Advisors Board, Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South, Greater Memphis Automobile Dealers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, and Tennessee Automotive Association.

Bryan Smith: Owner and general manager, Lexus of Memphis. Co-owner with father Stefan. Family-owned dealership serving Memphis since 1990. Elite of Lexus certification for 20 years for exceptional performance.

Gunter Stephan: President, Mercedes-Benz of Memphis. Experience with company in Germany, Canada, and United States.

Dan Umansky: Owner, Umansky Auto Group. 

Farrar Vaughan: President, Jaguar Land Rover Bluff City. One of six female Jaguar dealers of more than 170 nationwide. Appointed by former Governor Bill Haslam to Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission representing 9th Congressional District.

Rob Walker: Executive manager and founding general sales manager, Infiniti of Memphis. Over 30 years with family-owned company.

Banking - Administration

Kirk Bailey: Chairman, Memphis, Pinnacle Financial Partners. Leader in local banks since 1980. Founded Magna Bank 1999. PMD degree, Harvard Business School. Active in industry, community affairs.

Tara Burton: President and CEO, FedEx Employees Credit Association. NAFCU Certified Compliance Officer. 2017 Super Women in Business Award, MBJ. Honoree, 2016 Women to Watch, Credit Union Times.

Harold Byrd: President, Bank of Bartlett. Co-founder, Bank of Bartlett, Bartlett Mortgage, Bartlett Travel. Former Tennessee State Representative. Former special assistant to U.S. Senator Jim Sasser. President emeritus, Memphis Rebounders. Partner in Education Award, SCS, Distinguished Alumni Award, U of M.

Frank Cianciola,  SOE: Board chairman and CEO, Banc3 Holdings; executive board chairman, Bank3. Former CEO, Victory Bank & Trust; founder, CEO, and chairman, Renasant Bank. Was chairman and vice chairman, Metropolitan Bank.

Brandon Cooper: Executive vice president, Memphis metro division president, Simmons Bank. Former experience in commercial lending, retail branch management, district management, wealth management relationship manager, community banking.

W. Craig Esrael: President and CEO, First South Financial. Executive of the Year, MBJ. Entrepreneur of the Year, Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce. CEO of the Year, IMB. One of Fittest CEOs in America, Fortune. Tennessee Volunteer Commendation Award by Governor of Tennessee.

Mott Ford: Chairman and CEO, Commercial Bank and Trust Company, a $995 million institution with statewide offices in Memphis, Paris, Jackson, and Union City.

Gene Henson: President, Memphis & North Mississippi Region, Trustmark National Bank. Board Member, Tennessee Bankers Association and past chairman, Government Relations Committee. Past member, Government Relations Council Administrative Committee, American Bankers Association.

David C. May: Market executive and regional commercial banking director for Tennessee and Kentucky, Regions Bank. Co-Chair of Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle. Board member, United Way of the Mid-South.

Johnny B. Moore: President, Tennessee Region, Truist. Former president and CEO, SunTrust Bank. SunTrust merged with BB&T at the end of 2019.

Daniel Reid: President, West Tennessee Banking Group, Renasant Bank. Focus on commercial banking practices and an emphasis on training opportunities for leadership, lending, and productivity.

Jim Rout: Consultant, former president, and CEO, BankTennessee. Former Shelby County Mayor and Shelby County Commissioner. 2009 Optimist Citizen of Year from Memphis and Shelby County Respect for Law Committee, Optimist International. Distinguished Alumni Award, U of M.

Robert S. Shaw Jr.: Co-founder and CEO, Paragon Bank. Graduate, American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School.

W. Scott Stafford: President, CEO, & director, Evolve Bank & Trust. 2015 CEO of the Year, IMB. Evolve a sponsor of Halloran Centre Music Series, River Arts Fest, Overton Park Shell, Cooper-Young Festival.

Chip Dudley, SOE and Susan S. Stephenson, SOE : Co-founders and co-chairs, Independent Bank. Before founding i-bank, Dudley was chairman, president, and CEO of Boatmen’s Bank of Arkansas and Stephenson was chairman, president, and CEO of Boatmen’s Bank of Tennessee. Both have led and served on numerous civic organizations. Bank is recognized as a top community bank in the nation.

William R. Tayloe: President, Financial Federal Bank. Financial Federal Board of Directors. Responsible for oversight and management. Active in business development, risk management, strategic planning.

Banking - commercial lending

Rebecca Bowers: Community bank president, Memphis, Evolve Bank & Trust. Former senior vice president, private banking. Almost 30 years in banking in Memphis. Former positions with First Capital Bank and Bank of Bartlett.

Hunt Campbell: Regional president, Tennessee, Guaranty Bank & Trust Company based in Belzoni, Mississippi. Bank holds almost $1.5 billion in total assets. Former president & CEO, First Alliance Bank. 

Wright Cox: President & CEO, BankTennessee. LSU Graduate School of Banking. More than 35 years in banking. Graduate, Rhodes College Executive Leadership Program. C.H. Harrell Education Award.

Blake Elliot: Senior vice president, commercial banking executive, Regions Bank. 25+ years commercial banking. Specialties include healthcare, transportation, logistics, technology, food and beverage, government and institutional banking, capital markets.

Duncan Galbreath: Senior vice president, Mid-South commercial banking manager, First Horizon National Corp. Two-plus decades of commercial banking with focus on lending, depository, cash management needs.

Andrea Gladney: Community president, Commercial Bank and Trust Company, Memphis. Former treasurer, House of Grace. Life member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries.

Rick Hall: Executive vice president and senior commercial lender, Renasant Bank. Almost four decades in banking. Member, Lambda Alpha International, Economic Club of Memphis. Founder and former chairman, Westminster Academy.

Steve Hawkins: Director of specialty banking, First Horizon National Corp. With bank for 38 years, current position since 2012. Wholesale line of business director for all commercial loan and treasury activities, including commercial, corporate, specialized lending, deposit relationships.

Phillip May: Memphis market president, Pinnacle Financial Partners. Commercial and corporate lending since 1994. Former corporate executive, SunTrust and Regions Bank. Founded Metropolitan Bank in 2007, grew assets to $700 million before merging with Renasant.

Robert Morehead: Community Bank president, BancorpSouth. In banking for more than 30 years. Responsible for all commercial operations in the Memphis market. Works with the Greater Memphis Chamber, Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Memphis East.

John Palmer: Managing director, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac lending at Greystone Servicing Corporation. Responsible for Greystone’s Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae DUS Lending Platform, including affordable, seniors, small balance multifamily lending.

Frank Stallworth: Executive vice president of commercial real estate, Orion FCU. Former senior vice president of commercial and multifamily financing at Pinnacle Bank responsible for all commercial and multifamily real estate lending activities, including placement of income property loans with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Tom Stephenson: Executive vice president and chief credit officer, Independent Bank. More than 40 years’ experience in the banking industry. Former president, American Cancer Society.

Richard T. Wood III: Executive vice president and manager of Commercial/Multifamily Division, Financial Federal Bank. Involved in commercial lending more than 40 years. 2014 Lifetime Achievement “Titan” Award, 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. Regional CCIM Chapter. Leads mortgage banking team in Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville offices.

Bioscience 

Bob Bean: CEO, YX Genomics Holding Corp. and subsidiaries TransnetYX, YX Services, RobotYX. Provides outsourced genetic services, cloud-based management software, and laboratory consulting. 2012 CEO of the Year, IMB.

James Beaty: Pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics. Board certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Former chief of staff, Campbell Clinic; former director, Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship. President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association.

Kevin Foley: Chairman and director of complex spine surgery, Semmes Murphey Clinic. Director, Spine Fellowship Program, Department of Neurosurgery; Professor of Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, UTHSC. Medical director and chairman, Medical Education & Research Institute.

Manoj Jain: Infectious disease consultant, hospital epidemiologist, health policy advocate. Consults at Baptist Memorial Hospital and Methodist hospitals. Advisor, Memphis and Shelby County Covid-19 Joint Task Force.

Richard Magid: Vice president and director of technology transfer, UT Research Foundation. Led out-licensing of UTHSC inventions and discoveries, including launch of Tennessee-based startups. Creator and teacher, “Entrepreneurship for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,” UTHSC. U.S. patent agent.

Geoffrey S. Martha: President and CEO, Medtronic, leader in medical technology, services, and solutions. Was executive VP of company’s restorative therapies group. Oversees operating groups and regions.

Jon McCullers: Pediatrician-in-chief, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Senior executive associate dean of clinical affairs, COO, Dunavant professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, UTHSC. Advisor, Memphis and Shelby County Covid-19 Joint Task Force.

Frank A. McGrew III: Director of cardiovascular research and clinical cardiologist, Stern Cardiovascular Foundation. Certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, American Board of Internal Medicine. Assistant clinical professor of medicine to Duke University, certified in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology.

Robert Palmisano: President and CEO, Wright Medical Group. Former president and CEO, ev3, endovascular device firm. Former president and CEO, IntraLase, MacroChem, Summit Technology.

Mary V. Relling: Chair, Pharmaceutical Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Institute of Medicine of National Academy of Sciences. Pediatric Cancer Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology. Team Science Prize, American Association of Cancer Research. Co-leader, NIH-funded Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium.

Isaac Rodriguez: Co-founder, chief science officer, SweetBio Inc. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. Innovation Award winner, IMB. Top 10 Alumni, VCU. Keynote speaker, NASA Langley’s Hispanic Heritage Month.

Gary Stevenson: Managing partner and co-founder, MB Venture Partners. CPA, Chartered Financial Analyst. Invested in more than 40 medical-device and biotech startups, 18 in Shelby County. Participated in financing GTx and BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc.

Robert Williams: Professor and chair of the Department of Genetics, UTHSC; UT-ORNL governor’s chair in Genomics; Developer of open access websites for scientific discovery since 1994, including GeneNetwork, and new experimental methods and models to test predictions of disease risk using genetic data.

Ken Woody: Partner and president, Innova Memphis, which invests in and mentors early-stage medical device companies, biosciences, technology companies.

Business Organizations

Jozelle Luster Booker: President & CEO, The MMBC Continuum. An experienced economic development leader operating a top-performing MBDA Business Center for the U.S. Department of Commerce with a national network of scalable minority suppliers. MMBC Continuum is the economic accelerator for minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the Mid-South. 

Scott A. Brockman: President and CEO, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority. Oversees airport’s modernization plan. Accredited Airport Executive. AAAE Distinguished Service Award. SEC AAAE Airport Professional of the Year, 2010 & 2012.

Reggie Crenshaw: President and CEO, Leadership Memphis, with Executive Program for senior leaders, FastTrack for emerging leaders. Events include MLK Days of Service, 9/11 Day of Service, Volunteer Memphis Awards.

Pearson Crutcher: Executive director, The Society of Entrepreneurs. Educates and encourages businesspeople with the Entrepreneurs Roundtable, Insights Group, and Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet. Top 40 Under 40, Superwoman of Business, MBJ. St. Agnes Academy Hall of Fame.

Janie Day: President and CEO, Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce. Previously elected executive director. Creates vibrant environment in Germantown through business, government, and community partnerships.

Anna Mullins Ellis: President and CEO, New Memphis, which develops, activates, and retains diverse talent for a vital and prosperous Memphis. Former publisher, High Ground News. Director, TEDx-Memphis. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ; 20<30, Memphis Flyer.

Gwyn R. Fisher: Greater Memphis regional director of Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Founder and CEO, Revolution Strategy. Former executive director, MPACT Memphis. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ.

Don Glays: President, Tennessee Builders Education Foundation. Former executive director, West Tennessee Home Builders Association. Provides career development, training, placement in building industry.

Mark Heuberger: President, CEO, Collierville Chamber of Commerce. Provides services, resources, opportunities to help Collierville businesses. Members receive business advocacy, promotion, legislation representation, and B2B relationships.

Randy Hutchinson: President and CEO, Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South, with 4,400 BBB Accredited members. Provides more than 1.4 million reports on Mid-South businesses annually to consumers. Educates consumers on how to avoid scams.

Kannette Keough: Executive director, West Tennessee Home Builders Association. Hosts VESTA Home Shows. Largest local home builders’ association in Tennessee with a network of home construction, remodeling, contractor, supplier services.

Eric Mathews: CEO, Start Co., national venture architect of new business models and data-inspired problem solving. Directly supported over 300 growing businesses. International thought leader on innovation. Boards member, CodeCrew, Ballet Memphis.

Jeremy C. Park: CEO, cityCURRENT, focused on philanthropy, positive media, free community events; member of Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance, a Higginbotham Company. Author of Giving for Growth; producer/host of The SPARK and SPARK Awards on WKNO-TV, ChangeMakers podcast, and cityCURRENT radio show.

Beverly Robertson: President & CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber. Former president, National Civil Rights Museum. Principal, TRUST Marketing (accounts include Promus Companies, Holiday Inn Worldwide, Midas International, Merrill Lynch). 30 years+ in public/community relations, communications, strategic planning, research.

Otis Sanford: President, Rotary Club Memphis branch. Hardin chair of excellence in economic and managerial journalism, U of M. Contributor, Daily Memphian, WREG-TV.

