Class of 2020

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NEXUS Class of 2020
Mentor Company Position
Michael Allen / Memphis Botanic Garden / Executive Director
Ashli Avis / Make A Wish of the MidSouth / Vice President of Program Services
Teresa Blanton / Medtronic, Inc. / Business Process Analyst
Bo Braswell / Managing Director / Raymond James
Reggie Davis / New Memphis Institute / Director of Alumni Activation
Edward Dobbs / Dobbs Management Services / President
Kelly Drozd / ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Manager – Agile Delivery (Marketing Operations)
Rebecca Dupuy / International Paper / Manager, Global Sourcing
Brian Eason / Cobuilt, LLC / CEO
Duncan Galbreath / First Tennessee Bank / VP-Commercial Banking
Ed Garrison / International Paper / Director, Leadership Development
Jacqueline Gatewood / International Paper / Leadership Consultant
Ken Hall / Church Health / Special Events Manager
Olivia Hammond / Indigo Ag / GMA Program Manager
Felicia Hartsfield / The Influence1 Foundation / Chief Operations Officer
Reneka Hawkins / Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare / Social Work Supervisor
Charlotte Henderson / Reynolds Bone & Griesbeck / Tax Partner
Ron Hickman / Second Presbyterian Church / Ministry Executive
Bliss Hicky / Retired Banker / Farm Management
Shelley Hill / HR Compensation Leader / Retired
Caroline Kuebler / Community Foundation of Greater Memphis / Director of Development
Drayton Mayers / TeamLogic IT / President & Owner
Erinn Monette / International Paper / Customer Service Manager – Containerboard
Edward Newby / Bow Wave Coaching / Head Coaching Consultant
Larry Papasan / Smith & Nephew / Retired President
Cliff Posman / Retired / Orthopedic Surgeon
Sharon Posman / Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance LLC / Sr. Vice President – Certified Personal Risk Manager
Don Riley / Discipling Men, Inc./ Executive Director & Founder
Chuck Smith / National Guard Products, Inc / Chairman
Tish Towns / Regional One Health / Chief Administrative Officer
Ignacio Vincentelli / International Paper / Senior Counsel
Bradley Wilford / Cushman & Wakefield /Commercial Advisors / VP Asset Management
Dale Williams / University of Memphis / Academic Advisor
Joe Williams / Agape North / President
Shad Williams / Teletracking / SVP of Commercial Business
Audrey Willis / Shelby County Government / Manager of Innovation and Performance Analysis
Kem Wilson / Kemmons Wilson Companies / Principal
Triena Winbery / Retired / Non Profit Fundraising

Protégé Company Position
Samantha Albert / Mercer Capital/ Senior Financial Analyst
Preston Albertine / STREETS Ministries / Development Coordinator
Taylor Cao / St. George’s Independent School / Classroom Instructor
Charles Cook / Primerica Cook and Associates / Sales Lead
Reid Cates / AutoZone / Senior Category Manager
Jessica Cowan / New Memphis / Manager of Collegiate Engagement
Jeremy Crooks / ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Production Designer II
Sebastiaan de Kok / HealthLink International Inc. / Director of Operations
Olga Dickard / ALSAC/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Director of Direct Response, Retention
Meredith Duncan / Ballet Memphis / Donor Relations Manager
Bryanna Fields / Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group / Risk Placement Specialist
Alex Fountain / ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Manager – Field Development
Hope Francis / Sanctuary Counseling Center / Marketing & Communications Manager
Quentin Hendree / ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Account Representative
Jillian Hunt / First Horizon National Corporation / Risk Compliance Officer
Matt Jones / 6AM CoreCollective / Operations Manager
Blawna Lewis / Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare / IT Edu Training Specialist
Nate Mahrt / Second Presbyterian Church-Campus Outreach / Area Director
Aria Miles / Momentum Nonprofit Partners / Director of Research and Public Policy
Geoffrey Morris / Butler Snow LLP / Associate
Jared Moses / Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. / Administrative Director
Karon Nash / ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital / Graphic Designer III
Kyle Neuhalfen / Allegis Global Solutions / Recruiting Manager
Hanna Oysel / Adams Keegan, Inc. / Client Service Manager
Fred Quarles / Church Health YMCA / Senior Program Director
Warren Ransom / Absolute Storage Management, Inc. / Property Accountant
Zipporah Robinson / AmeriCorps VISTA/ Grizzlies Prep / Mentor Coordinator
Jared Rodgers / Brighton Bank / Assistant Vice-President/Risk Analyst
Pratt Rogers / CBRE / Associate
Charlie Scheel / Oak Hall / Head of People
Briana Scott / Shelby County Schools / Math Teacher
Bridget Sisney / Self Employed / Wellness/ Yoga Practitioner
Darren Thomas / Porter-Leath / Development Officer
Robyn Watson / International Paper Co. / IT Asset Management Specialist
Glenn Wegener / Industrial Capital Holdings / Vice President
Mary Whitehorn / International Paper / HR Generalist
Kenneth Worles / Threei Creative Communications / President & Chief Creative Director
Rachel Woyt / Lincoln Electric / Technical Sales Engineer

