Class Of 2004

NEXUS Class of 2004 MENTORS and PROTEGES

Full name Title Company
Abidi, Misam Computer Systems Admin. Physicians Data Services, LLC
Anthony, Rocky Pastoral Executive Second Presbyterian Church
Bacon, Doug Executive Director MpactMemphis
Ballard, JoeAnn Sr. Executive Director Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc
Ballard, Monroe, Jr. Network System Engineer MCI
Barnes, Charles, Sr President Mphs. Chemical & Janitorial Supply
Baur, Peter Dir of Institutional Advancement Westminster Academy
Beard, Martha Perine Vice President and Branch Mgr. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Biehl, Bobb President Master Planning Group
Bingham, Dr. Rosie Vice President of Student Affairs University of Memphis
Blankenship, Earl CEO C.B. Richard Ellis
Blount, Michelle Vice President First Tennessee Bank
Blake Bourland Attorney Stokes Bartholomew Evans & Petree
Burks, Teri Customer Service Federal Express
Burns, Lee Headmaster Presbyterian Day School
Campbell, Carter V. P., Commercial Lending Independent Bank
Campbell, Roy “Soup” Director Eikon Ministries
Carter, Gaye Interior Designer Shea Design
Clark, Nick Partner Clark & Clark
Cobbins, Darrell Commercial Real Estate Commercial Tennessee
Cobbins, Donnell Employee Benefits Consultant RJ Morgan and Assoc.
Cobbins, Mikki Community Health Educator Mphs. Regional Planned Parenthood
Coe, Nancy Client Service Associate Morgan Stanley
Conrad, Kemp Vice President Trammell Crow Company
Craft, Chris Judge of Criminal Court Shelby County Justice Center
Crews, Albert Director of Engineering Memphis Networx, LLC.
Crowe, Cathy Teacher Millington High School
Culpepper, Byron Trader Adjustable Mortgages Vining Sparks
Cunningham, Jeff Dir. of Information Technology MDS Laboratory
Cunningham, Jo V. P. of Human Resources US Foodservice
de Witt, Greg Commercial Broker Colliers Wilkinson & Snowden
DiMento, Patrick Assistant Chief Pilot Federal Express
Edwards, Jimmy President Fluid Power Technologies
Elliott, Charles Dir./ Marketing & Service Memphis Networx, LLC
Eubank, Ellen Community Affairs Manager Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Fakes, Roger Trust Officer Morgan Keegan
Galloway, Alex Director of Outreach Services Christ Community Health Services
Gilliland, Chad Analyst Trinity Capital
Graham, Howard, Jr. SVP, Consumer Direct First Horizon
Guinn, Franketta Executive Director Memphis Business Academy
Harris, Stuart Communications Coordinator SCB Computer Technology, Inc.
Hart, Tomeka Associate Attorney Young & Perl, PLC
Hendrix, Dr. Kitsie Periodontist Dr. Kitsie Hendrix
Hester, Bob Managing Partner Deloitte
Hickman, J. Project Manager Burkhalter Rigging, Inc.
Hickman, Ron Sr. Vice President Kemmons Wilson, Inc
Hill, Chris l Bible & Chapel Director Presbyterian Day School
Holcomb, Hamp Institutional Investment Business First Tennessee Bank
Johnson, Ephie Ballard Administrative Director Neighborhood Christian Center
Jordan, Don Chairman Jordan Enterprises
Keaton, Julie Business Analyst International Paper
Kelley, Kathy Small Business Owner K. Design Advertising
Laughlin, John Associate Summit Asset Management LLC
Lehew, Kimberly Supplier Diversity Coordinator Memphis Light, Gas and Water
Lewis, Mitchell Project Manager Solectron Global Services
Lofton, Kathy Marketing Analyst Federal Express Services
Lowery, Mickell Service Project/Process Analyst Federal Express
Lyles, Desiree Training Specialist DDC Woodware Systems
Lyles, Matt Sr. Financial Analyst Federal Express
McCraw, Harris Managing Director Morgan Keegan & Company
McVean, Linda Assistant Headmaster Christ Methodist Day School
Moore, Rick President Lehman-Roberts Co.
Morgan, Shannon Financial Representative Northwestern Mutual Financial
Nash, Susan Program Executive Second Presbyterian Church
Orrin, Cardell Chief Information Officer Lemoyne-Owen College
Owens, Jimma Project Manager Memphis Housing Authority
Parkinson, Ben Teaching Pastor Fellowship Bible Church Memphis
Patterson, Dan Wealth Management Advisor Merrill Lynch
Pettit, Peter Real Estate Attorney Bass, Berry & Sims
Prescott, Allie President Allie Prescott & Partners
Reilly, Patrick Marketing Specialist CB Richard Ellis
Robbins, Matt Investment Consultant Gerber/Taylor Capital Advisors, Inc.
Roberson, Neil Vice President FTN Financial
Scott, Walter Management Consultant Seltmann Scott, LLC
Sexton, Dr. Barrett Oral Surgeon Drs. Cannon & Sexton
Smith, Harry Chairman Schilling Enterprises
Stansbury, Mark Assistant to Vice President University of Memphis
Stenberg, Brent Executive Director Christian Psychological Center
Stenberg, David Youth Intern Second Presbyterian Church
Sunkara, Sridhar Director of Information Systems Center City Commission
Terry, Michael President Emergememphis
Tyler, Parice Greek Affairs University of Memphis
Vaughan, Kennon Youth Pastor Christ United Methodist Church
Waddell, David Senior Investment Strategist Waddell & Associates, Inc.
Warren, Ruth CPA Clark & Clark
Weathersby, Matt Commercial Real Estate Commercial Tennessee
Wepfer, John President Wepfer Marine
West, Wade Vice President Kenesaw Leasing, Inc.
Williams, Margaret Accountant Federal Express
Williams, Roby President Black Business Association
Willson, Sandy Senior Minister Second Presbyterian Church
Wilson, Jennifer Director of Development Memphis Leadership Foundation
Wilson, Jr., Kemmons Owner and Manager Kemmons Wilson Companies