Linn Sitler: Runs Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission. As reporter/producer/writer, was member of first Memphis tv crew to film overseas. As film commissioner, has recruited clients who’ve left millions of dollars in the local economy during the last three decades. Spearheaded Memphis effort to recruit filming of Memphis as Chicago in ABC-TV’s Women of the Movement. Led Film Commission’s efforts to assist production community during pandemic.

Jessica Taveau: CEO, Epicenter, the Memphis region’s entrepreneurship hub. Drives strategy to develop a thriving entrepreneurial economy and increase entrepreneurs’ equitable access to a growing network of partners and resources.

Blair Taylor: President, Memphis Tomorrow. Directs strategic, collective action by CEOs of Memphis’ largest enterprises to promote opportunity and quality of life for Memphians. Founder and chair, Tennesseans for Quality Early Education.

Rory Thomas: President, Memphis Medical District Collaborative. Former executive director, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, STCC. “Top 40 Under 40,” MBJ.

John Threadgill: President, Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce. Sustains Bartlett economy and community, implements programs for member businesses, assists with growth for current businesses, markets assets to attract new investment.

Laurie Tucker: Executive director, Economic Club of Memphis. Co-Founded Calade Partners, a strategy and marketing consultancy. Former senior vice president of marketing, FedEx Services, where she led rebranding initiatives and go-to-market strategies.

Mark Yates: Regional vice president, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Former president and CEO, Black Business Association of Memphis. Founder, Memphis Youth Summer Business Experience, The Enlightenment Center, LES mental-health outpatient care for children and families. Founder, Voices for Memphis’ Children. Former chief of staff and faculty, LeMoyne-Owen College; chief of staff, U.S. House of Representatives.

CEOs, COOs, & Leaders

Ron Beal: Chairman, president, CEO, Orgill, Inc. Former U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer. Joined Orgill in 1985 as general manager of the hardware division. Became president and CEO in 2005; elected chairman 2013.

H. Eric Bolton Jr.: Chairman and CEO, MAA, a real estate investment trust focused on acquisition, development, redevelopment, management of multifamily homes. 2007 Distinguished Alumni, U of M Fogelman College of Business & Economics. 2001 Multifamily Executive of the Year.

Kennard Brown: Executive vice chancellor and COO, UTHSC. Assistant professor, College of Pharmacy; Department of Surgery, College of Medicine; chief administrative officer, UTHSC campus. Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives. Previous director, Office of Equity and Diversity, Office of Employee Relations, Center on Health Disparities.

Robert B. Carter: Executive vice president and chief information officer, FedEx Information Services; chief information officer, FedEx Corp. Member of executive committee that plans and executes strategic business activities. Sets technology direction of FedEx applications, infrastructure, networks, data centers providing global support for products.

Andy Cates: Founder, general partner, and CEO, RVC Outdoor Destinations, country’s leading provider of high-quality outdoor vacation properties. Founding partner, Viceroy Investments, LLC in Dallas; Value Acquisition Fund in Memphis. Project developer and board chairman, Soulsville Revitalization Project. Member of original Grizzlies ownership group. 

Gregory Christopher: Chairman and CEO, Mueller Industries, Inc., multinational manufacturer, distributor, seller of copper, brass, and other metal products for a variety of industries. Became CEO in 2008 and chairman of the board in 2016. Copper Club Ankh Award.

Paul DePriest: Executive VP and COO, Baptist Memorial Health Care. Completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology, fellowship in gynecological oncology at University of Kentucky Medical Center. Top Doctors for Women in the South, Women’s Health.

Steve Ehrhart: Executive director, AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Managed Liberty Bowl Football Classic since 1994, one of the oldest annual postseason games and highest-rated telecasts originating from Memphis. Former executive director, USFL; president/GM, Memphis Showboats; president, Colorado Rockies.

Mark Halperin: Executive VP and COO, Boyle Investment Co. Appointee, EDGE for Memphis and Shelby County. 2008 Commercial Broker of the Year, Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council; 2012 Outstanding Recipient, 2008 Realtors Commercial Alliance National Award, National Association of Realtors, Commercial Division.

Fred Jones Jr.: President, Summitt Management Corporation. Founder, Southern Heritage Classic; organizes annual matchup betwen Jackston State University and Tennessee State University since 1990. 40 Change Makers, Leadership Memphis. 2019 Power 100, MBJ.

Bryan Jordan: Chairman, president, CEO, First Horizon National Corp. Sets strategy for 5,500-employee company founded in 1864 with 14th oldest national bank charter. Leading regional financial services company with $79 billion in assets. Company named a top employer by American Banker and Working Mother. Chairman, Coalition for Better Health.

Stuart Kronauge: Global CEO, The Juice Plus+ Company. Oversees more than 700 employees. Former chief marketing officer for Beyond Meat. Prior, two decades of executive and corporate experience at Coca-Cola.

Stacy McCall: President, CEO, ServiceMaster by Stratos. Former petroleum engineer. Past president of NAWBO Memphis, member of Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council and Le Bonheur National Leadership Council. 2017 CEO of the Year, IMB. 2019 Marion E. Wade Award.

Billy Orgel,  SOE: Founder, president, CEO, Tower Ventures, a national provider of wireless communications structures. Member of Grizzlies ownership group. Organizer and director, First Capital Bank. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. Completed new construction of commercial spaces and 500 apartments, and preserved seven historic buildings in Downtown Memphis.

Brett Ponton: CEO, Terminix. Joined company in 2020 after serving as president and CEO of Monro, Inc. Almost 25 years’ experience with distributed service organizations, including leading both company-owned and franchise operations.

David T. Popwell: President of banking, First Horizon National Corp. Former chairman, president, CEO, SunTrust in Memphis; executive VP, National Commerce Financial Corp.; shareholder, responsible for mergers and acquisitions practice group, Baker Donelson.

Henry E. Reaves III: Founder and CEO, Reaves Law Firm. Founded firm in 2011. Specializes in the fields of workers’ compensation and personal injury.

Bill Rhodes: Chairman, president, and CEO, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone. Leads Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees and net sales of $14.6 billion in 2021. In 2005, became the youngest Fortune 500 CEO at age 39.

Lauren McHugh Robinson: President and CEO, Huey’s Restaurants. Operates nine family-owned establishments in the Mid-South, with a tenth opening soon. 2022 CEO of the Year, IMB.

Raj Subramaniam: President and COO, FedEx; president and CEO, FedEx Express; Co-president and Co-CEO, FedEx Services. Oversees FedEx portfolio of operating companies and more than 450,000 team members. Member of executive committee that plans and executes FedEx’s strategic business activities.

Mark Sutton: Chairman and CEO, International Paper, one of world’s leading producers of packaging, pulp, and paper. Started at IP in 1984 as an engineer at the Pineville, Louisiana, mill. Prior to becoming CEO, gained leadership experience as president and COO.

Rex Tibbens: President and CEO, Frontdoor, Inc. Tech-enabled home services and building sub-contractor platform. 2021 revenue increased by nine percent to more than $1.6 billion. Former COO, Lyft Inc.

W. Troy Watson: President and CEO, ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance. Founded company in 2005. Oversees more than 700 employees across 14 states. 2022 CEO of the Year, IMB.

John Webb: Memphis market president, Cigna. Oversees healthcare and related benefits plans in West Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi. Clients include FedEx, Shelby County Schools.

Daniel Weickenand: CEO, Orion Federal Credit Union. Joined in 2010; revitalized business into a community-focused enterprise with more than 70,000 members and $1 billion in assets. Oversaw move to new headquarters. 2018 CEO of the Year, IMB.

Jason Wexler: President of business/basketball operations, Memphis Grizzlies. Oversaw transition from the “Grit and Grind” era to a younger squad led by young stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Kevin Woods: Market president, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Former executive director, Memphis’ Workforce Investment Network. Leadership Memphis Executive Class of 2014; Leadership Tennessee class of 2017. 40 Under 40, MBJ.

J.T. Young: President and CEO, MLGW. Joined in 2018 and is the 11th president to lead the utility. Experience in engineering, customer service, marketing, sales, risk management, information technology, finance, and supply chain management.

Certified Public Accounting 

Gregory E. Barnes: Managing partner, Memphis office, KPMG, LLP. Graduate, Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business Executive Development Program. CPA, Chartered Financial Analyst.

Jud Cannon: CEO, Cannon Wright Blount. Started company with Doug Wright and Richard Blount offering business, software, outsourcing solutions for clients beyond general accounting services. Tax and audit services, technology, accounting, consulting solutions.

P. Anthony Clark: Market managing partner, Memphis/Dallas-Fort Worth, DHG. Industry leader for hospitality and resorts practice. Clients in construction, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution. American Institute of CPAs, Tennessee, Florida Society of CPAs.

J. Eustis Corrigan, Jr.: Senior managing director and shareholder, CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. Transforms accounting, tax, and advisory services into creative solutions. CPA licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana.

David L. DelBrocco: Owner, DelBrocco & Associates CPAs. Business consulting, audit, tax services to privately held family businesses in manufacturing, distribution, real estate, services, and nonprofits throughout the Mid-South since 1990.

Randal L. Gregory: Managing partner, Fouts & Morgan, CPAs. Serving clients in construction, home building, nonprofits, professional service businesses. Tax and audit, partner in charge of marketing. Oversees staff of 30+ professionals, paraprofessionals, support personnel. CPAmerica International.

Carl 'Skeet' Haag: Managing partner, Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC. Audit, tax, and advisory services to private companies in Mid-South including financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, real estate, dealerships, nonprofits.

John D. Ivy Jr.: Managing member, Frazee Ivy Davis, PLC. Serves owner-managed enterprises, nonprofits, individuals. Volunteer board and committee service to Trezevant Manor, Second Presbyterian Church Foundation, EDGE for Memphis and Shelby County.

Jason Martin: Managing partner, Memphis office, HHM. Oversees audit, assurance, and attest services for clients within governmental and private arenas. Member, Economic Club of Memphis, Rotary of East Memphis.

J. Kenneth (Chip) Marston Jr.: Founder and CEO, The Marston Group, PLC. Advisory, tax, and financial reporting. Entrepreneurial ventures and advisor to companies, families, trusts, foundations.

Kevin McAdams: Office managing shareholder, Memphis Office, Elliott Davis Decosimo. Administration, daily operations, organization of office. Firm founded in 1925. 750+ professionals in four states. A Top 30 accounting, tax, consulting firm in the country.

B. Robert Payne: President and managing partner, Brundige, Payne & Company, PC. Provides accounting, tax, consultation services. American Institute of CPAs. Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

Jonathan Pennington: Memphis managing partner and office audit leader, Deloitte. More than 23 years’ experience with clients in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation/logistics, consumer business industries.

Mike Skinner: Partner-in-Charge, HORNE Cyber. Information technology audit, regulatory compliance, information security consulting, internal control consulting, business solutions. AICPA’s 40 Under 40.

Jeffrey L. Thomason: Chief manager, Watkins Uiberall. Guides strategic direction of the firm. 75+ employees in Memphis and Tupelo offices. Largest locally owned CPA firm in Memphis.

Terryl Viner: Member/partner, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC. Specializes in tax planning, individual, partnership and corporate taxation, multi-state tax compliance, employee benefit issues, and supervising audits and reviews of financial statements.

Richard Wright: Managing partner, Memphis, Ernst & Young. Audit and other services to clients in manufacturing, distribution, retail, transportation. Member, American Institute of CPAs. Manages EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year program in the Memphis market.

CFOS

Abed Abdo: CFO, ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Responsible for utilizing analytical and financial information to grow the organization. Former vice president of finance, ConvaTec.

Bill Griffin: Executive vice president and CFO, Baptist Memorial Health Care. CPA. Chartered global management accountant. Fellow, Healthcare Financial Management Association. HFMA-certified healthcare financial professional.

Jamere Jackson: CFO and executive vice president – finance and store development, AutoZone. Former executive vice president and CFO, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Former leadership positions at Nielsen Holdings and General Electric Company.

Chuck Lane: Senior vice president and CFO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. With organization since 1996.  

Mike Lenz: Executive vice president and CFO, FedEx. Responsible for all of the corporation’s global financial functions. Member, FedEx five-person executive committee. 

William C. Losch III: Executive VP and CFO, First Horizon National Corp. Leads corporation’s financial activities including treasury, accounting, controls, tax, financial planning, strategic planning.

Ashley McAdams: CFO, Orion Federal Credit Union. Former partner and director of financial institution practices, HORNE LLP. More than 15 years in financial industry helping community-based financial institutions grow.

Tim S. Nicholls: Senior VP and CFO, International Paper. At the company since 1999 through company’s acquisition of Union Camp. Has held a variety of finance, business planning, and leadership positions.

Frank Reid: CFO, Duncan-Williams Inc. CPA. Oversaw transition to the Pershing system while maintaining independence as a fully computing FINRA member. Created in-house, self-directed 401(k) plan for employees with no outside administration costs.