Announcements

  • NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon – Celebrating 20 Years

    The NEXUS Network came together for NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon to celebrate 20 years! The special event provided an opportunity for alumni, current participants, and community partners to toast and reflect on the remarkable journey of NEXUS, celebrate the impact NEXUS has had on over 1200 leaders, and share the excitement for the future! GIVE HERE and build the foundation of NEXUS for the next 20 years and... Read More

  • NEXUS IN MOTION with Mayor Young was a Success

    NEXUS IN MOTION is always a class favorite and paired with Memphis Mayor Paul Young as the keynote speaker the event was a success! The event offered opportunities for networking around table discussions with selected topics, and an encouraging message from Memphis Mayor Paul Young.  Special thanks to NEXUS Alumni that returned to lead table discussions including Lynn Ballinger, Jessica Cowan, Charlene Cox, Lori Evans, Steve French, Billie Jo Parker,... Read More

  • Jason Little Delivered an Impactful Message in March

    Jason Little, President and CEO for Baptist Memorial Health Care returned to NEXUS and spoke to the Class of 2024. Jason spoke on the leadership topic of “Building as a Leader”. Jason believes it is important to build a system to lead an organization, culture, career, and team. You must build a system that aligns, with your principles, and has a culture, which is a reflection of behaviors. You must believe... Read More

  • Tammy LoCascio Delivered a Great Message to the Class of 2024

    Tammy LoCascio, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President for First Horizon Bank spoke at the February session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Tammy shared the importance of communicating as a leader and how to be an effective communicator. Tammy said, “You cannot be a great leader if you are not a great communicator.” To request an audio of this presentation contact NEXUS. Read More

  • NEXUS Featured in River City Lifestyle

    NEXUS is featured in the February issue of River City Lifestyle. As we celebrate 20 years of NEXUS, the article captures the true meaning of NEXUS and honors our mission as we strengthen Memphis one leader at a time. River City Lifestyle is a local publication that is a hub for uplifting local stories, businesses and experiences. To read the article CLICK HERE. Read More

  • New NEXUS Podcast Release with Guest Caroline Kuebler

    New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Check out the latest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” with Caroline Kuebler, Director of Development for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Alumni. Co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. JUMP IN to this podcast with Caroline as she shares about being a “Value Based Giver”. Caroline uses her expertise everyday with donors on how to build a giving... Read More

  • Elizabeth Rouse First Speaker in 2024

    “Questions should inspire others.” – Elizabeth Rouse Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO for ARTSmemphis spoke at the first session of 2024.  The Class of 2024 had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth on January 4 share on the topic of “Asking the Right Questions”.  Elizabeth feels that questions can do many things – It shows you care, is a great way to communicate, empowers us, provides personal growth, inspires us, shows others... Read More

  • Sridhar Sunkara Shares On Newest Podcast Episode

    NEW RELEASE – NEXUS Alumni and Board member Sridhar Sunkara shares on the newest episode of the NEXUS podcast “The NEXUS Intersection” with co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. Sridhar is CEO of eBiz Solutions and works among global leaders in technology. He shares on the topic of “Technology & Leadership” including the benefits and challenges leaders are faced with today regarding technology. And why it’s so important to be... Read More

