Class Of 2009

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NEXUS Class of 2009 PROTEGES

Full Name Business Title
Stephen Anderson Dillard Door & Entrance Control Service Tech
Steve Anderson Chartwell Financial Group Financial Representative
Stephanie Aldrich TruGreen Customer Retention Manger
Dion Barry Memphis Athletic Ministries Director
Ashley Belew Bottletree Design Group Architectural Intern
Cory Brown Univeristy of Memphis-College of Law Student  
Harry Cash MIFA Youth/Teen Coordinator
Shaun Ching FedEx Senior Marketing Specialist
Frank Crump FTN Financial Vice President/Structured Finance
Kyle Drummer Lincoln Electric Technical Sales Representative
Cami Chando Fields Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center Marketing Coordinator
Christopher Ham Germantown Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor
Jae Henderson Put It In Writing Professional Writing Service President/Head Writer
Sarah Hickman FedEx Communications Specialist
LaTasha Gentry Holmes Memphis City Schools Manager of Recruitment
Preston Lee Univeristy of Tennessee-College of Denistry Student Doctor
Erica Mann Mid-South Minority Business Council Supply Relationship Specialist
Chassie O’Neal Women’s Foundation Executive Assistant
John Riley MediTract, Inc. Director of Sales
Inez Robinson Love Matters, Inc CEO/President
Brittney Rogers Duncan-Williams, Inc. Investment Banker
Corlis Saadbouh Buckman Laboratories Legal Assistant
John Sadlow Century Wealth Management Director of Finance & Administration
Lynn Shaw Morgan Keegan and Co. Financial Advisor
Anthony Smith FedEx Senior Strategic Sales Analyst
Kristen Smith Memphis City Schools Teacher/2007 Corps Member
Eric Stenberg Memphis Leadership Foundation Program Coordinator
Jessica Swan    
Jonathan Watkins Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Corp. Manager, Patient Safety & Quality
Shiela White Hilton Hotel Corporation Recruiter
Erin Wiles NSA-Juice Plus Marketing & Special Events Coord. 
Oliver Williams KPMG Audit Associate
Chloe Woods Memphis Grizzlies Account Executive

NEXUS Class of 2009 MENTORS

Full Name Business Title
Becky Atkeison FedEx Manager of Executive Development
ohn Avis Collegiate School of Memmphis Head of School
JoAnne Ballard Neighborhood Christian Center Executive Director
Jon Becker Second Presbyterian Church Assistant Minister/Director of Evangelism
Richard Bourland FedEx Senior Business Analyst
Kelvin Bowen Memphis Athletic Ministries Executive Vice President
Tim Bowers FedEx Corporation Manager Executive Protection
Rob Crump Crump Mortgage Vice President of E Branch & Sr. Loan Officer
Heather Davis Briarcrest Christian School Math Teacher
Dr. Sylverna Ford Univeristy of Memphis Dean of Univeristy Libraries
Dana Hay Second Presbyterian Church Writer/Editor
Adella Heard First Tenn. Bank/First Horizon National Corp. SVP & Assistant General Counsel
Marilyn Hughes Hilton Hotels Corporation Manager Community Relations
Jack Joseph International Paper Human Resources Director
Jenny Koltnow Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Executive Director
Jana Davis Lamanna Black, McLaren, Jones, Ryland & Griffee Attorney
Joyce Lower Joyces Signs President/Owner
Melinda Medlin Capitol Network, Inc. Consultant and Senior Advisor
Olin Morris Retired  
Jacqueline Payne FedEx Express Business Systems Adivsor
Debbie Perkins IBM Corporation IT Services Manager
Lewie Polk Memphis Athletic Ministries VP/Community Director
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc Founder & Executive Director
Whit Robison FedEx IT  
Phil Sistrunk Pier 1 Imports Regional Manager
Susan Stralka Baptist Rehabilitation Germantown CEO/Administrator
Elizabeth Taliaferro Presbyterian Day School Capital Campaign Manager
Michael Vitali FedEx Express Advisor-Human Resource Development
Katie West Second Presbyterian Church Co-Director of Women in Ministry
Lain Whitaker St. Mary’s Episcopal School for Girls History Teacher
Lewis Williamson Citigroup/Smith Barney Senior VP & Community Specialist
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal
Fenton Wright The Memphis Shalom Project Project Manager