Rick Wagers: Senior executive VP and CFO, Regional One Health. Oversees finance, materials management, security, engineering, facilities development, safety, revenue cycle. Leadership Memphis. 2012 CFO of the Year, MBJ. 2015 Senior Executive Meritorious Service Award, Tennessee Hospital Association.

Jimmie D. Williams: CFO and senior vice president, Belz Enterprises, one of largest commercial and industrial developers in the South. U.S. Army Officer Training School, Finance Corps. Chairman, Mid-America Student Housing, Inc.

Commercial Insurance

J. Dale Crow: Senior vice president at Risk Strategies Company. 100+ offices nationally, including Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Professional liability and property and casualty insurance solutions for architectural and engineering firms, law firms, accounting firms, and a wide variety of consultants.

Larry E. Crum: President, Larry E. Crum & Associates LLC. 50+ years as award-winning Nationwide Insurance Agency. Hall of Fame inductee. Independent Agent with 42 staff and licensed associates in 9 offices serving customers in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Serves 37 states from New York to California.

Cindi Gresham: President, Boyle Insurance Agency, Inc., providing for all lines of personal and business insurance needs including industry programs for senior care, professional liability, contractors, apartments/condominiums, nonprofits. Certified Insurance Counselor. Tennessee National Director of the IIABA.

Jeffrey S. Hall: President/principal, Insight Risk Management. Handles large commercial and group employee benefits with a focus on warehousing, contracting, transportation. Provides business/commercial and personal insurance, bonds, health and life insurance. Former president, Insurors of Memphis.

Mark E. Harris: Principal, Harris, Madden, Powell, Stallings & Brown, Inc. Heavy casualty, construction, surety, management liability, logistics, manufacturing risk. Develops alternative risk solutions including captives shared risk programs. Former president, West Tennessee Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Collierville Chamber of Commerce.

Cindy Klatt: President, Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group. Former COO. Oversees agency operations and provides strategic leadership.

W. Joseph Lammel: Principal, Lammel & Associates. Transportation, construction, surety, financial risk. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation, American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

S. Eugene Mathis Jr.: Executive VP, Mathis & Company dba Mathis, Tibbets & Massey, Inc. Surety bonding, contractors’ insurance, workers compensation, general liability, employee benefits, inland marine coverages. Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist.

Jeff Michael: VP, Clay & Land Insurance, Inc. Joined father, Mike Michael, at Michael Insurance Agency in 1975. Merged with Clay & Land in 1982. Full-service, independent, family-owned agency providing all lines of insurance. Professional liability, property, general liability.

Dale Morris: Owner and principal, Morris & Associates. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and past president, Memphis CPCU Chapter. Associate in Risk Management. Past chairman, Memphis and Shelby County Insurance Advisory Committee, Greater Memphis Insurance Council. 

Stephen L. Oseman: President and owner, Oseman Insurance Agency. One of largest independent agencies in Tennessee. Offices in Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi, specializing in automotive industry, healthcare P&C, education, social services, entertainment, transportation.

Kenneth David Paylor: CEO and president, USI of Tennessee, Inc. Executive management and large risk management programs. 200+ offices in the U.S. Certified Insurance Counselor, Associate in Risk Management. Certificate of Achievement for Advanced Consultancy Practice I.

John Robert Pitts: Co-CEO, Lipscomb and Pitts Insurance, LLC. With partner Mat Lipscomb III, majority owner of largest locally owned insurance agency in the Mid-South. President’s Club member, University of Tennessee.

Kirk Riggins: Partner, Page, Chaffin & Riggins Insurance. Hands-on insurance mainly with Main Street America business. Licensed in multiple states. Certified Insurance Counselor Designation. Insurors of Tennessee.

Brad V. Smith: President, Smith-Berclair Insurance. Formerly named Cecil Smith Insurance. Purchased Berclair Insurance Center and merged companies into Smith-Berclair Insurance. NCAA Division I college football replay official. Former president, Insurors of Memphis, Insurors of Tennessee. Elder, Grace Evangelical Church.

Paul Woods: Managing director and client executive, Marsh USA, Inc. Member of firm’s Southeastern Partnership Management team. Transportation/logistics and wholesale/retail segments.

Commercial Real Estate

Ronald “Ron” Belz: President and CEO, Belz Enterprises. One of largest commercial and industrial developers in the South. Developed more than 25 million square feet of property, including Shelby Oaks, Goodlett Farms, Appling Farms, The Peabody, Peabody Place. Development and management of industrial, retail, office, residential properties nationwide.

Paul Boyle: President, Boyle Investment Co. Specializes in Memphis and Nashville real estate. Properties include Schilling Farms, Regalia Shopping Center, Ridgeway Center, The Pinnacle of Germantown.

Danny Buring: Managing partner, Memphis office, The Shopping Center Group, LLC. Clients include Fresh Market, Dick’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Panera Bread, Chipotle, LA Fitness, Fleming’s Steakhouse. 2004 Pinnacle Award for Commercial Broker of the Year.

Chance Carlisle: CEO, Carlisle Corporation. Manages aviation, real estate development, Wendy’s franchise departments. Development portfolio includes One Beale Project and $30 million Chisca Hotel renovation.

Andy Cates: CEO and president of Brokerage Services, Colliers International in Memphis. Colliers Everest Award and numerous Memphis Area Association of Realtors Pinnacle Awards. SIOR Memphis Chapter President, 2013.

Kevin Clarkson: COO, Henry Turley Company. Oversees property management operations alongside Michelle Risher, maintenance staff, and engineering group. Also oversees construction project management and new developments. Partner at CBRE Memphis for 30+ years, oversaw property management, engineering, and construction. 

Darrell T. Cobbins: President and principal broker, Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC. 20-year industry veteran involved with projects like Crosstown Concourse, Liberty Park redevelopment, Orange Mound Tower, and Northside High redevelopment. Represented clients FedEx, BlueCrossBlueShield, City of Memphis, Junior Achievement of Memphis, Kruger Tissue.

Thomas Farnsworth: Partner, Farnsworth Investment Co. and Holdings. Society of Office and Industrial Realtors. Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Broker Lifetime Achievement Award, Lambda Alpha International Excellence in Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award, Carnival Memphis Cook Halle Award.

Rick Fogelman: CEO, Fogelman Properties. Establishes and implements business strategies. Owns/operates 90 multifamily communities of over 28,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Licensed real estate broker in Tennessee.

Lawrence “Larry” Jensen: Chairman|Principal Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Advisors. Clients have included Campbell Clinic, AutoZone, FedEx, Stratas Foods. 2005 Commercial Broker of the Year, 2008 Office Broker of the Year. Member, Tennessee State Board of Education. Board member, Shelby Farm Conservancy.

Carma C. Jude: Portfolio manager, Healthcare Realty. Certified Commercial Investment Member. Company owns seven properties totaling 516,000 square feet.

Michael A. Lightman: Owner, Michael Lightman Realty Co., regional leader in commercial property brokerage and land investment. Developed Shelby Business Park, Germantown’s Exeter Village, Centennial Place, South Lake Centre in Southaven, and multiscreen movie complexes for Malco Theatres. Commercial Hall of Fame, Memphis Area Association of Realtors.

Robert “Bob” Loeb: President, LPI Memphis, SOE. Memphis projects include redevelopment of Overton Square Theatre District, Broad Avenue Arts District, University District revitalization. Past trustee, Memphis University School, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Memphis College of Art, Youth Villages.

G. Treat Macdonald: Principal broker and partner, Crump Commercial. Six top industrial transaction awards from CORFAC International. Clients include Durham School Bus Services and Shearer Supply.

Hank Martin: Vice president/broker manager, NAI Saig Company, full-service industrial, retail, and office brokerage firm. Responsible for sale, lease, and/or disposition of over 50,000,000 square feet of industrial and office facilities in Mid-South. MAAR Pinnacle Award Top Producers Club, 2013-2018.

Lewis K. McKee, Jr.: Partner and broker, McKee and McFarland, Inc. Full-service real estate firm in acquisition, development, management, marketing of commercial and industrial properties. Licensed Real Estate Broker in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri.

Jeff Morris: President, Morris Auction Group and Morris Realty Group in Memphis; Luxury Estates Auction Group in Destin, Florida. CAI, AARE certified. Tennessee Auctioneer Commission.

Josh Poag: President and CEO, Poag Shopping Centers. Management, leasing, development, acquisition of lifestyle centers. Current managed/leased properties comprise 5.2MM square feet. ISCSC and ULI certifed.

Gary Prosterman: President and CEO, Development Services Group, Inc. Projects: adaptive reuse of historic Fort Worth office building into Kimpton Harper Hotel; Candler Office Building in Atlanta into Hilton Curio Hotel; Butler Brothers warehouse in St. Louis into multifamily; mixed-use redevelopment of 11 acres in Memphis’ Edge District including The Rise Apartments, Orion Headquarters, Memphis Made Brewery, The Ravine urban park, linking Downtown Memphis to the Medical District.

Adam Slovis: Owner, Slovis Commercial. Founded company in 2006. Specializes in redevelopment, historic properties, new in-fill opportunities, and traditional CRE transactions. Provides consulting and real estate services locally and nationally.

Joseph Steffner: Senior vice president and regional managing director, Newmark. SIOR, CCIM, and CPM designations. Pinnacle Awards, 2015 Commercial Broker of the Year. Greater Memphis Chamber chairman’s circle.

Alex Turley: CEO, Henry Turley Company. Former president. With company since 2014. Oversees development of residential and commercial properties in Downtown Memphis.

Construction - Commercial

Jack Bearden: Vice president, Belz Construction LLC. Design, design-build, general contracting. Focuses on healthcare, industrial, office, retail, government, education construction. Clients include Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, St. Jude, Nike, Saint Francis Healthcare, Campbell Clinic. LEED Accredited Professional.

Andy Davis: Vice president and business manager, Turner Construction. Responsible for overall management and performance within the region. Leadership has led the office to grow to more than 60 full-time employees and a volume of work over $100 million per year. 

Briggette Green: Owner, TopCat Masonry Contractors, Inc. Founded company in 1997. Provides brick, block, rock, glass block, pre-cast and stone masonry services, concrete work for commercial and industrial projects. Projects include U of M Pedestrian Ramp, Hattiloo Theater, South Junction, Chisca Hotel. 2020 CEO of the Year, IMB.

Fred Grinder: President, Grinder Taber and Grinder, Inc. General contracting, design/build, construction management, LEED-certified projects. Projects include Crosstown Concourse, Rhodes College, CBU, Ballet Memphis. Multiple AIA Awards for Excellence, American Architecture Award. LEED Platinum status for Crosstown Concourse.

Rusty Linkous, SOE:  President, Linkous Construction Co. General contracting, construction management, consulting. Projects include Malco Theatres, Michael Lightman Realty, CBHS, U of M Men’s Basketball Facility, St Mary’s School, Sedgwick HQ, Boyle Investment Company, St Jude.

Jonathan Logan: President and CEO, Castle Black Construction. Founded company in 2005 with brother Jarrett. Markets served include healthcare, education, worship centers, transportation, government agencies. Clients include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Freedom Preparatory Academy, Bank of America, Pinnacle Financial Partners. 2019 CEO of the Year, IMB.

H. Montgomery Martin: Founder & CEO, Montgomery Martin Contractors. Retail, office, healthcare, multi-family, hospitality, urban redevelopment, institutional. Clients include Shelby Farms Park, Rael Development, Highwoods Properties, Henry Turley Company, AutoZone Park, Kroger, CBU, Regional One Health, Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

Chris McDermott: Owner, Grinder Haizlip Construction. Commercial and industrial construction. Clients include FedEx, Gossett Motors, Mellow Mushroom, Valero, Keras Automotive, Cargill, Sunrise Motors, Chemours, AutoNation.

Clyde L. Patton Jr.: President, Patton & Taylor Construction Co. General construction, construction management, value engineering. Projects include Harbor Town Landing, The Carrington at Schilling Farms, Civic Center Apartments, 88 Union Center, Centennial Garden Apartments Phases 2, 3, & 4, Fieldstone Apartments Phases 2-8, Memphis Cotton Exchange.

Joe T. Savage: Owner and CEO, Metro Construction. Commercial renovation and new construction of cold chain, education, historic, hotel & condo, industrial, office, religious, restaurant, retail projects. Projects include Oxford Toyota (LEED), LEO Events, Brookhaven Pub & Grille, Eversauna Cold Chain.

Allen Wagner: President, Wagner General Contractors, Inc., commercial general contractor licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas. Diamond Level certified in ABC Safety Training and Evaluation Process.

Tim Weatherford: President, Southeast Region, Flintco, LLC. Specializes in construction management projects for healthcare, education, hospitality, corporate clients. Cients include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, ServiceMaster, U of M, Campbell Clinic, Collierville Schools.

Chris L. Woods:  SOE  President, Chris Woods Construction Co., Inc. Projects include FedEx, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, Main Event Entertainment, TAG, Carvana. Multiple Excellence in Construction Awards, Associated Builders and Contractors.

Construction - Residential

Ryan Anderson: Owner, RKA Construction. Custom home builder that specializes in anything from small renovations to ground-up new construction. Owner, Williamsburg Home Services. Member, WTNHBA Remodelers Council.