Announcements

  • Congrats to the NEXUS Class of 2026

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2026! It was an honor to celebrate the Mentors and Proteges at Graduation on May 7 at International Paper. The Mentor and Protégé graduates were celebrated for their accomplishments and dedication over the past ten months. Thank you to Memphis Mayor Paul Young for sharing celebratory remarks. On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor NEXUS Mentor Levernese... Read More
  • Memorable Evening at NEXUS NIGHT OUT

    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

    The NEXUS IN MOTION session took place in April. This special event offered members of the NEXUS Network the opportunity to network, have table discussions on timely topics led by NEXUS Alumni, and to be inspired by a keynote message from David Jordan, President & CEO Agape Child & Family Services Inc. on “Dreaming as a Leader”. Special thanks to those NEXUS Alumni that returned to lead table discussions: Christy... Read More
  • AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice Shares on the Power of the Question

    It was an honor to have AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice as our speaker. Rebecca is the Vice President of Human Resources for AutoZone and shared on how to be an effective and compassionate leader by asking the right questions. She said, “The best leaders don’t have the best answers, they ask better questions.” And by doing this you show respect, build trust and loyalty and retain members of your team.... Read More
  • Sylvamo’s Page Boden Spoke at the February Session

    “Don’t be fancy, be effective and concise.” – Page Boden It was a privilege to have Page Boden, Director of Communications for Sylvamo speak at the Class of 2026 February session. Page shared how to communicate as an effective leader and referenced the book Smart Brevity. A FEW POINTS Put Your Audience First Punch Through the Clutter Communicate Clearly + Concisely Make Every Word Count Say More with Less Read More
  • Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage

    NEXUS Alumni and Code Crew School’s ToNaya Gulley Pye recently led a NEXUS Workshop titled Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage. The information she shared will help equip our leaders through AI. Alumni are invited to join us for monthly speaker sessions and special events. Make a reservation with NEXUS. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More
  • Leading in Our Community

    Heather Hunt, NEXUS Executive Director recently represented NEXUS as a panelist at the NBMBAA meeting along with several NEXUS Alumni. The focus was “Leading in our Community”. Special thanks to NBMBAA for the invitation. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More
  • Rob Carter Returned to NEXUS to discuss “Leading with AI”

    NEXUS started the new year at the January session with Rob Carter, recently retired CTO & CIO for FedEx Global. Rob and NEXUS Board member Sridhar Sunkara, founder of enaiblr had a conversation on the topic of “Leading With AI”. The conversation started with how technology has transformed. We were encouraged to embrace AI as leaders and use the tool as critical thinkers. Rob mentioned when thinking of AI, be... Read More
  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from NEXUS

    On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the new year be filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful impact. Thank you for your ongoing support for NEXUS. Read More
  • NEXUS Alumni and Judge Valerie Smith Shared at NEXUS

    At the December session, alumni and members of the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to hear Judge Valerie Smith speak. NEXUS Alumni Valerie Smith and Court of Appeals Judge for the Western Section spoke on the topic of “Ethical Leadership”. She shared her experiences and asked the class to ponder the question, “How do you want others to see you?”. Contact NEXUS to request the speaker’s audio. Read More