NEXUS Class of 2009 PROTEGES

Full Name Business Title
Stephen Anderson Dillard Door & Entrance Control Service Tech
Steve Anderson Chartwell Financial Group Financial Representative
Stephanie Aldrich TruGreen Customer Retention Manger
Dion Barry Memphis Athletic Ministries Director
Ashley Belew Bottletree Design Group Architectural Intern
Cory Brown Univeristy of Memphis-College of Law Student  
Harry Cash MIFA Youth/Teen Coordinator
Shaun Ching FedEx Senior Marketing Specialist
Frank Crump FTN Financial Vice President/Structured Finance
Kyle Drummer Lincoln Electric Technical Sales Representative
Cami Chando Fields Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center Marketing Coordinator
Christopher Ham Germantown Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor
Jae Henderson Put It In Writing Professional Writing Service President/Head Writer
Sarah Hickman FedEx Communications Specialist
LaTasha Gentry Holmes Memphis City Schools Manager of Recruitment
Preston Lee Univeristy of Tennessee-College of Denistry Student Doctor
Erica Mann Mid-South Minority Business Council Supply Relationship Specialist
Chassie O’Neal Women’s Foundation Executive Assistant
John Riley MediTract, Inc. Director of Sales
Inez Robinson Love Matters, Inc CEO/President
Brittney Rogers Duncan-Williams, Inc. Investment Banker
Corlis Saadbouh Buckman Laboratories Legal Assistant
John Sadlow Century Wealth Management Director of Finance & Administration
Lynn Shaw Morgan Keegan and Co. Financial Advisor
Anthony Smith FedEx Senior Strategic Sales Analyst
Kristen Smith Memphis City Schools Teacher/2007 Corps Member
Eric Stenberg Memphis Leadership Foundation Program Coordinator
Jessica Swan    
Jonathan Watkins Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Corp. Manager, Patient Safety & Quality
Shiela White Hilton Hotel Corporation Recruiter
Erin Wiles NSA-Juice Plus Marketing & Special Events Coord. 
Oliver Williams KPMG Audit Associate
Chloe Woods Memphis Grizzlies Account Executive

NEXUS Class of 2009 MENTORS

Full Name Business Title
Becky Atkeison FedEx Manager of Executive Development
ohn Avis Collegiate School of Memmphis Head of School
JoAnne Ballard Neighborhood Christian Center Executive Director
Jon Becker Second Presbyterian Church Assistant Minister/Director of Evangelism
Richard Bourland FedEx Senior Business Analyst
Kelvin Bowen Memphis Athletic Ministries Executive Vice President
Tim Bowers FedEx Corporation Manager Executive Protection
Rob Crump Crump Mortgage Vice President of E Branch & Sr. Loan Officer
Heather Davis Briarcrest Christian School Math Teacher
Dr. Sylverna Ford Univeristy of Memphis Dean of Univeristy Libraries
Dana Hay Second Presbyterian Church Writer/Editor
Adella Heard First Tenn. Bank/First Horizon National Corp. SVP & Assistant General Counsel
Marilyn Hughes Hilton Hotels Corporation Manager Community Relations
Jack Joseph International Paper Human Resources Director
Jenny Koltnow Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Executive Director
Jana Davis Lamanna Black, McLaren, Jones, Ryland & Griffee Attorney
Joyce Lower Joyces Signs President/Owner
Melinda Medlin Capitol Network, Inc. Consultant and Senior Advisor
Olin Morris Retired  
Jacqueline Payne FedEx Express Business Systems Adivsor
Debbie Perkins IBM Corporation IT Services Manager
Lewie Polk Memphis Athletic Ministries VP/Community Director
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc Founder & Executive Director
Whit Robison FedEx IT  
Phil Sistrunk Pier 1 Imports Regional Manager
Susan Stralka Baptist Rehabilitation Germantown CEO/Administrator
Elizabeth Taliaferro Presbyterian Day School Capital Campaign Manager
Michael Vitali FedEx Express Advisor-Human Resource Development
Katie West Second Presbyterian Church Co-Director of Women in Ministry
Lain Whitaker St. Mary’s Episcopal School for Girls History Teacher
Lewis Williamson Citigroup/Smith Barney Senior VP & Community Specialist
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal
Fenton Wright The Memphis Shalom Project Project Manager

Announcements

  • 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

  • NEXUS Welcomes the Class of 2026

    NEXUS is excited to officially kick off another year of growth, connection, and impact with the newest class. The Class of 2026 represents the next generation of leaders who are ready to learn, serve, and make a difference in our community. We’re grateful to our mentors for sharing their wisdom and to our protégés for bringing their energy and curiosity to the table. The class recently had Orientation with the... Read More

  • Special Thanks to NEXUS Partner First Horizon Bank

    NEXUS partner First Horizon Bank recently hosted the NEXUS Class of 2026 Meet + Greet at the Ron Terry location. The event provided an opportunity for new NEXUS class members to get to know one another and set the tone for an impactful beginning to this year’s NEXUS experience. We are grateful for the partnership with First Horizon Bank and the role they play in supporting the development of emerging... Read More

  • 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
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Upcoming Events

October 30, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Support the NEXUS Annual Fund

As leaders, we know strong communities are build when people invest in one another. NEXUS continues to equip emerging

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December 2, 2025 - December 2, 2025
NEXUS Welcomes Judge Valerie Smith as December Speaker

NEXUS welcomes Judge Valerie Smith, Court of Appeals-Western Division and NEXUS Alumni to speak on December 2. Judge Smith

Read More
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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