Kim Brown: Owner, Kim Grant Homes. Leading residential construction company in the West Tennessee and North Mississippi regions; third-generation family of homebuilders. Former president, WTNHBA.

David Clark: Owner, David Clark Construction. Mid-South building and remodeling company since 1942. Current home inventory includes Allelon, Pipers Grove Germantown, Chapel Cove.

John Catmur: President, Catmur Development Company. Homebuilding and remodeling firm founded in 1984. Personalized services include remodeling, renovating, additions, custom homes. Member, WTNHBA Remodelers Council.

Karen Garner: President, Magnolia Homes. Founded home building company as single mother in 1987. Runs business with son Reggie Garner Jr. Recently opened new office and design center in Collierville.

Keith Grant: Co-owner, Grant & Co. Runs company with brother David. Third-generation family of homebuilders, with a focus on homes in Collierville, Arlington, Bartlett, and Olive Branch, MS.

David McLemore: Owner, McLemore Home Builders. In construction business since 1997, with a focus on both homebuilding and realty services. Managing partner, Real Living McLemore and Co. Realtors.

Dave Moore: Owner, Dave Moore companies. Founded company in 1986. Member, WTNHBA Remodelers Council. Several 1st Place for Quality Craftsmanship awards, Memphis Area Home Builders Association. Member, National Association of Home Builders.

Jennifer Ransom: Owner, The Ransomed Group. Women and minority-owned general contracting firm specializing in residential and commercial remodeling projects. Building, design, renovation, and remodeling services.

Trey Sowell: Owner, Sowell Investment Group, Acorn Development Company. Specializes in real estate development, construction, investments, and brokerage. President, WTNHBA.

Gary Thompson: Vice president, Boyle Investment Company. Responsible for acquiring, planning, developing, selling, managing Boyle’s residential properties. Recent projects include Spring Creek Ranch, Braystone Park, Twin Lakes, Washington Gates, Twinings of Collierville, The Pinnacle of Germantown, Addie Green, Hidden Creek, Allelon.

Employee Benefits

Austin Baker: President, HRO Partners, HR consulting and outsourcing firm representing private sector and public sector municipal and governmental entities with more than 45,000 employees and retirees. Top 40 under 40, MBJ.

Ed Barnett: Executive vice president for HUB International, Mid-South. Recognized fourth top performer of HUB in country. American Association of Life Underwriters, Top of the Table Award, 2013 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Living Award for Inspiration in Faith and Health.

C. Robert Brown: Founder and Partner, UCL Financial Group, LLC. Past President of NAIFA National, Tennessee Insurance Professional of the Year (2000), Lester A. Rosen Humanitarian and Achievement Award, Ameritas Hall of Fame, 2013 Robert E. Musto Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame, MTSU. Member FSP Financial Services Professionals, Million Dollar Roundtable Court of the Table, Memphis Estate Planning Council.

Karen W. Buckner: Partner and office leader, Mercer, HR consulting firm and subsidiary of Marsh and McLennan Companies. Consulting actuary for large retirement plans. Enrolled actuary for DOL and IRS. Largest employee benefits firm in Memphis.

Shannon Dyson: Vice president, Shoemaker Insurance Solutions. Leads group employee benefit, home and auto, commercial operations in Memphis and Nashville. Focus is on strategic group benefit planning and risk management consulting for medium to large businesses.

Todd Dyson: President, Clay & Land Insurance, Inc., founded in 1968. Employee benefits consulting, serves on multiple broker advisory committees, Leaders Club qualifier. Member, National Association of Health Underwriters, Professional Insurance Agents of Tennessee (PIA).

Kelly O. Finnell: President and founder, Executive Financial Services, Inc. National consultancy has done ESOP transactions in 20 cities nationwide. Author, The ESOP Coach: Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning; several articles in professional journals.

Timothy J. Finnell: Founder and Managing Partner, Group Benefits LLC. Merged with a top 10 national broker Alera Group in 2017. Provides strategic planning for companies seeking employee benefits solutions. Speaker/author on healthcare and benefits. Interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, CNNMoney. Executive of the Year Finalist in 2015 and three-time Pacesetters Award Honoree, MBJ.

Keith A. James: Founder, President and CEO, The James Group, LLC, national employee benefits consulting firm. Lifetime member, National Association of Health Underwriters Leading Producers Round Table. Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives, Leadership Germantown.

James “Jay” F. Keegan Jr.: Chairman and founder, Bodock, Inc., a holding company comprised of four operating platforms in the human capital management industry. President and CEO, Adams Keegan, a national payroll, HR, and employer services firm. Founder and CEO, Staffline, a staffing provider. Co-founder, The James Group, life and health insurance agency.

David Klevan: Principal, Corporate Benefits Management Group. 40+ years in insurance, employee benefits, financial services industries. 1999 Sam Walton Small Business Award; 2000 Home Town Hero award, City of Germantown; 2008 Small Business of the Year, Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce.

Charles Sims Jr.: President and CEO, Sims Financial Group, Inc. Certified Financial Planner, Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, Certified Mutual Funds Manager. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Life and qualifying member, Million Dollar Round Table. First African-American member, John Hancock’s Hall of Fame.

Orma Smith: CEO, CanopyNation. Certified Self Funding Specialist. CanopyNation is a UBA partner firm, serving more than 150 high-performing companies to deliver strategic employee benefit solutions developed by local advisors.

Engineering

Jeff L. Arnold: President and CEO, Fisher Arnold, Inc. Leading architecture, engineering, consulting firm. Registered Professional Engineer. Projects include I-69, SR-385, U of M University Center.

David C. Bradford Jr.: Principal and mechanical engineer, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Certified PE, LEED AP. Pursues projects that directly impact the community, including local healthcare and community facilities used by wide range of Memphis residents. Provides mentorship to young engineers.

Richard C. Bursi: President and CEO, OGCB, Inc. Mechanical and electrical consulting engineers. Work includes Rhodes College, U of M, Crosstown Concourse, University of the South. Member, Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners.

James Collins: Principal, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Projects include Memphis Innovation Corridor Bus Rapid Transit, Elvis Presley Boulevard, Walk on Union, I-240/Airways interchange, Memphis/Shelby County traffic signal improvements, Parkside, Carrefour at the Gateway, Tom Lee Park, MSCAA Consolidated Deicing Facility, MSCAA Concourse B Reconstruction, MPO Regional Transportation Plan, Handy Park.

Phillip G. Coop,  SOE:  Chairman and co-founder, EnSafe, Inc., provides national environmental consulting, engineering, industry safety, hygiene consulting, geographic information services. Former member, White House Advisory Panel on Sustainability. Charter member, Hazardous Materials Control Institute. Herff Honor Award for Distinguished Service in Engineering. Certified Hazardous Material Manager.

Greg Dotson: Barge Design Solutions, Inc. client service leader. Board of directors, University Neighborhood Development Corporation and Engineers’ Club of Memphis. Leadership committee, Institute of Transportation Engineers Southern District. Advisory board, U of M Civil Engineering Department, East High School T-STEM Academy.

Pat Harcourt: Principal, CEO, A2H. Expertise includes engineering for site development, utilities, transportation. Clients include FedEx, Baptist Memorial Health Care, U of M, City of Memphis. City of Memphis Wastewater Hearing Authority Board.

Larkin Myers: President and environmental engineer, Tioga Environmental Consultants. Licensed professional engineer in 3 states. Certifications in Level 1 and 2 Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control and LEED AP. Past chair, Tennessee Environmental & Water Resources Institute. Member, American Society of Civil Engineers; Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers.

Michael Pohlman: President/CEO, Pickering Firm, Inc. Engineering and architectural design professionals. MLGW Board of Commissioners since 2017.

Nisha Powers: President, Powers Hill Design, LLC. Projects include Overton Square Garage Detention Basin, Main to Main (Big River Crossing), Zoo & Overton Park parking solution. Super Woman in Business, Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. Ruby R. Wharton Outstanding Community Service Award. Appointed to state Aeronautics Commission by Governor Bill Haslam.

Harry Pratt: President and civil engineer, Allen & Hoshall. Oversees nearly 100 employees in nine offices across the Southeast U.S. Registered Professional Engineer in six states. Served as project manager for over 70 projects for FedEx at Memphis, Indianapolis, Newark, Anchorage hubs. Technical project manager, Memphis Main Street to Main Street Intermodal Connector Project which included Big River Crossing.

Matthew D. Wolfe: President, ETI Corporation. Detailed design of civil engineering and land development projects, (roadways, hydrology, industrial/commercial site development). Projects include City of Memphis, State of Tennessee, several municipal airports.

J. Wesley Wooldridge: Director of Civil Engineering, Renaissance Group, Inc. Partner, Professional Civil Engineer. Certified Arborist. Site planning, subdivision design, and municipal engineering, state and municipal permit compliance. Clients include Shelby County Schools, Collierville School System, Gateway Tire, MPD, Beruk Properties, L.L.C.

Financial Planning

Sudhir K. Agrawhal: Financial planner, Ami Financial Group. CPA, CDFA, CFP. Specializes in retirement income, executive compensation, women’s financial, tax planning, estate planning strategies. Ameriprise Mercury Award, 1999. Five-Star Wealth Manager, 2012-2016.

Chirag Chauhan: Founding member and partner, Bluff City Advisory Group. CFP. FINRA Dispute Resolution Arbitrator. Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Equitable Advisors award recipient: 2020 Bronze Eagle, 2020 Hallmark II, 2011 to 2019 Centurion Producer and Hallmark I. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. 

Brian Douglas: Principal, Guidingpoint Financial Group. Works with those approaching and in retirement on income strategies and intergenerational planning. Certified Financial Planning Professional working with families, individuals, couples.

Kathleen Fish: President and founder, Fish + Associates Financial Services. CFP, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. Member, Financial Planning Association, Society of Entrepreneurs Insight Group. Founding partner, Fusion Advisor Network.

Jim Isaacs: President and CEO, Legacy Wealth Management. CFP, MBA, Finance. Legacy consistently named in AdvisoryHQ’s annual objective review as top-rated Wealth Manager in Tennessee.

Marty Kelman: Chairman and co-founder, Kelman-Lazarov Inc. CFP. Former president, Memphis Chapter, International Association of Financial Planning. National Leadership Council, Facing History and Ourselves. Past president, Memphis Chapter, assistant treasurer, Jewish Community Partners. Past president, Lausanne Collegiate School. 

Karen M. Kruse: Chief Compliance Officer, First Horizon Advisors. 28+ years in financial planning, investment, trust services. Team works on goals-based financial planning and investing. CFP, Accredited Investment Fiduciary.

John N. Laughlin: Principal and chief executive officer, Summit Asset Management, LLC. CFP. Client service, portfolio management, business development, strategic planning. Chair, Summit’s Financial Advisory Committee.

Charles R. (Mack) McKinney: Branch manager, registered principal, LPL Financial. Former financial advisor and manager, Waddell & Reed, Inc. 2011, 2013, 2014, 2019 Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions, 2012 Advisor Medalist Program. 

Jim E. Meeks Jr.: Managing partner, Northwestern Mutual of Memphis. Investment strategies and products, life insurance, employee and executive benefit programs, education funding, estate analysis, retirement analysis. Million Dollar Round Table.

John Phillips V: Founding member and chief investment officer, Red Door Wealth Management. Comprehensive asset management for personal advising, retirement plans, family office, and business owners. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. CFP, Chartered Financial Analyst.

David Pickler: President and CEO, Pickler Wealth Advisors. Senior partner, The Pickler Law Firm and Pickler Accounting Advisors. Executive director, American Public Education Foundation. Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list, 2021; Commercial Appeal’s Best Law Firm in Memphis, 2020; Invest in Others Catalyst Award, 2019; Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors list, 2015; Top Advisor in Tennessee, Barron’s. Altruism Award, Registered Rep magazine, 2011.

Rebecca Brown Schulter: Agent and financial planner, UCL Financial Planning. Joined company in 2014; specializes in comprehensive financial planning, life insurance and disability, asset accumulation, college funding, retirement planning, business succession planning, employee benefits.

David Waddell: CEO, Waddell & Associates. CFP. Contributor: The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, CNBC Europe, Fox News, Bloomberg, Nikkei CNBC Japan, Cheddar TV, Yahoo! Finance, iHeart Radio, Authority Magazine. Featured expert: Barron’s, IMB, Daily Memphian, Commercial Appeal, Forbes. Top 40 Under 40; Small Business Awards Finalist; Executive of the Year, MBJ; Most Admired CEO, Nashville Business Journal.

Higher Education

David L. Archer: Interim president, Christian Brothers University. Since 2017, full-time associate professor, CBU School of Business; director, Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. Former CEO, St. Francis Healthcare. 

Vernell A. Bennet-Fairs: President, LeMoyne-Owen College. Recently vice president of student affairs at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS; former vice president of student affairs, Kentucky State University.

Peter F. Buckley: Chancellor, UTHSC. Former dean, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); and executive vice president of health affairs, VCU Health System. Distinguished fellow, American Psychiatric Association. Fellow, Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Jennifer M. Collins: President, Rhodes College. Takes role as college’s 21st president in July 2022. Previously dean of Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University. Former law faculty, associate provost for academic and strategic initiatives, and vice provost, Wake Forest University.