  • Ericka DeBruce Shared in December

    Ericka DeBruce, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital spoke at the December Session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Ericka spoke on the important topic “Intentionally Being a Diverse and Inclusive Leader”. Read More

  • The NEXUS Intersection Podcast with co-Founder Sandy Willson

    New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Co-founder of NEXUS Sandy Willson sat down with Heather Hunt and Ephie Johnson to talk about the vision he had for NEXUS and 20 years later why mentoring matters. Listen to the newest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” titled “The NEXUS Vision & Why Mentoring”. Sandy shares about why NEXUS was founded and the purpose we continue to fulfill for... Read More
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Upcoming Events

April 25, 2024 - April 25, 2024
Recruitment Efforts for the Class of 2025 Begin in April

We will host an Informational Recruitment Reception on Thursday, April 25 at 5:30pm for interested Protégé and Mentor

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November 15, 2023 - June 30, 2023
NEXUS 20th Anniversary Funding Campaign

This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 20 years of developing, encouraging, and equipping leaders who have

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May 2, 2024 - May 2, 2024
Sandy Willson Returns for Class of 2024 Graduation

Sandy Willson, Interim President of The Gospel Coalition and Pastor Emeritus at Second Presbyterian Church will speak at

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Ephie Ballard Johnson

    “I was honored to participate in the inaugural year of NEXUS, 20 years later I’m honored to still be involved in NEXUS as a mentor, past speaker, and Board member. Just five years after being a protégé I became President & CEO of NCC, because of NEXUS I appreciate and see the importance of servant leadership.” Ephie Ballard Johnson, President & CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Billie Jo Parker

    “The greatest benefit from participating in NEXUS are the connections you make. I am grateful for the personal and professional network of colleagues and friends I have encountered because of NEXUS.” Bill Jo Parker, SVP Pinnacle Bank and NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Douglas Skipworth

    “NEXUS is unique because it trains people's minds, hearts, and hands. I love NEXUS because it does both of those while also adding a higher purpose component to its program. In my experience, that's very rare. Thanks to NEXUS, the proteges who graduate each year are not only skilled and ambitious, but they are also compassionate leaders who are making a meaningful difference in Memphis!” Douglas Skipworth, Principal Broker, CrestCoreRealty, LLC and NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Amy Beth Dudley

    “NEXUS has been an important part of my professional life for over a decade. Starting as a protégé, moving to the mentor role, and now serving on the NEXUS Board of Directors. I have had the opportunity to see the impact of mentoring and that has been tremendous.” Amy Beth Dudley, Director of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis + NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Cameron Mann

    “The greatest part about NEXUS is the diversity of relationships made that last a lifetime, particularly multi-generational relationships.” Cameron Mann, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Methodist Healthcare + NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Amy Simpson

    “NEXUS provides the opportunity to learn from others who love Memphis and want to make a difference!” – Amy Simpson, Corporate Communications, International Paper + NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Lewis Williamson

    “The NEXUS program offers an opportunity for a young person to gain some of the knowledge and experience of their mentors. I was a rather young mentor at the time of my initial experience. Today I am older with hopefully more experience to share. NEXUS offers me another network – especially with a younger group and I have made many new friends and hopefully provided beneficial help to those in the next generation.” -Lewis Wiliamson, HTS Commo

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Caroline Kuebler

    “I’d say NEXUS is unique due to the opportunity to learn from and interact with local leadership in the small group monthly meetings. Of course, the relationships built between mentors and proteges is one of my favorite things.” - Caroline Kuebler, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis + NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Sally Pace

    “I came to NEXUS at a time where I desperately wanted a mentor from my industry who understood some of the challenges and opportunities I would be facing as I grew my career. I found that and so much more in the program, and the curriculum and discussions helped frame the path I would take over the coming years as I moved through various levels of management. - Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration + NEXUS Alumni

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Andrew Mok

    “As a NEXUS graduate, I have benefitted from the program through the guidance and support from my mentor at such an early stage of my professional career. I feel more confident in making informed decisions and navigating challenges. The program assisted in the development of my leadership skills including communication, problem solving, and emotional intelligence." - Andrew Mok, AutoZone + NEXUS Alumni