Class Of 2015

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NEXUS Class of 2015 PROTEGES

Full Name Company Title
Andrew Barrett First Tennessee Bank Porfolio Manager
Shaun Bernard Total Transportation of Mississippi Fleet Manager
Olivia Buffington St. George’s Independent School Director of Admission
Richard Collins The Metropolitan Bank Client Services Advisor
LaTasha Cornett Church Pension Group Conferences Team Leader
Justin Deere ServiceMaster Financial Analyst
Jennie Dickerson ALSAC Donor Engagment Specialist
Ashley Edge Grizzlies Prep Charter School Development Coordinator
William Franklin FTB Advisors, Inc. Registered Representative
Deron Hall Memphis is Music Initiative Senior Program Manager
Anjelica Hardin Achievement School District Director of Strategic Partnership
Lizy Heard Church Health Center Graphic Director
Brad Hightower First Tennessee Bank Business Banking Relationship Manager
William Ivey The Metropolitan Bank Portfolio Manager
Jasmine Johnson International Paper Project Manager
Caroline Kelly
Keating Lowery Lawrence & Russell, PLC Attorney
Brandon Mack FedEx Business Sales
Jonathan McAlister Shoemaker Financial Financial Planner
Brandon Porter Fellowship Memphis Pastoral Resident
Ben Prodhomme Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor
Daniel Riley Ultraship TMS Technology Analyst
Alex Roberts Methodist Healthcare Foundation Special Events Coordinator
Leshundra Robinson Americorp Vista SCS Family Engagement Specialist
Camelia Scott New Leaders Manager, Recruitment & Operations
Elizabeth Sposato TreGreen Finanical Analyst
Jack Steffner Newmark Grubb Memphis Associate
William Ware Hobson Realtors Affiliate Broker
Christian Watkins-Bolden Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Supervisor of Community Collaboration

NEXUS Class of 2015 MENTORS

Full Name Company Title
Janice Ballard Common Table Health Alliance Program Coordinator-Healthy Shelby
Jonny Ballinger Smith & Nephew Business Lead Project Manager
Miska Clay Bibbs Green Dot Public Schools Director of Community Engagement
Greg Davis Century Wealth Management Director of Portfolio Management
Amy Beth Dudley ALSAC Associate Regional Director-Region 5
Debi Erickson Second Presbyterian Church Accounting Director
Terri Flemmons Pharmacist
Scott Fountain Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation Senior Vice President & CDO
Ed Garrison International Paper Director-Leadership Development
Deborah Hester Harrison Self-Employed
Rob Heard First Tennessee Bank Senior VP & Manager-Correspondent Services Division
Hamp Holcomb Strategic Finanical Partners Senior VP & Financial Advisor
Nancy Holcomb Community Volunteer
Rodney Johnson Unversity of Tennessee & NCC Family Advocate Counselor & Director
Jill Kauffman Presbyterian Day School Chief Financial Officer
Mason Kauffman US BIOLOGIC, Inc. Chief Executive Officer
Patrick McCarty Northwestern Mutual Director of Financial Security Support
Grace McLaren Success Strategies Owner
Elizabeth Oltremari Precision Healthcare Regional Account Manager
Ashley Pace Lockton Companies, LLC Producer
Larry Papasan Smith & Nephew & MLGW Retired President
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc. Executive Director & Founder
Traci Strickland Triumph Bank Vice President-Marketing
Stephanie Summers
Rhea Taylor Americraft Carton, Inc. President
Deidre Thompson FedEx Manager-Strategic Planning & Business
Dr. Kathy Tuberville University of Memphis-Fogelman Business School-Director
Katie West The Metropolitan Bank Chief Talent Officer
Marc Willis Omni Schools Co-Founder, President & CEO
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

Announcements

  • 2025 Kem Wilson, Jr. NEXUS Leadership Award Announced

    On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor NEXUS Protege Emmanuel Amido with the 2025 Kem Wilson, Jr. NEXUS Leadership Award that is awarded each year to someone that leads like Kem. This award is given at Graduation an individual who has unwavering commitment to the NEXUS program and mission and is fully engaged with fellow members of the Class of 2025. “It’s been... Read More

  • Congrats to the NEXUS Class of 2025!