Dr. Tracy D. Hall: President, Southwest Tennessee Community College. Former vice president of academic affairs, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. Affiliations include American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Economic and Workforce Development, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Tennessee Board of Regents President’s Council, Memphis Region Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development Advisory Council.

Jody Hill: President, Memphis Theological Seminary. Veteran pastor in Cumberland Presbyterian and Presbyterian USA churches. Former vice president for community relations, Blue Mountain College, MS. Author, 38: The Chucky Mullins Effect.

Don W. Jones: Assistant vice president, enrollment and student services, Belhaven University. Co-author of two textbooks. White House Volunteer Service Award, University of Phoenix Service Award, Mississippi Emergency Service Medal. Commander, 210th MP Battalion for the Mississippi State Guard.

Betty Sue McGarvey: President, Baptist College of Health Sciences. Distinguished Alumni Award, UTHSC School of Nursing, U of M Lowenberg School of Nursing, Baptist College of Health Sciences.

Skip Redmond: President, Moore Tech. Supported legislative effort to have Moore Tech granted use of Tennessee Promise grants. Works with lawmakers to provide more post-graduate options to students.

Lewis Reich: President, Southern College of Optometry. Optometrist. Residency in low-vision rehabilitation. Ph.D. in Physiological Optics. Fellow, American Academy of Optometry. Research funded by National Eye Institute, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

M. David Rudd: President, University of Memphis. Top-tier public university, U.S. News & World Report. Oversaw record-breaking improvements in student retention and graduation rates, and significant boost in research expenditure. Pursuing Carnegie Tier 1 status. Stepping down from post in May 2022.

Ken Steorts: President/founder, Visible Music College. Founder, Grammy-nominated band Skillet. President, Madison Line Records, Visible Community Music School. Dove Award nominee. DMC Vision Award, 2013; Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award, 2016.

Hospitality

Cindy Brewer: Principal and co-founder, LEO Events. Named Influential People in Events by BizBash, Top 25 Super Women in Business, MBJ; IMB Power Player; most recently inducted into Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame, Smart Meetings Magazine.

Douglas Browne: General manager, The Peabody Memphis. President, Peabody Hotels & Resorts. Peabody Hotel Group’s General Manager of the Year and award from Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association, Tennessee Hospitality Association. Recipient, Spirit of Memphis Award, Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Pace Cooper: President and CEO, Cooper Hotels. Developer of the Year Award, Hilton Worldwide, Hotel Owner of the Year Award, HotelWorld Network. Tennessee, American Hotel and Lodging Associations. Chairman, Multi Franchise Organization.

Phil Cordell: Global head, New Brand Development, Hilton. Inception and development of new Hilton brands, including Tempo by Hilton. Cultivation and enhancement of existing brands in development.

Bill Duncan: Global head, suites and focused service categories, Hilton; oversees Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton. Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing.

Karl Friedrich: General manager, River Inn of Harbor Town. Oversees hotel and restaurants, including overall performance of property. Former general manager, small luxury hotel in Pawley’s Island, SC. Former president, International Hospitality Management.

Matt Huss: General manager, Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel. Employee Satisfaction Hotel of the Year (Davidson Hotels) 2006, 2012, 2013; director of meeting/convention services of the year, Wyndham International; Agoura Hills Business of the year.

Thomas B. Johnson: Managing director, Wilson Conference Center Group, Holiday Inn U of M, Fogelman Executive Conference Center. Eight Torchbearer Awards from InterContinental Hotels Group. Member, Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association, International Association of Conference Centers.

Kevin Kane: President and CEO, Memphis Tourism. President of its subsidiary, Memphis Management Group LLC. Responsible for economic growth in Memphis through events, conventions, visitors. Overseeing renovation/expansion of Renasant Convention Center.

Jeremy Sadler: General manager, Central Station, a Curio by Hilton. 123-room hotel in South Main district. Redesigned 105-year-old transportation building into eight-story, music-based luxury hotel.

James Siao: Managing director, Arrive Hotel. Hospitality experience as general manager and executive chef. Boutique hotel has 62 rooms and dining options Longshot, Hustle & Dough, Vintage & Vice, Bar Hustle.

Jack Soden:  SOE  CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. since 1982. Oversaw opening of The Guest House at Graceland ($92 million resort hotel) in 2016 and Elvis Presley’s Memphis (multi-gallery entertainment complex near the mansion) in 2017.

Dianna Vaughan: Global head, All Suites brands, Hilton; former global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. Experience with food and beverage, finance, sales and marketing, general manager. Former VP of marketing for Hilton’s portfolio of brands; created the global Hilton Honors marketing promotions team.

Wayne Tabor: President and CEO, Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association. Holiday Inn University General Manager’s School. Billy Hicks Award, Memphis CVB; Fiduciary Responsibility Award, Hospitality Management Advisors. MMHLA Award.

Nail Task: General manager, Big Cypress Lodge, Bass Pro Shops Hospitality Division in Memphis Pyramid. Previous positions include Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley and Titanic Deluxe Resort in Turkey.

Sarah Titus: General manager, Hyatt Centric Beale Street. More than 15 years in hospitality industry. Former hotel manager, Chicago Association Hotel by Hyatt.

Independent Education

Braxton Brady: Head of School, Evangelical Christian School. Was chaplain and director of Building Boys, Making Men at Presbyterian Day School; director of player relations, U of M football team; family ministries pastor, Harvest Church.

Alicia Brown: Principal, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. School partnered with Project Lead the Way to inspire K-8 students with hands-on, transformative learning. PLUS program offers traditional campus experience to students with learning disabilities.

McKenzie Cohen: Head of The Collegiate School of Memphis. Private, college prep school provides middle and high school scholars with highest quality education in disciplined and caring environment.

Jim Ferguson: President and head of school, Northpoint Christian School, Christ-centered, college prep. #5 Best Private K-12 School in Mississippi, #2 Best Christian High School in Mississippi, niche.com. #3 in enrollment of private schools in Memphis MSA, MBJ.

Timothy Gibson: Head of school, St. George’s Independent School. Counselor That Changes Lives award, 2013. Helps frame students’ search beyond ratings and rankings to find a college that provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life.

Thomas Hood: President, St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School. Founded on Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community, and Service. St. Agnes for girls and St. Dominic for boys build a nurturing community of learning and faith where each student can achieve in classroom and beyond.

Ralph Janikowsky: Headmaster, Westminster Academy. Communicates the vision of classical Christian education to churches in Memphis and the greater Memphis community. Completed new playground, implemented after-school care program. Best Places to Work, 2016-2018, Commercial Appeal.

Thor Kvande: Headmaster, Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Former dean of middle school, promoted to headmaster in 2011. Former positions at  St. John’s Episcopal School (MD), The Independence School (DE), Woodland Country Day School (NJ).

Ann M. Laury: Head of school, Christ the King Lutheran School. Background in Memphis, Mississippi, and Nashville public schools. Teacher and early childhood director at Christ the King before becoming head of school in 2016. Cummins business award.

Stuart McCathie: Headmaster, Lausanne Collegiate School. Experience in UK, Bahamas, U.S. Former dean of students, Indian Mountain School (CT). Former headmaster, the Oakwood School (NC).

Adam Moore: Head of school, Woodland Presbyterian School. Former president, Memphis Association of Independent Schools. Five-time winner of Top Workplace and multi-year winner of Best Private School, Memphis Parent. Fosters individual growth of intellectual, spiritual, creative, physical, social, emotional roots.

David Poos: President, Christian Brothers High School. Bishop Kelley Hall of Fame. Guiding Star Award, De La Salle Middle School, St. Louis.

Kristen Ring: Head of school, Hutchison School. Experience as senior administrator, teacher, coach in private schools in AL, NC. Waddill Excellence in Teaching Award for exemplary classroom instruction. Division 1 Field Hockey Atlantic Coast Conference scholar athlete.

Bryan Sanders: Head of School, First Assembly Christian School. Legal and legislative counsel, ACTS. Co-educational, multi-denominational, Cognia-accredited PreK-12 school. Strong academic and career preparation in the context of Biblical worldview, extracurricular development through fine arts and athletics.

Pete Sanders: Headmaster, Memphis University School, college-prep school for boys grades 7-12. Experience in independent school education and administration. Previous leadership roles at Collegiate School (VA), Brunswick School (CT), University School (FL), Christ Church Episcopal School (SC).

Brad Sewell: Head of school, Presbyterian Day School. Christian school for boys age 2 through grade 6. Educates boys from all walks of life. Alumni include Fred Smith, Pitt Hyde, Paul Tudor Jones.

Caron Swatley: President, Briarcrest Christian School, college-prep Christian education. Briarcrest a Best Christian Workplace, 2007-2016, 2018. Top-ranked school by Memphis Parent, Commercial Appeal, MBJ.

Albert Throckmorton: Head of school, St. Mary’s Episcopal School since 2012.  Superior educational experience for girls to encourage and enable them to reach their individual potential. President, MAIS.

Bryan Williams: Head of school, Christ Methodist Day School. Devoted to exceptional Christian elementary education for boys and girls. STEAM initiative combines academic elements with a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ.

Trent Williamson: Head of School, Harding Academy. Teaches students to love others as Christ loves them, to think creatively and learn with open minds, and to live courageously to the glory of God.

Information Technology

Gary Bellanti: Owner and president, Open Road Technologies. Was national business development manager with Vanstar/Apple. Partners with major tech vendors to provide services to SMB, education, government markets. Provides full range of cyber-security solutions.

Wayne Cook: Chairman, founder, and CEO, Cook Systems International Inc. Three decades+ of IT leadership and service. Company has exceptional talent and tech to deliver the most successful IT solutions to Fortune 1000 clients and government entities.

Nick Gant: President and founder, Gant Systems. Actively managing clients in six states. Managed IT services, cloud, backup, disaster recovery solutions. Since 2007, has grown to perennially recognized high-performing small business. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ.

Mark Pryor: Chairman and CEO, The Seam, commodity trading and agriculture tech company. Previously vice president at The Seam and global head of information tech, Noble Group/Noble Agri. Founder, Cotton Technology Alliance.

Sridhar Sunkara: CEO, eBiz Solutions. Assists businesses in implementing digital strategies. Company specializes in app development, digital transformation, Microsoft 365 consulting, SharePoint, and Salesforce. Co-founder & CEO, ThinkProxi.

Sylvester Tate: President and CEO, Tate Computer Systems, Apple authorized reseller/repair. Executive Management Institute, CBU. Minority Business of the Year Award, Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum. Alumnus of the Year, STCC.

Paul Tomes: President and CEO, WorldSpice Technologies. Manages strategic direction of the company, which provides data center co-location, cloud/virtual computing, integrated voice/data (VOIP) systems, high-speed internet, wide area network services.

Adam Underwood: Partner and president, Mellon Consulting Group, LLC. Custom-designed medical software, database integration, website development and marketing, disaster recovery solutions.

Dan Weddle: CEO, ProTech Services Group, Inc., top tech and talent solutions company with largest local IT workforce. Tech and consulting, managed services, cloud services, outsourcing, talent acquisition, security services. 25 years+ of leadership experience.

Gary Wiseman: Regional manager, VC3. Designs, delivers, evolves masterIT’s solutions to small and medium businesses. Former founder, president, and CEO, Wisetech. 40 Most Innovative MSP’s in North America, CRN.

Investment Brokers

Joseph R. Heinz: Executive director, UBS Financial Services Inc. Tailored investment service including asset management and estate planning. Wealth management and financial planning. CFP. Wealth Management Executive Education Certificate, Directors Council, UBS Financial Services.

Lance Hollingsworth: Principal and chief investment officer, Summit Asset Management LLC. CFP. Client service, portfolio management, investment research and development, trading, operations. Chair, Summit’s Investment Committee.

Michael E. Kisber: President, FHN Financial. Oversees capital markets division, core business line of First Horizon National Corp., which provides fixed-income products and services for investment and banking community. Colonel Aide de Camp, highest honor to a Tennessee citizen for outstanding achievement and civic contribution in 2013.

Mark A. Medford: Chairman, Stifel Financial. Former president and CEO, Vining Sparks. CPA accredited by American Institute of CPAs. Former president and CEO, FTN Financial. Former managing partner, National REIT Leader, National Bank and Thrift Tax Leader. Served on Southeast’s Merger and Acquisition Team, National Securitization Team with KPMG.

David Rains: Branch manager, managing director, Raymond James & Associates. Growth and income from investable assets. Was branch manager and assistant manager, Legg Mason and J.B. Bradford.

Duncan F. Williams, SOE  President and CEO, Duncan-Williams, Inc. Founded in 1969, family- and employee-owned full-service broker-dealer has branches in Boulder, CO; Jackson, MS; Tampa, FL.

Steven Wishnia: CEO, Highland Capital Management, LLC. Registered Investment Adviser, managing equity, fixed-income, short-term cash portfolios for endowments and foundations, institutions, municipalities, high net worth clients and 401(k) plans.

