Board of Directors and Leaders

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NEXUS Board of Directors

Reggie Davis / CEO & Founder / Uplift Coaching and Consulting

Amy Beth Dudley / Director of Donor Relations / Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

Duncan Galbreath / First Vice President / First Tennessee Bank

Matt Gandy / Board Vice Chair / Managing Director of Air Safety & Regulatory Compliance / FedEx

Olivia Hammond / GMA Program Manager / Indigo

Ron Hickman / Ministry Executive / Second Presbyterian Church

Ephie Ballard Johnson / President & CEO / Neighborhood Christian Centers

Sally Pace / CEO / Connect Healthcare Collaboration

Alana Hu Perkovic / Private Client Relationship Manager / First Horizon Bank

Don Riley / Executive Director / Discipling Men, Inc.

Bathsheba Sams / Board Chair / Retired

Sridhar Sunkara / CEO / Marketing Technologist / eBiz Solutions

Ignacio Vincentelli / Senior Counsel / International Paper

Katie West / Consultant / Learning & Organizational Development

Roby Williams /Chief Relationship Officer / Black Business Association of Memphis

Lewis Williamson, co-Head of the Mid-South / Hilltop Securities

Kem Wilson /Principal / Kemmons Wilson Companies

NEXUS PROGRAM COMMITTEE

William Franklin / Vice President / Business Development / Path Company
Levernese Mell / Sylvamo Account Team Lead / International Paper
Lesley Patel / Director / Marketing Operations / ALSAC/St. Jude
Lauren Trowbridge / Director of Development / Southern College of Optometry
Katie West / Consultant / Learning & Organizational Development

STAFF:

Heather Hunt / Director / NEXUS Leaders, Inc.

 

Announcements

  • NEXUS + Streets Ministries

    Members of the NEXUS Class of 2023 recently volunteered at the Graham location of Streets Ministries. Each year, NEXUS selects non-profits to learn more about and volunteer with. Streets Ministries is impacting the youth in our city daily. Read More

  • March Session with Doug Carpenter

    Doug Carpenter, Principal & Executive Creative Director of Doug Carpenter Associates spoke at the March session to the NEXUS Class of 2023. Doug shared on the topic of “Asking the Right Questions”. Doug shared about the questions he has asked along his journey and said to not be intimidated to ask questions. He said, “Are you afraid of failure, if so, you aren’t going to make it – it’s how... Read More

  • Emily Callahan Shares at NEXUS

    ”Good communicators own their own brand and style.” -Emily Callahan It was an honor to have Emily Callahan, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for ALSAC-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital share at the December session on the topic of “Communicating as a Leader”. Emily is a dynamic leader who has a passion for St. Jude, our city, and creating a brand. The Class of 2023 benefited from Emily’s message about communicating... Read More

  • NEXUS Class of 2023

    The Class of 2023 began their NEXUS experience in August with Orientation. The successful event provided an opportunity for Mentors and Proteges to connect with fellow class participants, learn about individual strengths, and participate in training and team building exercises. The impact of the Mentor/Protégé relationship and the interactive, teaching lessons from key Memphis leaders paired with a proven curriculum continues to make NEXUS unique. The Orientation provided the foundation... Read More

  • NEXUS Class of 2023 Meet & Greet

    NEXUS Class of 2023 Mentors and Proteges had the opportunity to meet fellow class members and NEXUS Board of Directors prior to the class orientation. Special thanks to Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls for hosting. Read More

  • NEXUS NIGHT OUT

    Members of the NEXUS Network attended the annual NEXUS NIGHT OUT event this spring at the home of NEXUS Alumni Norma and Kem Wilson. The event offered the opportunity to connect and re-connect with fellow members of the NEXUS Network. Special thanks to the Wilsons for hosting the event. Read More

  • Sharing the Success of NEXUS IN MOTION

    Each year NEXUS invites NEXUS Alumni to return and share on timely topics at NEXUS IN MOTION. This year the NEXUS Class of 2022 hosted Sam Coates, Christina Cook, and Cindy Klatt who spoke on important topics which included Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone, New Normal Workplace, and Leadership at all Levels. The evening provided messages that impacted those in attendance and an opportunity for several alumni to attend... Read More

  • Indigo Ag’s Barry Knight Shared at NEXUS

    It was an honor to have Barry Knight, Senior Vice President of Indigo Ag speak to the NEXUS Class of 2022 at the March session. Barry spoke on the topic of “Focusing as a Leader” and shared what his mentors have taught him through the years. Read More

