Class of 2017

MENTORS

Steve Anderson

Raymond JamesFinancial Advisor

Ashli Avis

Make-A-Wish Mid-SouthDirector of Wishes

Sharon Bailey

ServiceMasterManager, Application & Development

Teresa Blanton

Medtronic, IncBusiness Process Analyst

Jason Brock

Wunderman Vice President Digital Operations

Sara Burnett

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Director-Community & Public
Relations

Mia Condon

First Tennessee Capital Assets Corp Vice President

Sarah Cowan

St. George’s Independent School Director of Communications

Amy Beth Dudley

ALSAC / St. Jude
Associate Regional Director

Charles Elliott

National Infrastructure Group Managing Partner

Karen Farrell-Shikuku

FedEx IT Manager

Duncan Galbreath

First Tennessee Bank First VP

Matt Gandy

FedEx Pilot

Ed Garrison

International Paper
Director,Leadership Development

Kevin Gautreaux

FedEx IT Manager

Cecil Godman

Mercury Investment Group Chief Marketing Officer & Partner

Bently Goodwin

MidSouth CEO

Felicia Hartsfield

The Influence1 FoundationChief Operations Officer

Annette Hawkins

Teleflex MedicalHuman Resources Manager

Ron Hickman

Second Presbyterian ChurchMinistry Executive

John Ivy

Frazee Ivy Davis, PLC
CPA, Partner

Rex Jones

Hope Christian Community FoundationPresident and CEO

Mason Kauffman

US BiologicCEO

Caroline Kuebler

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Director of
Development

Paul LeMay

FedEx Director Strategy Planning

Larry Papasan

Smith & Nephew Retired President

Richard Romine

International PaperDirector Global Performance & Development

Bathsheba Sams

International Paper VP of HR Operations

Mary Sexton

United Way of the Mid-South VP of Resource Development

Anthony Smith

FedEx Solutions Principal

Katie West

The Metropolitan Bank Senior Managing Director

Joe Williams

Agape North President

Kem Wilson

Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

PROTEGES

Patrick Bingham

Crestcore RealtyRealtor

Deidra Brooks

The Memphis LiftChief of Staff

Lee Bobo

ALSAC/St. Jude
Event Specialist

Jeremy Bylo

Lincoln ElectricTechnical Sales Representative

Emily Cates

Kemmons Wilson CompaniesManager
Human Resources

Matthew Cates

Dennis Cates Advertising & GiftsSales Manager

Natalie Chamoun

First Tennessee BankTrust Officer & Portfolio Analyst

Ashley Chism

First Tennessee BankCredit Analyst II

Whitney Clifton

The Metropolitan BankClient Service Advisor

Eric Collison

Kemmons Wilson Insurance GroupVice President

Alton Cryer

STS Enterprise / Orion FCUCo-Founder & Vice President Business Development Officer

Robby Flack

Harvest Church MemphisYoung Adults Director

Carlo Foster

C. Foster Construction Co.President

Chandler Gagnon

Strategic Financial PartnersFinancial Representative

Henry Gordon

First Tennessee BankTrust Officer

Jeff Higdon

Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial AdvisorsSenior Associate

Danielle John

TruGreen CorporateMarketing Consultant

Brooke Jones

FedEx ExpressEngineer

Sara Nelms

ALSAC/St. JudeQA Engineer

Caleb Park

NexTech SolutionsAccount Manager

Betsy Peterson

Shelby Farms Park ConservancyDevelopment Manager

Michael Reynolds

FedEx ServicesMarketing Specialist

Steven Sanders

FedEx ServicesMarketing Specialist

Jordan Saslawsky

The Metropolitan BankMortgage Support Specialist

Grace Simmons

Duncan Williams Asset ManagementExecutive Administrator

Josh Simpson

ServiceMasterManager of Business

Justus Smith

International PaperIT Business Specialist II

Brianna Tidwell

Hilton Worldwide International Tax Analyst

Ben Trombly

CrestCore Realty General Manager

Cody Uzcategul

DeloitteAudit Assistant

LaToya Wharton

ALSACSenior Marketing Liaison

Garner Williams

The Marston Group, PLC Manager

Announcements

NEXUS Class of 2023

The Class of 2023 began their NEXUS experience on August 20 with an Orientation event. 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... 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
Tracee Walls Visited NEXUS

It was an honor to have Tracee Walls, Managing Director, Human Resources – Equity, Inclusion & Engagement for FedEx Ground speak at the NEXUS Class of 2022 February session. Tracee shared on the importance of planning as a diverse leader. Read More
Mid-South’s Food Bank Cathy Pope Shared in January

Due to the surge of Covid cases with the Omicron variant, the January NEXUS Session took place via zoom. After participants shared their 2022 motto, Cathy Pope, President and CEO of the Mid-South Food Bank Cathy spoke on the topic of “Communicating as a Leader”. The health and safety of the members of the NEXUS Network’s is priority; we will adhere to recommendations made by the Shelby County Health Department. ... Read More
International Paper’s Tom Plath Joined NEXUS in a Conversation

The NEXUS Class of 2022 is having a conversation with Tom Plath, Senior Vice President-Human Resources and Global Citizenship for International Paper visited NEXUS in December and had a conversation around “Visioning and Leadership”. Read More
NEXUS Volunteers at the MidSouth Food Bank

Members of the NEXUS Class of 2022 volunteered at the Mid-South Food Bank. The NEXUS volunteers helped prepare more than 6,500 pounds of food for distribution to those in need. 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

View All Announcements

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