Gary Wunderlich: Co-founder and managing partner, Live Oak Merchant Partners. Specializes in investment organizations and investor relations. Founder and former CEO, Wunderlich Securities, before merger with B. Riley Financial in 2017.

Philip Zanone: COO, B. Riley Wealth Management. Joined Wunderlich in 1997 as head of private client group and became president in 1999. Began in 1991 at Morgan Keegan and continues to serve clients as a financial advisor in addition to overseeing the firm’s sales, trading, operations units.

Law - Business Litigation

Nathan Bicks: Member, Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC. Complex litigation with emphasis on white-collar crime, healthcare fraud, class-action matters. One of 150 Best Lawyers in Tennessee, BusinessTN. Town attorney for Collierville. 2019 CEO of the Year, IMB.

Richard Glassman: Senior shareholder and president, Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, PC. Business and professional liability/malpractice litigation. Certified Civil Trial Specialist, Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate. 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award, U of M; 2019 Pillar of Excellent, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.

Albert C. Harvey: Partner, Lewis Thomason. Business and commercial, construction, healthcare, intellectual property, product and professional liability. Lawyers’ Lawyer Award, Memphis Bar Association. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Major General, retired.

John J. Heflin III: Member, Bourland, Heflin, Alvarez, Minor & Matthews, PLC. Complex commercial litigation, breach of contract, fraud, insurance, intellectual property, securities, construction. Chair, firm’s litigation practice. AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell. Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers.

Michele Howard-Flynn: Managing partner, HF Law Group, PLLC. Business litigation, estate planning, probate and estate administration in state and federal courts of Western and Middle Tennessee.

S. Joshua Kahane: Member, Glankler Brown. Business and real estate litigation. Recognized in Best of the Bar, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek. Cover and featured attorney in Top 100 Attorneys in America. Litigated cases in more than 15 states and has reputation as go-to litigator in Memphis and across the country.

Timothy Lupinacci: Chairman and CEO, Baker Donelson. More than 28 years’ experience representing financial institutions, REITs, special servicers, indenture trustees, banks, asset-based lenders in loan workouts and insolvency, focusing on healthcare defaults, bankruptcy, restructuring. Former office managing shareholder, Baker Donelson’s Birmingham office.

Michael G. McLaren: Member, Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, PC. Federal and state litigation, commercial litigation, professional liability, insurance coverage, environmental law, construction law, fidelity and surety law. Former VP and general counsel, Wright Medical Technology. Mid-South Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America.

John McQuiston II,  SOE: Shareholder, Evans Petree, PC. Experience in banking, construction, securities, fraud, antitrust, breach of fiduciary duties, e-commerce. One of top 100 lawyers in Tennessee, top 50 lawyers in Mid-South, top 15 lawyers in Memphis.

Robert F. Miller: Member, Farris Bobango, PLC. General civil litigation, commercial litigation, railroad litigation, construction litigation, bankruptcy law, insurance defense litigation. Memphis, Tennessee, American Bar Associations. Honored in Mid-South Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America.

Randall D. Noel: Partner, Butler Snow, LLP. Business litigation, data security, products defense. Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, Lawdragon, Super Lawyers. Former president, Tennessee Bar Association, American Counsel Association, Tennessee Legal Community Foundation.

Lucian T. Pera: Partner, Adams and Reese, LLP. Commercial litigation, media law, legal ethics. Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers, and BusinessTN. American Law Institute. Former president, Tennessee Bar Association. Former treasurer, American Bar Association. Former president, Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers.

Glen G. Reid: Senior counsel, Wyatt Tarrant & Combs. Intellectual Property Protection and Litigation Service Team. Banking litigation, commercial litigation, products liability litigation, white-collar criminal defense.

John C. Speer: Member, Bass, Berry & Sims. Business litigation. Represents financial institutions in disputes involving commercial loan and public bond defaults and federal and state laws and regulations. Represents companies in critical business disputes.

David Wade: Director and shareholder, Martin Tate Morrow & Marston, PC. Civil and criminal litigation, land use, administrative law. Mediator for state, federal cases. Top 100, Tennessee Super Lawyers.

George Wheeler: Member, Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC. Business and corporate law, healthcare, intellectual property, personal injury. Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers.

Law - Employment

W. Kerby Bowling: Shareholder, Evans Petree, PC. Co-leader of Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. At Kellogg as union laborer before campaigning against organized labor. Assists clients in remaining non-union and avoiding employment litigation. AV-rated, Martindale-Hubbell. Consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America.

Craig A. Cowart: Office managing principal, Jackson Lewis, Memphis office. Employment law, management-side labor, collective actions, multi-party lawsuits. Best Lawyers 2020; 2019 Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters.

Alan Crone: Attorney and founder, The Crone Law Firm, PLC. Licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas. Represents executives, employees, entrepreneurs in employment and commercial litigation including wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, partnership, contractual disputes.

Donald Donati: Founding attorney, Donati Law PLLC. Employment law, personal injury, veterans’ benefits. Began with Memphis Area Legal Services, providing legal counsel to disadvantaged individuals. Tennessee Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, 150 Best Lawyers in Tennessee, BusinessTN, Lawyers USA.

Eugene S. Forrester: Member, Farris Bobango. Employment, workers’ compensation, civil litigation. Tennessee, Arkansas, Memphis Bar Associations. MBA. 1994 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year. Licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas. 

Deborah Godwin: Partner, Godwin, Morris, Laurenzi & Bloomfield, P.C. ERISA, labor and employment, civil rights, personal injury. Director, firm’s ERISA Law Section. Best Lawyers in America; Top 50 Women Attorneys, Mid-South Super Lawyers. AV-rated, Martindale-Hubble.

Myra Hamilton: General counsel, Hamilton Entertainment Employment Law, LLC. Employment and labor, HR and corporate compliance, business contracts. Top 100, The National Black Lawyers. 2017 Women of Excellence; 2020 Best Attorney, Best in Black Awards, New Tri-State Defender;  2020 BEST of the BAR, MBJ.

Charles Hill: Member, Glankler Brown. Employment law, broker/dealer litigation, contracts, commercial litigation. Experience in litigation over restrictive covenants, covenants against disclosure of proprietary information, protection of trade secrets, dissolution of closely held business, and securities litigation. Best Lawyers in America.

David Jaqua: Labor and Employment Group, Butler Snow LLP. Employment litigation (defense), arbitration and mediation, NLRB hearings, labor negotiations, representation campaigns, management counseling and training. Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Mid-South Super Lawyers.

Lisa Krupicka: Member, Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC. Employment litigation and business advising. Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Best Lawyers in America; “Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee,” Mid-South Super Lawyers; America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA.

Dan Norwood: Partner, Norwood & Atchley. Represents clients involved in discrimination, retaliatory discharge for whistleblowing, workers’ compensation claims, breach of contract. Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers.

Robin H. Rasmussen: Founding member, Dinkelspiel Rasmussen & Mink, PLLC. Employment law, workers’ compensation, civil litigation. Firm founded in 2010. American Jurisprudence Award in Real Estate Transactions.

Stephen L. Shields: Founding partner, Jackson Shields Yeiser & Holt. Represents employers in private and public sectors. Author, Alternative Dispute Resolutions in Tennessee; Alternative Dispute Resolution: Staying in Business and Out of Court.

Bruce M. Smith: Member, Apperson Crump PLC. Former general counsel, Memphis Area Transit Authority. Employment law, litigation, transit law. Lecturer on public transit system labor and regulatory issues, ADA regulations, legal ethics. Best Lawyers in America.

Jeffrey C. Smith: Partner, Waller Lansden Dortsch & Davis. Employment law, commercial construction litigation, counsel in construction, equipment distribution, franchise, healthcare industries. Defended employers against discrimination claims, unfair competition, wrongful termination.

Tanja Thompson: Office managing shareholder, Littler. Represents companies in traditional labor law, focusing on manufacturing healthcare for union and non-union clients. 2020 Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America.

Jeff Weintraub: Partner, Memphis office of national management-side labor and employment law firm, Fisher Phillips. Represents employers in jury trials in employment lawsuits, FLSA collective actions, labor cases. Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Mid-South Super Lawyers, and World’s Leading Labour & Employment Lawyers (UK).

Murray B. Wells: Partner, Wells & Associates. Civil rights litigation, federal criminal defense, catastrophic injury. Top 100 Lawyers – Civil Plaintiff. Admitted to practice in California, Tennessee, federal districts of California, Western and Middle Tennessee, Sixth Circuit Court of appeals, all state courts.

Ed Young: Shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz. Represents employers before NLRB in employment litigation, collective bargaining, labor arbitration. Achieved landmark judgment against the EEOC for $750,000. Led efforts for a food manufacturer in Ohio in a union campaign that involved 600 voters and communications in multiple languages.

Logistics

Charlie Andrews: COO, Nickey Warehouses, Inc. Warehousing, order fulfillment, reverse logistics, international shipping, transportation management. With company 10+ years.

Lanny Chalk: Terminal manager, Fullen Dock and Warehouse, LLC. 30+ years in freight, distribution, warehousing. Full-service, intermodal river terminal and warehousing. Clients include barge brokers, freight forwarders, manufacturers requiring barge, harbor, and tug services, transshipment, trucking, storage.

William B. Dunavant III: CEO, President, Dunavant Enterprises, Inc. Global logistics, development company, capital management with 50+ years experience. Logistics divisions in truck brokerage, intermodal and container operations, global 3PL, warehousing, custom brokerage, leasing. Henderson Resort, Destin, Florida.

Buzz Fly: Vice president, Patterson Warehouses, Inc. 33+ years in transportation and warehousing. Two million square feet of food-grade space, distribution services, ecommerce fulfillment for 19 accounts. Kitting and display builds, intermodal drayage, retail freight consolidation.

Mark H. George: Chairman, IMC Companies. Founder, IMC Companies, nation’s largest marine drayage provider with 2,500+ team members. Appointed by Governor Bill Lee in 2020 to serve as West Tennessee’s At Large representative on Board of Regents. Chairman and one of 12 founding members, North American Chassis Pool Cooperative.

Ken Hazen: President and CEO, CTSI-Global. Formed transportation consulting company Multi-Modes before purchasing Continental Traffic Service. Co-author, The Role of Transportation in the Supply Chain, The Role of Freight Bill Payment, and Transportation Information in the Supply Chain Industry.

Rick Hechinger: President, Blue Sky Couriers since 2004. 23+ years experience in transportation industry. Package deliveries, warehousing, medical specimens, freight delivery. Blue Sky has operations in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, and Carolinas.

Glenn Lacy: Regional service center manager, YRC Freight. Long-haul transportation services for industrial, commercial, retail customers in North America. Employs about 750 in Memphis. 

Stuart Leslie: Director, Vaco’s Memphis-based logistics practice. Mentors transportation fellows through U of M. Places logistics professionals across multiple industry verticals. Southeast Transportation Workforce Center Move the Needle award in 2018, Kellogg Society Inductee.

Clifford F. Lynch: Principal, C.F. Lynch & Associates. Recipient, CSCMP Distinguished Service Award, Salzberg Medallion. Supply Chain Executive in Residence, Epicenter. Author, five books on logistics. Adjunct professor, supply chain management, U of M.

W. Neely Mallory III: President, Mallory Alexander International Logistics, one of largest third–party logistics organizations in U.S. Oversaw company’s growth from cotton forwarding to ocean and air transportation, intermodal trucking, warehousing and distribution, consulting. President’s E Star Award for Excellence in Exporting, Governor’s GATE Award.

Pat Nelson: President, Lehman-Roberts Co. Highway paving, construction, asphalt, aggregate industry services. Chairman of the board, Lehman-Roberts Co. and Memphis Stone & Gravel Co.

Rick Rodell: Founder, chairman, Cornerstone Systems, employee-owned multimillion-dollar firm, 2021 USA Top Workplace, leader in transportation industry. Member, The Global Leaders. Employees stay partners after selling private stock. Mentors new directors of charities.

Craig Russell: Founder and CEO, Green Mountain Technology. 16 years at FedEx, most recently as billing manager at FedEx Express.

Manufacturing

Tommy Blaylock: Plant manager, Memphis Cellulose LLC, Georgia-Pacific Cellulose operations in Memphis. Plant in business locally for more than 100 years. Pulp used in specialized applications including LED displays, technical papers, paints, currency papers, filtration, other products.

Kathy Buckman Gibson: CEO, KBG Technologies. Former president and COO, Buckman Laboratories International, Inc. Formed KBG to diversify chemistry-supply industry with a woman-led business.

Gareth Jolly: Senior vice president and plant manager, Hino Motors Manufacturing in Marion, AR. Oversees 510,000 sq. ft. of production space. Supplies rear driving axles and rear suspension components for light trucks, SUVs. Clients include Toyota and Hino trucks. 

Michael Kelly: Senior vice president, Sharp Manufacturing Co. of America. Oversees Sharp facility in Memphis, which produces microwave drawer, in addition to other Sharp and OEM cooking products.

