Class Of 2016

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NEXUS Class of 2016 PROTEGES

Full Name Company Title
Jake Adams First Tennessee Bank Relationship Manager
Jeremy Calhoun International Paper/STS Enterprise IT Specialist II/President & Founder
Lenora Christopher International Paper Financial Analyst
Josalyn Coleman University of Tenn.-Health Sciences Education Specialist
Jonathan Givens Digital Media Freelancer Digital Media Freelance
Jeremy Griffith International Paper IT Business Specialist
Sarah Haney The Metropolitan Bank Client Development Advisor
Dirk Hedlund EyeOn Technologies Technical Support Engineer
Katharine Hedlund EyeOn Technologies Technical Support Engineer
Matthew Heffington The Kimery Group at Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor
Emily Hendrix Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance Personal Lines Account Assistant
Jacari Lewis International Paper Financial Analyst
Breyana Lowe ALSAC/St. Jude Senior Specialist/Patient Liaision
Kristen Lurry Federal Express Security Advisor
Amanda Mattingly The Metropolitan Bank Client Services Advisor
Dexter McKinney Baptist Memorial Health Care System Community Outreach Specialist
Matt Mitchell Harvest Church Facilities Manager
James Moore For The Kingdom Program Manager
Allie Morrison Baptist Medical Group Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Morrison Southeastern Asset Management Client Relations Manager
Jay Philpott St. George’s Independent School Director of Advancement
Jeremy Ramsey Raymond James & Associates Investment Portfolio Specialist
Timithay Robinson Memphis Recovery Center Counselor
Luke Sanderson Wampler & Pierce, P.C Attorney
Lori Stewart University of Memphis College Academic Advisor/Graduation Assistant
TaWanda Stewart Le Bonheur Community Health & Well Being Resource 7 Referral Specialist
Howard Summers Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance Commerical Insurance Specialist
Rondell Trevino National Imigration Forum Southeast Church Mobilizer
Kate Van Namen Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP Attorney
Pedro Velasquez Darsalud Management Operations Director
Taylor West Harvest Church Human Resources Associate

NEXUS Class of 2016 MENTORS

Full Name Company Title
Levernese Anderson International Paper Supply Planner
Steve Anderson Raymond James Financial Advisor
Teresa Blanton Medtronic, Inc. Business Process Analyst
Betsy Brasher First Tennessee Bank Portfolio Manager, Corporate Banking
Andreana Brown Smith Church Health Center Director of MEMPHIS Plan & Patient Services
Rob Carson Medtronic, Inc. Vice President, Global Marketing & Strategy
Lu Churchwell Dermatologist
Pamela Cox Neighborhood Christian Center Community Relations Director
Orin Davidson Retired Physician
Todd Erickson Second Presbyterian Church Pastoral Executive
Ed Flemmons Pool Contractors Supply President & CEO
Preston Frazer AutoZone Vice President of Audit Services
Matt Gandy FedEx Pilot
Ed Garrison International Paper Director, Leadership Development
Cynthia Graham Memphis Union Mission Director of Major Gifts
Adella Heard First Tennessee Bank Legal Counsel
Jay Healy Century Wealth Management President
Art Heun Retired Police Chief
Amy Klesges Medtronic, Inc. Finance Director & Controller
Caroline Kuebler ALSAC/St. Jude Senior Director-Volunteer Development
Elizabeth Rudolph University of Memphis Law School Assistant Dean
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc. Executive Director & Founder
Susan Riley Methodist Healthcare Germantown Nurse
Robb Roaten Second Presbyterian Church Director of Communications
Phyllis Slaughter International Paper Solution Delivery Manager
Bobby Shute Aren Investments, LLC Vice President of Operations
Paul Tuberville International Paper Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment
Gib Vestal Memphis Athletic Ministries Chairman
Nicole Walhour International Paper Deputy Ethics & Compliance Officer
Roby Williams Black Business Association of Memphis President
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal
Norma Wilson Community Volunteer

Announcements

  • 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

  • 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
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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

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November 4, 2025 - November 4, 2025
NEXUS Alumni Brooke Jones to Return as November Speaker

NEXUS Alumni Brooke Jones, Director of Strategy for Martin Brower will return to Memphis and NEXUS to speak at the November

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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