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2025! It was an honor to celebrate the Mentors and Proteges at Graduation on May 6 at Theatre Memphis. The Mentor and Protégé graduates were celebrated for their accomplishments and dedication over the past ten months. Thank You Shelby County Sherriff Floyd Bonner for delivering a meaningful keynote message. Special thanks to the Board members, Program Committee members, and volunteers for their leadership and... Read More

  • Connecting at NEXUS Night Out

    On April 29, NEXUS alumni and current class members gathered at the home of NEXUS Alumni Norma and Kem Wilson for this year’s NEXUS Night Out, enjoying an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Read More

  • NEXUS IN MOTION was a Success!

    NEXUS IN MOTION is a favorite among the NEXUS Network and was another success this year.  Special thanks to the NEXUS Alumni who led table discussions and keynote speaker Matt Gandy. This special event offers NEXUS Alumni and current participants the opportunity to network, have table discussions on timely topics, and to be inspired by a keynote message. Thanks to the table leaders: Bryan Boggs / Jeremy Calhoun / Hayley... Read More

  • First Horizon’s David Popwell Spoke at the March Session

    David Popwell, Senior Strategic Executive for First Horizon Corporation, spoke to alumni and class members at the March session on “Building Leaders”. David is prominent leader in the financial sector of Memphis and has demonstrated long-standing leadership through his value-based approach and commitment to ethical business practices. He started the evening by asking participants to reflect on these questions: “What kind of person do you want to be?” and “What... Read More

  • NEXUS Winter Workshop Series was a Success

    NEXUS recently hosted a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator. Special thanks to Katie West and Sridhar Sunkara for facilitating this series. NEXUS is where mentoring and leadership meet. We continue to provide opportunities for current participants and alumni to develop as leaders. To learn more about upcoming events visit www.nexusleaders.org. Read More

  • Brett Batterson Shared at Feb NEXUS Session

    On February 4, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group Brett Batterson spoke to the members of the NEXUS Class of 2025. Brett is an empathetic leader who is all about the people. To lead through change, he shared you must pivot, be nimble, and take everyone with you. Special thanks to Begin Now, LLC. for sponsoring this session. To join us for an upcoming session, contact NEXUS to... Read More

  • January Session with Christian Owen

    Members of the current NEXUS class began 2025 hosting Christian Owen, Founder and Publisher of RiverCity Lifestyle Magazine as the session speaker. Christian shared her insights and experiences as she spoke to the mentors and proteges on the topic of “Dreaming as a Leader”. A few things she suggested when dreaming big include- -Start with the Why? Define your dreams. Remember that your compass is your Why. -Dreams must have... Read More

  • NEXUS Winter Workshop Series Underway

    NEXUS is hosting a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator.  Session One took place on January 14 with Leadership Development Consultant Katie West on the topic of Communicating with Your Enneagram Number.  The next session will help you learn how to utilize your Enneagram number to effectively communicate and strengthen your communication both personally and professionally by accessing the world of... Read More

  • NEXUS Serves at St. Jude Marathon

    NEXUS Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2025 volunteered at this year’s St. Jude Marathon. Volunteers cheered for marathon runners and served at a Hydration Station. Read More
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Upcoming Events

August 23, 2025 - August 23, 2025
Save the Date – NEXUS Class of 2026 Orientation

The NEXUS Class of 2026 will begin their NEXUS experience with Orientation on Saturday, August 23. This day offers

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July 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Apply Now for the NEXUS Class of 2026

We are currently recruiting Protege and Mentor participants for the NEXUS Class of 2026 that will begin in August.