Mike McCarty: President and CEO, Helena Chemical Company, agronomic solutions provider specializing in seed and seed treatments, fertilizer and application services, crop protectants, financial services and precision ag services. Manufactures own line of adjuvants, crop protection products, fertilizers, crop production products, seed treatments.

Allen W. Pierce Sr.: General manager, manufacturing, new and recon parts, Cummins Inc. Leadership Memphis, class of 2000. Member, Finance Committee, LeMoyne-Owen College. ODI Certified Facilitator.

Jack Sammons: President, Ampro Industries. Manufactures personal care products. President, River City Laboratories. Former chairman, Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority. National president, Ethnic Product Manufacturers Association.

Karl Schledwitz: Co-founder, chairman, and CEO, Monogram Foods, a leading manufacturer and marketer of ready-to-eat further processed meats including jerky, corn dogs, precooked bacon, appetizers, sandwiches, smoked sausage. Operates nine plants in seven states with over 3,000 employees.

Marketing / PR

Tyrone Burroughs, SOE:  Founder/CEO of First Choice Sales. Founded in 1987 with the mission to serve as the premiere global consumer products management firm in the beauty care industry. First choice offers targeted sales support as well as regional and national coverage.

Valerie Morris Bearup: President & CEO, Morris Marketing Group. Serves on numerous nonprofit boards. Named Leadership Memphis Distinguished Alumni of the Year, PRSA Executive of the Year, a finalist for the Small Business Executive of the Year. Also recognized as a Super Women in Business, Women with Drive, and the Face of Public Relations.

Doug Carpenter: Principal, DCA, creative communications consulting firm. Provides business-based communications solutions for public and private sector clients for 30+ years. Instrumental in instituting and reimagining ways to advance momentum of Memphis, including Mighty Lights, Explore Bike Share, Liberty Park, Big River Crossing, Tennessee Brewery.

Jerry Ehrlich: CEO/Founder, The Brand Squad. Focused on launching brands, products, special initiatives, and revitalizing under-performing brands. Clients in hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, agriculture, technology, government, financial services. Former Memphis Advertising Federation President of the Year and recipient of 2020 Silver Medal Award for lifetime achievement.

Courtney Ellett: Founder and owner, Obsidian Public Relations. 2021 Best Places to Work; 2014 Executive of the Year; 2013 Small Business of the Year; Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. 2019 Young Alumna Award, U of M. 2013 CEO of the Year, IMB. PR Director of the Year, Memphis Advertising Federation. 50 Women Who Make A Difference, Memphis Woman. Recipient, six Silver VOX Awards; Addy Awards’ Best of Show.

Susan Akil Ewing: Founder and chief navigator of Ewing Marketing Partners, a boutique marketing firm that helps organizations grow through practical, effective marketing strategies. Recognized as Ad Woman of the Year and Account Executive of the Year, AAF Memphis.

Charles T. Gaushell: Principal/founder, Paradigm Marketing & Creative. Branding — celebrating 30 years! Marketing, creative, advertising, digital agency. Local clients include Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Allure Bridal, Pyros Fire Fresh Pizza, Humdingers, Barnhart Crane, RBR Enterprise, Taming the Wild, Bellano Dental, The Pet Hospitals, The Village, Miestro Home Integration, Arrow Creative, Brother International, YMCA of Memphis/MidSouth.

Trace Hallowell: Managing partner, Tactical Magic. With more than 30 years in the business, his work is featured in numerous books, magazines, and college textbooks, earning international honors for creative branding. Clients include CGHP, Eventive, Kindred Place, Malasri Engineering, PuppyUp, Sound Credit, Trousseau.

Christi Kelley: President and CEO, Kelley & Associates Advertising. Clients in the medical, agricultural, industrial, nonprofit, financial, retail, B2B industries. Numerous awards including Addy, Telly, SIAA, MIRM, NAMA, PIAS Graphic, MarCom, International Communicator Awards.

Deidre Malone: Founder, president, CEO, The Carter Malone Group LLC. Integrated marketing communications strategies. Offices in Memphis, Jackson, MS. Founding member, Tennessee Public Relations Alliance. President, National Women’s Political Caucus Tennessee; immediate past president, NAACP Memphis Branch.  

Beth Okeon: Owner, ABO Marketing & Communications, public relations firm specializing in providing businesses and nonprofits with custom PR support. Top 40 under 40, MBJ. Certified LOSB and MWBE in Memphis/Shelby County. Former director of marketing, ServiceMaster. 

Alex Rasmussen: A sought-after speaker on all things marketing as the co-founder/CEO of Neon Canvas, a specialty digital marketing agency with clients across the country, and CEO of Signature Advertising, an award-winning full-service marketing firm that’s been in business for 25+ years.

Howard Robertson Jr.: Native Memphian, founder, CEO, TRUST Marketing & Communications, Spotset Radio, and Ode Audio. Trust is a premier, African American-owned marketing firm and one of too few remaining in the South. Clients include: P&G, AARP, Pfizer, Walmart, City of Memphis, and the Crime Commission.

Cynthia H. Saatkamp: Owner, co-founder, Hemline, tailoring brand strategies for clients for 20 years, including Hilton Worldwide, Baptist Memorial Health Care, LEO Events, MIFA. Top 40 under 40, MBJ. Marketing Professional of the Year, Communications Firm of the Year, AAF.

Tim Sellers: Co-founder, partner, and director of operations, inferno. Strategic counsel and marketing communications solutions to clients in bioscience, healthcare, logistics, financial services. Advertising CEO of the Year, Ad Man of the Year, AAF Memphis.

Sheperd Simmons: Founder and president, Counterpart Communication Design — the Message Strategy Experts®. Locations in Memphis, Dallas, Minneapolis, and other cities. Clients include AARP, P&G, Progressive, Terminix, FedEx, Hilton. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. Officer, Knights of Columbus. On parish council of St. Michael Catholic Church. Commissioned minister of God’s Word.

Brian Sullivan: Principal and CEO, Sullivan Branding. Develops brands and creates award-winning advertising campaigns, internal communications, company culture and training programs for clients in hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, professional sports, tourism, education.

Elizabeth Tate: Chairman and CEO, Signet, Inc. WBENC certified company. Clients include International Paper, FedEx, ServiceMaster, TruGreen, Terminix, First Horizon, Genie. Founding member, PeerNet industry consortium. Distinguished Friend of the Fogelman College of Business at U of M, Fogelman Hall of Fame.

Lori Turner-Wilson: CEO and founder, RedRover Sales & Marketing Strategy. 2018 Vistage Impact Award winner. Syndicated columnist. Author of WOOF — Why Ordinary Organizations Fail. Contributing ghostwriter to the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Guerrilla Marketing.

Ceil T. Walker: CEO, president, Walker + Associates. Telly, Addy, Vox, MarCom awards for clients including ARRIVE Hotels, Green Dot Schools, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Higher Education Commission, McDonald’s, Thomas & Betts, Lucite International.

Becky Jones West: President and founder, WestRogers Strategic Communications, LLC. Media planning and buying, political and public affairs, crisis communications, brand development. Planned and bought media for Ted Cruz for President.

Martin Wilford: Founder and executive creative director, Red Deluxe Brand Management. 25 years+ experience with brands like HGTV, FedEx, Bass Pro. Focus has turned to campaigns for national nonprofits. Recipient, numerous Gold ADDY awards. 

Russ Williams: CEO, Archer Malmo, integrated agency founded 1952. 25-year veteran of strategic action. Supporter of Downtown creatives. 2016 Memphis American Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award. 2016 CEO of the Year, IMB. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ.

Kenneth Worles: President & creative director, Three(i) creative communications. Social impact marketing agency focused on civic, nonprofit, corporate social responsibility, and entertainment initiatives. Founded company in 2017. Offices in Memphis and Washington, D.C.

Medical- Group Practice Admin. 

Pam Alexander: President and CEO, MidSouth Healthcare Management. Provides practice management services to include oversight management, accounts payables and monthly financials, human resources, billing and collection services. Certified Medical Coder.

Kim W. Avery: CEO and General Counsel, Mid-South Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists, P.C. One of largest privately owned pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine practices in Southeast with 21 physician providers and 13 acute care practitioners.

Drew Botschner: CEO, University Clinical Health. Private practice arm of UT College of Medicine. Clinical practices in dermatology, family medicine, nephrology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, neonatology, dermapathology, neurology, minimally invasive surgery, pathology, hematology.

Michael S. Dragutsky: President and managing partner, Gastro One. Treats patients with digestive disease symptoms and gastrointestinal disorders. Treasurer, Digestive Health Physicians Association.

Debbie Eddlestone: CEO, Stern Cardiovascular Foundation, one of  the Mid-South’s largest single specialty Groups. Stern Cardiovascular provides a comprehensive approach to wellness and preventive medicine with 11 Mid-South locations, and 42 physicians. Over the years, has held numerous positions in the Stern organization with increasing responsibilities; was named COO in 2004 and CEO in 2008. Honors include MBJ’s Superwomen in Business and 2017 CEO of the Year, IMB. 

Mitch Graves: CEO, West Cancer Center. 35+ years of leadership experience in healthcare. Prior to joining West Cancer Center, served as CEO of HealthChoice, LLC and prior to that was a senior executive for 25 years at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Church Health Center finance committee. Board chairman, MLGW.

John Gross: Practice administrator, Shea Clinic. ENT medical practice and surgery center specializing in treatment of chronic hearing and balance disorders. Leadership Council, Association of Otolaryngology Administrators. Starkey Foundation 2021 Millennium Award. Board member, philanthropy chairperson, American Red Cross.

Joyce Jeffries: Chief nursing officer, Lakeside. 28 years+ experience. 365-bed, 37-acre campus has behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatment for adolescents, adults and senior adults.

Kimble Jenkins: CEO, OrthoSouth. Orthopedic care in eight Mid-South locations. Surgical and non-surgical treatment for general orthopedics, sports medicine, shoulder, back, neck, spine, hand.

John A. Lewis: CEO, Semmes Murphey Clinic. Neurosurgery, neurology, physiatry, pain management. CPA, CITP, Certified IT project manager. Fellow, American College of Medical Practice Executives. Tennessee Association of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, Medical Group Management Association.

Rola Obaji: CEO, McDonald + Murrmann Center for Wellness and Health. Provides obstetrics, gynecology, wellness treatments. Also skin and laser center and female rejuvenation.

Daniel Shumate: CEO, Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics. With company more than 10 years. Held previous position as Campbell Clinic COO. Former chief administrative officer, Louisiana Cardiology Associates.

Mark Swanson: CEO, Baptist Medical Group, 500-member multispecialty physician group. VP of physician enterprise, Baptist Memorial Health Care. Fellowship training in anesthesia and critical care at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Medical- Hospital Admin.

Reginald Coopwood: President, CEO, Regional One Health. General surgeon before roles as CMO and CEO in health systems. 2014 CEO of the Year, IMB; 2011 CEO Meritorious Service Award, 2013 Diversity Champion, 2016 President’s Award from Tennessee Hospital Association.

Christopher Cosby: CEO, Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis; market CEO, Tenet Healthcare Memphis market. More than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. Former CEO, HCA Healthcare. 

James R. Downing: President, CEO, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Architect of strategic initiatives to expand St. Jude clinical care and research programs in Memphis and globally. Instrumental in launching Pediatric Cancer Genome Project. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Received the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Prize, the E. Donnall Thomas Lecture and Prize from the American Society of Hematology, and the Pediatric Oncology Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Jason Little: President, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care. Former executive VP and COO, Baptist; CEO Baptist Memphis, Baptist Golden Triangle, Baptist Collierville. Early Career Healthcare Executive Award, American College of Healthcare Executives.

Michael O. Ugwueke: DHA, FACHE. President, CEO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. 2012, 2018 and 2020 Modern Healthcare Top 25 Minority Executives in the country. 2021 Baldrige Foundation Hertz Leadership Award. Board of Governors and Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives. 2021 Tennessee Hospital Association CEO of Distinction.

Michael Wiggins: President, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Was senior VP of clinical operations for Children’s Health in Dallas, TX, and administrator for Children’s Medical Center Plano. Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives.

Philanthropy

Charles Burkett: Chairman, First Horizon Foundation. Invests towards vital aspects of the community including arts and culture, education and leadership, environment, financial literacy, health, human services. Contributed more than $125 million to strengthen communities since 1993.

Mauricio Calvo: Executive director, Latino Memphis. Providing vital access, justice, and advocacy services for Memphis’ immigrant population, Calvo’s efforts have helped tens of thousands within Memphis’ multicultural communities. From education to healthcare, to legal rights, Calvo and Latino Memphis remain determined to build a more equitable and inclusive Memphis.

Robert M. Fockler: President, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, the Mid-South’s largest charitable grantmaker, with $1.1 billion in assets representing 1,200 charitable funds. Its FY2021 grants to nonprofits topped $158 million. During the pandemic, Fockler led the Mid-South Covid-19 Regional Response Fund, deploying $14.5 million for relief, recovery, and resilience efforts.

Barbara Rosser Hyde: Chair and CEO, J.R. Hyde III Family Foundation and J.R. Hyde Sr. Foundation. Dedicated to improving quality of life in the Memphis area. Public education reform, including KIPP Academy, Teach for America, New Leaders. Top 100 Most Powerful People in Tennessee, BusinessTN, 2004.

