Class Of 2008

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NEXUS Class of 2008 PROTEGES

Full Name Business Position
Farris Adams Ivey Sprint Nextel Account Executive
Julie Ashby Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center Marketing Manager
Jenny Baker nexAir, LLC Purchasing Coordinator
Eric Bleier Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Coordinator
Mila Borden Regional Medical Center at Memphis Creative Communications Manager
Eric Burton Erinys Marketing Group President
Robert Coe Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor
Rebecca Cole Carpenter Sullivan Sossaman Account Coordinator
Tequite Conley Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority Airport Production Control Specialist
Jeb Fields Commercial Advisors, LLC Associate
Preston Frazer AutoZone Finance Controller
Lauren Mabon Primacy Relocation Marketing Account Executive
Myron Mays American Red Cross Marketing Coordinator
Craig Melton Bartlett United Methodist Church Director of Recreation
Angela Petty Duncan-Williams, Inc. Municipal Underwriter
Mary Elizabeth Reopell Ameriprise Financial Licensed Paraplanner
Marlon Ridley Smith & Nephew, Inc. Regulatory Specialist
Katherine Russell FTN Financial Capital Markets VP Portfolio Strategies Group
Angela Stoudemire Hospitality Federal Credit Union Membership Development Manager
Rory Thomas Mid-South Minority Business Council Financial Analyst
Patrick Walton CB Richard Ellis Property Administrator
Michael Whaley Getwell Elementary School Teacher
Mark Yancy Methodist Foundation Major Gifts & Special Projects Coordinator
Mathis Young Paragon National Bank Business Development Officer
Marsha Young Memphis Area Teachers Credit Union Bank Manager

NEXUS Class of 2008 MENTORS

Full Name Business Position
Mike Allen Westminister Presbyterian Church Pastor
Levernese Anderson International Paper Supply Planner
Shali Ledbetter Atkinson RISE Director of Development
Kim Blankenship Second Presbyterian Church Director of Volunteer Ministries
Brenda Brazley Hope Christian Community Foundation Director of Donor Relations
Cindy Burleson St. Jude Director of Domestic Affiliate Program
John Burns Baker Donelson Attorney/Shareholder, Tax Department
Allen Chapman The Lincoln Electric Company District Sales Manager
Barbara Clenin Total Health Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic Owner
Holly Craft GlaxoSmithKline Oncology Oncology Sales Representative
Tom Dyer The Sharpe Group CEO
Jacky Gatliff EPC Ministries National Director of Women in Ministry
Mike Gatliff Second Presbyterian Church Minister to Middle Adults
Sharon Goldsworthy City of Germantown Mayor
Jay Harvill Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance, LLC Senior Vice President/Owner
Steve Hearn Presbyterian Day School Chief Advancement Officer
Ron Hickman Kemmons Wilson Companies Senior Vice President
Don Howdeshell Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. First Vice President
Cayce Lawrence Christian Brothers University Associate Professor of Management
Tony Ludlow USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP Owner/Operator
Cardell Orrin Linx Consulting  
Sally Pace MemphisConnect Director
Bev Pray Christian Brothers University Executive Director, Center for Ethical Leadership
Barbara Prescott Allie Prescott & Partners VP/Consultant and Licensed Professional Counselor
Sam Shaw Berclair Elementary School Principal
Carolyn Wills Bottletree Design Group Owner/Architect
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

Announcements

  • 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

  • Lunch with Leaders

    Members of the NEXUS Network had the opportunity to network and be inspired by NEXUS leaders. During Lunch with Leaders Chris Coleman, Caroline Kuebler, and Bathsheba Sams shared their personal leadership journeys and the insights they’ve gained through experience. Read More

  • NEXUS Alumni Returns as November Session Speaker

    Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2026 had the privilege to hear NEXUS Alumni Brooke Jones, Director for Strategy for Martin Brower return to NEXUS and speak at the November session. Brooke spoke on the topic of “Focusing as a Leader” and shared that it’s okay to give yourself permission and grace to be focused in the moment – that will set you up on the right path... Read More

  • Doug McGowan Shared with NEXUS Class of 2026

    Doug McGowan, President and CEO for MLGW spoke to the NEXUS Class of 2026 at the October session. Doug is a dynamic leader that spoke on the topic of “Planning as a Leader”. Doug’s remarks and examples provided valuable take-aways applicable to everyone. He discussed four kinds of Work/Buckets -Day to Day Work -Process Improvement -Break Through Thinking -Critical/Crisis Action Planning Plan + Metrics / Activity + Outcome / Measure... Read More

  • First NEXUS Class of 2026 Session a Success with Dr. Coopwood

    Dr. Reginald Coopwood, President & CEO for Regional One Health spoke at the first session to the NEXUS Class of 2026. Dr. Coopwood did excellent job speaking on his experiences as proven community-focused leader and a visionary. He shared a few things he believes makes an effective leader including culture is the most important thing and it starts with the top. The leader sets the expectations. NEXUS Alumni are invited... Read More
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Upcoming Events

April 30, 2026 - April 30, 2026
NEXUS Night Out to Take Place on April 30

NEXUS Alumni and members of the Class of 2026 are invited to NEXUS Night Out on April 30. NEXUS hosts this annual

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April 23, 2026 - April 23, 2026
Recruitment Event for NEXUS Class of 2027

NEXUS will host a Recruitment Reception for interested proteges and mentors for the Class of 2027 on April 23; 5:30pm at

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March 26, 2026 - March 26, 2026
NEXUS Workshop – Communicating + Leading With Your Enneagram Number

On March 26 NEXUS will be hosting a Workshop titled "Communicating and Leading with your Enneagram Number" led by NEXUS

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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