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Beth Price, The Marston Group, Mentor – Class of 2025

    “Participating in NEXUS has been a fantastic experience! While nurturing relationships across varied professional fields, NEXUS is cultivating a network of individuals that go out into the community to lead & inspire others. The objective of building leaders through encouragement, mentorship & community service is beneficial to all participants & ultimately the city of Memphis.” - Beth Price, The Marston Group, Mentor - Class of 2025

  • Sam Pope, CoolRoofs, NEXUS Protege – Class of 2025

    "As one of the younger protégés in the NEXUS Class of 2025, I found the experience to be both grounding and transformative. My mentor created space for honest dialogue and offered insight rooted in years of leadership. The speaker sessions reinforced the importance of calm leadership and challenged me to see people not as problems, but as the purpose." Sam Pope, CoolRoofs, NEXUS Protege - Class of 2025

  • Michael Moore, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni, Class of 2024

    "As a NEXUS Alumni, I came back for one of the sessions because of my professional relationship with the speaker. It was one of the most rewarding NEXUS sessions I’ve attended! I also enjoyed a fruitful conversation with a new friend at the table and we plan to continue to connect. This is what NEXUS should look like on both ends (past/future…mentor/protégé)!" Michael Moore, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni, Class of 2024

  • Travis Moody, Forward Memphis, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “This was my second year as a NEXUS mentor. As before, I really enjoyed building a relationship with my protégé as well as connecting with the other mentors. I always learn something new from the monthly speakers. Even as a mentor, I see NEXUS as a huge part of my continued development as a leader.” - Travis Moody, Forward Memphis, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

  • Sarah Farrell, Memphis Fire Department, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “I am thankful for my time this year with my protégé, monthly meetings and engaging conversations with the entire NEXUS community. The ongoing focus on networking, leadership and encouragement is unlike any other. It is a positive representation of the Memphis community, and I am glad to be a part of it.” Sarah Farrell, Memphis Fire Department, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

  • Francisco Trujillo, The Marston Group, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    “As a first-generation college graduate and professional, I was unaware and unprepared about certain aspects or situations that come along in a professional setting. I am grateful at the resources that NEXUS has given me. I now have a mentor, whom I ask for guidance or advice on how to become a better more prepared leader, professional, and every day-to-day person.” – Francisco Trujillo, The Marston Group, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Ramonda Clayborn, Sylvamo, NEXUS Class of 2025 Mentor

    "I've absolutely loved building a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship with my mentee. NEXUS has been a phenomenal platform for gaining actionable insights from community leaders and program participants, greatly enriching both of our professional development journeys." Ramonda Clayborn, Sylvamo, NEXUS Class of 2025 Mentor

  • Lauren Morgan, The Bank of Fayette County, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    “The NEXUS program has meant so much to me both personally and professionally. My mentor offered incredible wisdom and support, and I truly felt seen and encouraged throughout the process. I also had the chance to meet other protégés I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise—some of whom have turned into genuine friendships. I’m incredibly thankful for NEXUS and all the growth it brought into my life this year. - Lauren Morgan, The Bank of Fayette County, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Emmanuel Amido, AgroTech Noire, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    "An essential aspect of growth as an entrepreneur and business professional lies in learning from the paths of those who came before you—seasoned lifelong learners whose wealth of experience drives economic progress and strengthens our community's foundation. NEXUS gave me that opportunity, as I hope to contribute to our community's economic growth. " Emmanuel Amido, AgroTech Noire, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Beverly Gates, Monogram Food, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “The NEXUS program is one of a kind. From my time as a protégé many years ago to the last year as a mentor, I have learned so much through this program. The inspiring, experienced speakers NEXUS attracts never fail to provide life lessons. The future of Memphis is in the hands of some extraordinary, passionate young leaders who are working hard to improve lives in our community. “ -Beverly Gates, Monogram Food, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025