Jenny Turner Koltnow: Executive director, Campbell Clinic Foundation. Extensive experience with local organizations like AutoZone, Memphis Grizzlies.

Laura K. Linder: President and CEO, Jewish Community Partners. Provides professional leadership to $130 million+ organization that works to build and sustain a vibrant Jewish community that is cared for, connected, and engaged. Convenes agency partners to understand and meet community needs and partners with local estate and financial professionals to advise and inspire philanthropy from hundreds of Memphis families.

Justin W. Miller: Co-Founder and CEO, Slingshot Memphis, Inc., independent assessor of poverty-fighting impact. Slingshot’s portfolio of nonprofits currently stands at 30 organizations. In 2020, Slingshot raised and invested $2 million in its portfolio of nonprofits. 2020 TedX Memphis presenter and represented Memphis as the only U.S.-based nonprofit at the 2019 Paris Peace Forum.

Jenny Nevels: Executive director, Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation. Baptist Heart Institute, Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief, Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, scholarships for students, others. 50 Women Who Make a Difference, 2005.

Maureen O’Connor: VP of Institutional Advancement, Le Bonheur. Leads efforts of the Le Bonheur Foundation, marketing, public policy, trauma administration, and injury prevention teams.

Zach Pretzer: President, Methodist Healthcare Foundation. Oversees operations of the Methodist Healthcare Foundation and leads all fundraising efforts to promote the health and well-being of patients and community members served by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s adult hospitals, health service lines, and programs focused on health disparities. Pretzer’s work leading the Foundation also pays special attention to philanthropic initiatives addressing the needs of underserved and uninsured patients and social determinants of health challenges in our community.

Tammie Ritchey: Senior vice president and chief development officer, Regional One Health. Relationship manager connecting philanthropists to programs, causes, clinical leaders. Certified Fundraising Executive.

Gayle S. Rose: Chairman, Rose Family Foundation. CEO and founder, EVS Corporation. 100 most powerful people, BusinessTN. 2012 CEO of the Year, IMB. Changing Face of Philanthropy Award, International Women’s Funding Network. Humanitarian of the Year, Diversity Memphis. Women of Achievement Award. Leadership Memphis Change Makers Award, 2019.

Elizabeth Rouse: President, CEO, ArtsMemphis. Oversees support of the Memphis arts community. ArtsMemphis invested in 64 organizations and hundreds of artists in 2021.  During Rouse’s 16-year tenure in various roles, ArtsMemphis has allocated $47 million, started funding artists, and implemented a more equitable grant-making structure that supports more organizations, enabling more arts experiences for Memphians.

Jan Young: Executive director, Assisi Foundation of Memphis. Outstanding Alumni Awards from U of M and UT. Major General, USAF/TN ANG (retired). Awarded grants of more than $250 million since 1994. Initiatives include Before You ask, Transition to Success, Bridges Out of Poverty, Urgency of Awareness, Ethical Fitness.

Public Service

Jen Andrews: CEO, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. Oversees services, amenities, development, operations at Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline, including implementation of Master Plan. Former director of development and communications with the Conservancy. 20 < 30, Memphis Flyer; 40 under 40, MBJ.

Ward Archer: Founder and president, Protect Our Aquifer. Successfully challenged TVA’s cooling water wells that were drilled into the Memphis Sand Aquifer, Carrier’s plan to re-inject partially treated water back into aquifer, and Plains All-American’s Byhalia Connection crude oil pipeline.  Currently working with NASA to study recharge area of Memphis Sand Aquifer.

Eric Ballentine: Executive director, Streets Ministries. Innovative programming and community partnerships. Founder, The Ark community outreach organization in Riverview Kansas community.

Ruby Bright: President and CEO, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis for 21 years and leads investments of over $2 million annually supporting community programs. MBJ Power 100 and 2022 Women Who Lead. Ida B. Wells Memorial Committee Honorary Co-Chair and 2021 Memorial Impact Award; Memphis Challenge and ThinkTN Board of Directors. 

John Butler: President/CEO, Agricenter International. Oversees daily operation and responsible for implementation of strategic initiatives. Agricenter International is the largest urban farm in the U.S. and operates one of most successful ag research and education centers in the world. Fifth-generation farmer, still very active in family’s operation.

Kevin Dean: CEO, Momentum Nonprofit Partners. Creates momentum in nonprofit sector to enact equitable, measurable, lasting change. 2013 Ruth J. Colvin and Frank C. Laubach Award for Excellence in Community-Based Adult Literacy from ProLiteracy in Washington, D.C.; 2015 Innovation Awards, IMB. 2022 CEO of the Year, IMB.

J. Daniel Garrick: Manager, Southeast Region, Vitalant (formerly Lifeblood). National organization provides expertise in blood collection, testing, logistics, distribution, special services, research.

Lakethia Glenn: Executive director, LITE Memphis, organization dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap for African-American and Latinx students. More than 16 years’ senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Former development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South, Inc. 

Tabitha Glenn: President, Junior League of Memphis. Involved with organization since 2011. 2022 Women of Impact Award, American Heart Association. 2021 Super Women in Business, MBJ.

Rex Jones: President, Christian Community Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic and grant-giving organizations in Memphis. Elder, Harvest Church.

Sally Jones Heinz: President and CEO, MIFA. Joined as VP of development. Former director of development, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Former director of marketing and vice president of publications, Robert F. Sharpe Company, Inc.

David Jordan: President and CEO, Agape Child & Family Services, a local nonprofit he has led 25+ years. Serving families for more than 50 years, organization selected as Spark Awards Nonprofit of the Year, 2019. Kate Gooch Leader of the Year, Leadership Memphis, 2020.

Melanie Ann Keller: President, CEO, Meritan, Inc. Nonprofit health and social services agency that provides home healthcare, homemaker service, other residential support services to individuals with disabilities, emergency services to victims of elder abuse, senior employment services, foster care services in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia.

Patrick Lawler, SOE: CEO, Youth Villages. 42nd year at Youth Villages. 3,400 employees in 23 states and D.C. 2022 CEO of the Year, IMB. 2020 National Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged. Fellow, Results for America Nonprofit. Guest lecturer, Harvard Business School, Columbia University. Master Entrepreneur, SOE. America’s Best Leaders, U.S. News and World Report, 2006.

Shantelle Leatherwood: CEO, Christ Community Health Services. Faith-based, multi-site organization providing healthcare to under-resourced communities in Memphis. Services include adult and pediatric primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy services.

Anton Mack: Executive director, Explore Bike Share. Operates city’s first nonprofit shared mobility system with a mission to advance and connect Memphis through affordable and accessible transportation. Former presence in administrative departments for legal and academic fields.

Leigh Mansberg: President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, Mansberg and her team are launching a new experiential learning center that will focus on building the talent pipeline for a 25-county footprint by empowering students K-12 with education in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Former assistant head of school, St. Mary’s Episcopal School; Former COO, Epicenter and Bridge Capital.

Tony Martini: President and CEO, Memphis Goodwill, Inc. since 2003. Provides job opportunities and life skills assistance to individuals with barriers to employment through donated goods operations. Sponsored programs include contract services through government partnerships and Excel Center, free high school for adults. Member, Memphis Rotary Club and recipient of several distinctions including Outstanding Italian of the Year, Memphis Italian Festival, and Executive of the Year finalist, MBJ.

<In Memoriam> Charles McVean, SOE: Chairman and founder, Peer Power Foundation, nonprofit that recruits and trains U of M students to tutor and mentor in Shelby County Schools classrooms. Chairman and CEO, McVean Trading & Investments. Key to creating Big River Crossing. Master Entrepreneur, SOE. 2013 and 2017 Innovation Awards, IMB.

G. Scott Morris, SOE:  Founder, CEO, Church Health Center, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the nation with 61,000 patient encounters with over 17,500 unique individuals in 2021. Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame, 2020. U of M Honorary Doctor of Letters, 2015. Master Entrepreneur, SOE. Memphis Theological Seminary President’s Humanitarian Award, 2010. The Kindness Revolution’s Spirit of Kindness Award, 2010.

Cathy Pope: President and CEO, Mid-South Food Bank. Organization serves needy in 31 counties through 300 charitable feeding programs. Former president and CEO, Feeding the Gulf Coast food bank.

Adam Putnam: CEO, Ducks Unlimited, world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Former commissioner of agriculture, Florida, where he managed 1.3 million acres of state forest. Youngest elected member of Congress from Florida.

Kenneth Robinson: President and CEO, United Way of the Mid-South. Past Tennessee Commissioner of Health, served as health program and policy consultant and county health officer to mayor of Shelby County. 

Richard C. Shadyac Jr.: Leads ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. ALSAC works with supporters worldwide to raise funds — $2 billion last year — to fuel St. Jude’s $11.5 billion strategic plan that triples global investment. ALSAC was named Best Workplaces for Innovators, Fast Company (’20 and ’21).

Gary Shorb,  SOE: CEO, The Urban Child Institute. Led expansion of Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Corporation of the Year, Memphis Business Development Corporation, and best hospital in Memphis, U.S. News & World Report.

Casey Kaufman Tansey: President and CEO, Make-A-Wish Mid-South since 2017. With the organization since 2003. Creates life-changing wishes for children between 2 and 18 with critical illnesses.

Vickie Terry: Executive director, Memphis Branch, NAACP. Ensures political, educational, social, and economic equality of all citizens. Memphis Branch is second largest in the U.S.

Van Turner: Partner, Bruce Turner, PLLC. Commissioner, Shelby County District 12. Responsible for removal of Confederate statues from Memphis public parks. Top 40 Under 40, MBJ. Mid-South Rising Stars, 2010-2016, Super Lawyers.

Dana Wilson: President  and CEO, BRIDGES. Joined BRIDGES in 2008 as program coordinator; first employee to be promoted to president and CEO positions. Developed curriculum and evaluation for the expanded Bridge Builders program.

Security

Chris Bird,  SOE:  President, The Dillard Companies. Security installation and services for government facilities, manufacturing plants, warehouses, office buildings, apartment buildings, retail stores, parking garages, churches, schools.

E. Winslow “Buddy” Chapman: Executive director, Crimestoppers of Memphis and Shelby County. Former manager of business development, Guardsmark; VP and director of personnel administration, Dobbs International; director, Memphis Police Department, 1976-1983; named to White House Advisory Council on Law Enforcement by President Ronald Reagan, 1979-1982.

Jonathan Frase: President, Frase Protection, home security and security camera systems for homes and small businesses. Joined firm after successful career as commercial airline pilot and instructor.

Larry Heathcott: Founder and CEO, Clarion Security LLC. Uniformed, armed, and unarmed security officers, security patrols, and alarm response. Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. 2015-2020 Pacesetters Award, MBJ.

Barry Marshall: President and Partner, Security One, Inc. 35 years+ experience in public, private sectors. Firm founded by father in 1973. Joined Shelby County Sheriff’s Department in 1977 and is reserve instructor with the Memphis Police Department.

Patti Phelps: Owner and CEO, Phelps Security, Inc. founded in 1953. 39 years+ experience managing and operating one of Memphis’ oldest security companies. Nationally certified, Woman-Owned Business. Co-founder, B.I.G. for Memphis. Fallen Officer Memorial Committee, Neighborhood Watch Grant Committee.

Alfred Washington: Owner, CEO, Top Notch Security, Inc. In seven states with 300+ employees. Government, commercial, industry facilities, international executive protection, vulnerability assessments, disaster response. MBJ Top 40 under 40. SBDC Rising Star; African American Male Image award; MDBA Business of the Year; Robert R. Church award; Benny Award.

Craig Weiss: Co-founder, CEO, Central Defense Security. Helped firm become a top security provider in region. Started Central Defense Staffing 2013. Principal and EVP for Carrier Leasing at Tower Ventures, the largest wireless infrastructure company in the Mid-South.

Staffing

Dotty Summerfield Giusti: Founder, Summerfield Associates, consulting and recruiting services. Contract, contract to hire, direct-hire placements in human resources and information technology fields. Super Woman in Business, 2016.

Garen Haddad: President, CEO, Gateway Group Personnel. Accounting, finance, operations, engineering, technology, HR, administrative disciplines. Pinnacle Society member, nation’s premier consortium of top recruiters within executive search industry.

Justin Farmer: Managing partner, Vaco Memphis. Provides consulting, project resources, direct hire, and strategic staffing solutions with expertise in accounting and finance, technology, and operations. Global company named to Inc. magazine’s list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 15 years. Forbes’ 2018-21 lists of America’s Best Recruiting Firms.

Denise Burnett Stewart,  SOE : CEO, OR Nurses Nationwide, Inc., Travel Nurses, Inc. Provides temporary and permanent healthcare staffing to healthcare facilities locally, regionally, nationally. Ranked 2nd, Best Places to Work, MBJ.

Dinah Terry: CEO, President, Omni Staffing Plus, Inc. Provides testing, training, placement. Former owner/operator of OmniAdult Training Center, providing training and placement for medical transcription and terminology.