Upcoming Events

June 30, 2026 - June 30, 2026
NEXUS Year End on June 30

Thank you for your continued leadership and support! Because of you, we provided an engaging and impactful NEXUS experience

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August 27, 2026 - August 27, 2026
NEXUS Class of 2027 Meet + Greet

NEXUS is excited to officially kick off another year of growth, connection, and impact with the newest class. Prior to

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August 29, 2026 - August 29, 2026
NEXUS Class of 2027 Orientation

We are excited to welcome the NEXUS Class of 2027 in August. The experience will begin with Orientation, a day filled with

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Testimonials

  • Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration, NEXUS Alumni + Board Member

    “NEXUS serves such a crucial role in helping replicate leaders in our professional & civic community. Serving on the NEXUS board gives me a birds-eye view of the incredible pipeline of talent in our city that is eager to grow & lead. Pairing this pipeline with mentors who are just as eager to pour into the next generation is deeply rewarding and it’s how we ensure our community continues to move forward with purpose & strength.” Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration, NEXUS Alumni + Board
  • Tiffany Futch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, NEXUS Alumni + Volunteer

    “Serving on the NEXUS Program Committee was a meaningful way to give back to an organization that was instrumental in my professional journey. I truly enjoyed witnessing the growth of future leaders and working alongside dedicated professionals who share a passion for mentoring and developing the next generation.” Tiffany Futch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, NEXUS Alumni + Volunteer
  • Gus Carter, FHN Financial, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “The NEXUS mentorship program has provided me with a unique experience in which other young individuals & myself were able to receive tailored personal and professional advice from our respective mentors. Each month we were given a fresh idea to ruminate on from a myriad of leaders around Memphis. The combination of mentorship and monthly speakers makes for a valuable program that has & will continue to impact how I move forward with my life.” Gus Carter, FHN Financial, Protégé, Class of 2026
  • Andrea Granadillo Suels, St. Jude, Protege – Class of 2026

    "I am deeply grateful for the NEXUS experience and the opportunity it gave me to build meaningful relationships that have supported my professional growth. Most meaningful to me was connecting with an incredible woman professional—also a mother, a newcomer to Memphis, and a leader in the medical field—whose journey and generosity reminded me of the power of community, mentorship, and shared experiences in shaping our paths forward." Andrea Granadillo Suels, St. Jude, Protege - Class of 2026
  • Justin Greene, Sylvamo, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “My experience with NEXUS was outstanding and exceeded my expectations. I entered the program optimistic, & throughout the year my confidence grew as I was pushed outside of my comfort zone through networking and leadership development. I learned a great deal about what true leadership looks like and how to continue growing professionally. I can confidently say I’ve grown both personally and professionally." Justin Greene, Sylvamo, Protégé, Class of 2026
  • Gayatri Jaishankar, Methodist University Hospital, Mentor – Class of 2026

    “The NEXUS program has been an incredible journey of growth & discovery for me. Having the opportunity to connect with a wide range of local leaders, engage in thought provoking conversations, & reflect on my own strengths &areas for development has been truly meaningful. One of the most rewarding parts has been supporting my Protégé & sharing my experiences along the way." Gayatri Jaishankar, Methodist University Hospital, Mentor, Class of 2026
  • Joel Jarnagin, First Horizon Bank, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “The program has been absolutely wonderful, and I cannot say enough about how great my mentor has been. My mentor pair was unexpected but an answered prayer and the most beneficial pairing for me.” Joel Jarnagin, First Horizon Bank, Protégé, Class of 2026
  • Oliver Cobb, Linden Street Capital, Protégé – Class of 2026

    "I have learned quite a bit from the program. It has broadened my skills and my network.” Oliver Cobb, Linden Street Capital, Protégé, Class of 2026
  • Coors Arthur, Hilltop Securities, Mentor – Class of 2026

    “I am very thankful for the opportunity to mentor with NEXUS. I am especially grateful to make a new friend in my proteges without NEXUS, this strong relationship would not be available.” Coors Arthur, Hilltop Securities, Mentor, Class of 2026
  • Donae Gooden, The J.M. Smucker Company, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “Participating in the NEXUS Leaders program has been one of the most impactful leadership experiences of my professional journey. For the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside a dedicated mentor who has challenged me to think more strategically, lead with intention, and strengthen both my personal and professional influence." Donae Gooden, The J.M. Smucker Company, Protégé, Class of 2026