  • NEXUS Volunteers at the MidSouth Food Bank

    In October, members of the NEXUS Class of 2023 volunteered at the Mid-South Food Bank and had an opportunity to see first-hand the impact the Mid-South Food Bank is having on those in need in our community. Read More

  • Bill Seely Inspired at NEXUS

    Bill Seely, President and CEO of Varsity Spirit spoke to the NEXUS Class of 2022 at the November session on the topic of “Leading Through Change”. Bill shared his journey and the things he has learned along the way. He was intentional, humble, and honest with his message. Read More
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Upcoming Events

May 4, 2023 - May 4, 2023
NEXUS Celebrates Class of 2023 with Graduation

We are excited to celebrate and honor the Class of 2023 Mentors and Proteges. The NEXUS Graduation and Closing Session will

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April 27, 2023 - April 27, 2023
Recruitment Reception for Class of 2024

Potential Mentors and Proteges are invited to attend an Informational Recruitment Reception on Thursday, April 27 at 5:30pm

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April 13, 2023 - April 13, 2023
NEXUS IN MOTION on April 13

NEXUS Alumni and current participants are invited to be a part of NEXUS IN MOTION on Thursday, April 13; 5:30pm at Second

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

    “Mentoring relationships are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Through NEXUS, I have had the honor of both having a mentor and serving as one. A mentor walking alongside you to rejoice in successes and coach you through difficult situations makes all the difference. Serving on the board of NEXUS allows me to provide that connection and opportunity for others in our community.” Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

  • Mason Massey, Assistant Marketing Manager, AutoZone, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “This is a unique opportunity to engage with both, peers and mentors, on current issues facing Memphis and beyond that is difficult to replicate. The relationship with my Mentor is something that I value greatly and will extend beyond the dates of the NEXUS program. It is difficult to put the relationship into words, as it is more of a friendship with someone who has much more life experience and accolades, but it has grown organically without feeling forced and I am very grateful for that.”

  • Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

    “This is one of the many great and satisfying programs that Memphis has to further develop and strengthen relationships and support in our community and our careers. I appreciate NEXUS so much for the opportunity and the wonderfully crafted sessions and speakers who graced us often with invaluable knowledge, testimonials and stories that seemed to fit me each month of my personal journey. Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

  • Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “When I started NEXUS, I really didn't know what to expect. However, I am so glad that I jumped right into this opportunity. The mentor/protege relationship was a highlight for me. NEXUS gave me the space and perspective I needed to ensure my decisions align with my values. NEXUS has also allowed me to grow my personal network and hear from leaders in a variety of industries. Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

  • Kem Wilson, Jr. Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

    “My favorite question to ask someone is, “What are you doing TODAY, not what you did yesterday or what you plan to do in the future, but what are you doing TODAY, that will have an influence & impact on the next generation?   That is what we are trying accomplish through NEXUS.”    -Kem Wilson, Jr.  Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

  • ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

    “After participating in NEXUS myself and having a great experience, I wanted to do my part in helping to ensure others have access and the opportunity to be a part of the NEXUS experience as well.”  ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

  • Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Program Committee Volunteer

    “Over a decade ago when I was a Protégé, NEXUS helped me craft my vision for the leader I wanted to be.  As a Mentor, it helped me to grow as a leader especially as it involves assisting others in creating a plan to help them achieve their goals.  As a part of the Program Committee, it has given me an opportunity to provide content for our leaders that will broaden/deepen their leadership perspective.”  Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni &

  • Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS has been such a wonderful and memorable experience. The networking, paring of the mentors/protégés, volunteer opportunities, and interactive sessions truly exceeded expectations. I feel confident I have grown from this unique experience and the knowledge I have gained from my phenomenal mentor and inspiring presenters is invaluable.” Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

  • Steve French, Retired, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS was an incredible experience. Beyond the opportunity to mentor a very dynamic and up-and-coming individual, I met a diverse group of seasoned and young professionals from a variety of industries which led to several interesting and thought-provoking discussions. The speakers who spoke with us throughout the year were also very enlightening and offered open and honest dialogue about relevant topics ranging from ethics, planning, crisis management, communication, and several other subjects

  • Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

     “I am so thankful to be doing NEXUS this year. Yes, adapted and different, but hugely valuable. My mentor has been simply a Godsend in a season where a lot was poised to change even before a global pandemic. NEXUS and that relationship is already such an asset; I'm sure it will only grow. Many thanks for working to allow me this opportunity in such a wild context.”  -Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021