Class of 2025 – Current Class

PROTEGES

Emmanuel Amido AgroTech Noire Founder
Janie BeanBlossom Hobson Realtors Affiliate Broker
Sara Boscarino Sylvamo Communications Specialist II
Jared Bulluck Regional One Health Foundation Development Officer
Lance Canterbury AutoZone Tax Technology Manager
Taylor Cook First Horizon Bank Senior Portfolio Manager
Elliott Farmer Trustmark National Bank Commercial Portfolio Manager
Parker Francis First Horizon Bank Portfolio Manager
Haleigh Freeman Thrive Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions Audiologist and Director of Clinical Services
Tiffany D. Futch First Horizon Bank Talent Strategy & Organizational Development Consultant
Scott Hamilton First Horizon Bank Treasury Management Digital Product Manager
Rebecca Hamm New Memphis Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Finesse James State of Tennessee TennCare Appeals Program Coordinator
Caroline Kam FedEx Project Management Analyst
JaNaya Lowery Baptist Memorial HealthCare Corporation Corporate Human Resources Representative
Yhazsmin Mason International Paper Human Resources Business Partner
Morgan Millon Memphis Literacy Institute Literacy Conference Lead
Johnathan Moffett Sylvamo Corporation Supply Chain Team Lead
George Moore City Year Memphis Learning & Development Director
Lauren Morgan The Bank of Fayette County Community Development Officer
Mitch Morris Blueprint Supply Chain Program Coordinator
McKenzie Podesta AutoZone Attorney
Alan Michael Pope Strategic Financial Partners Financial Services Representative
Sam Pope Benefits Claims Intelligence, LLC Director of Operations
Henry Sanders SBM Management Services Sr Manager
Barrett Smith FedEx Pilot
Tierney Smith First Horizon Bank Private Client Financial Services – Client Specialist
Katherine Stanifer VC3 Client Relationship Manager
Kim Stephens International Paper Business Process Specialist
Paige Stubbs Memphis Shelby County Schools Assistant Principal
Francisco Javier Trujillo Barrientos The Marson Group, PLC Staff Associate
Mackenzie Pirtle VanAusdall Orpheum Theatre Group Development Manager & Grant Writer
Nicholas Weaver New Memphis Director of Community Action
Justin Wiley International Paper Data Analyst
Kam Wilson Westminster Academy & Imago Dei Fitness Teacher/Founder

MENTORS

Ashli Avis Make-A-Wish Mid-South VP of Program Services
Brandon Byrd Delta Asset Management VP-Portfolio Manager
Jim Calhoun Delta Field Services CFO
Neki Catron Sylvamo Global Community Engagement & Inclusion & Diversity Leader
Ramanda Clayborn Sylvamo HR Director North America
Chris Coleman Teach For America Memphis Executive Director
Ginger Collier Community Volunteer
Damon Conley Second Presbyterian Church Assistant Pastor
Stacey Crenshaw Billie’s Pecans & More, Inc. Owner
Amy Beth Dudley Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Director of Donor Services
Sarah Farrell Memphis Fire Department Project Manager
Greg Foster Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor
Dick Fisher Paul & Sonia Jones Family Office CEO of affiliate, Red Hills Fishery, LLC; Director of Internal Audit
Dot Fisher Community Volunteer
Beverly Gates Monogram Foods EVP & Chief Legal Officer
Howard Graham The Center – Memphis Executive Director
Jeanice Hayslett International Paper BI & Analytics Development Manager
Ephie Johnson Neighborhood Christian Center President & CEO
Stephanie Jones Christian Community Foundation Director, Donor Advised Funds/Relations
Aimee Massey Chief Operating Officer ATA Advisory, LLC
Andy McArtor FedEx Pilot
Gordon McIntyre Retired – William Equipment + Supply Co.
Travis Moody Forward Memphis CEO
Edward Newby State of TN Department of Children Services HR Director
Beth Price The Marston Group Managing Principal
Paige Proctor Interior Designer
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc. Executive Director & Founder
Cheryl Rollins Retired – International Paper Retired – Finance / Accounting
Tom Ryan International Paper Chief Counsel, Intellectual Propery & Latin American
Bathsheba Sams Retired – International Paper Human Resources
Sridhar Sunkara eBiz Solutions CEO
Sabrina Townsend International Paper Manager-Global HR Operations
Paul Tuberville Retired – International Paper Legal Counsel
Ignacio Vincentelli International Paper Senior Counsel
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

Announcements

  • Lori Evans on the Newest Episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” Podcast

    New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast In this episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt have a conversation with NEXUS Alumni Lori Evans on the topic of “Leading + Engaging our in City”. Lori is the Patient Experience & Community Engagement Manager for Regional One Health and the President of the Junior League of Memphis. At a young age, Lori learned she... Read More
  • Class of 2025 Kicks Off with Dr. Russ Wigginton

    The first speaker session for the NEXUS Class of 2025 took place on September 10 with Dr. Russ Wigginton. Dr. Wigginton serves the National Civil Rights Museum as President and shared about his leadership journey and what makes an effective, focused leader. To request the speaker’s audio contact NEXUS. Read More
  • Mike Allen Named Kem Wilson NEXUS Leadership Award Recipient

    On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor NEXUS Mentor Mike Allen with the Kem Wilson NEXUS Leadership Award that is awarded each year to someone that leads like Kem. This award is given at Graduation to someone who has unwavering commitment to the NEXUS program and mission and fully engaged with fellow members of the Class of 2024. Read More
  • Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2024!! On May 2, NEXUS graduated its 20th Class and has now trained over 1200 leaders equipped and motivated to lead our city! At Graduation the Mentor and Protégé graduates were honored for their accomplishments and dedication over the past ten months. NEXUS co-Founder Sandy Willson was the keynote speaker on the topic of “Dreaming as a Leader”. Special thanks to the mentor and... Read More
  • NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon – Celebrating 20 Years

    The NEXUS Network came together for NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon to celebrate 20 years! The special event provided an opportunity for alumni, current participants, and community partners to toast and reflect on the remarkable journey of NEXUS, celebrate the impact NEXUS has had on over 1200 leaders, and share the excitement for the future! GIVE HERE and build the foundation of NEXUS for the next 20 years and... Read More
  • NEXUS IN MOTION with Mayor Young was a Success

    NEXUS IN MOTION is always a class favorite and paired with Memphis Mayor Paul Young as the keynote speaker the event was a success! The event offered opportunities for networking around table discussions with selected topics, and an encouraging message from Memphis Mayor Paul Young.  Special thanks to NEXUS Alumni that returned to lead table discussions including Lynn Ballinger, Jessica Cowan, Charlene Cox, Lori Evans, Steve French, Billie Jo Parker,... Read More
  • Jason Little Delivered an Impactful Message in March

    Jason Little, President and CEO for Baptist Memorial Health Care returned to NEXUS and spoke to the Class of 2024. Jason spoke on the leadership topic of “Building as a Leader”. Jason believes it is important to build a system to lead an organization, culture, career, and team. You must build a system that aligns, with your principles, and has a culture, which is a reflection of behaviors. You must believe... Read More
  • Tammy LoCascio Delivered a Great Message to the Class of 2024

    Tammy LoCascio, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President for First Horizon Bank spoke at the February session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Tammy shared the importance of communicating as a leader and how to be an effective communicator. Tammy said, “You cannot be a great leader if you are not a great communicator.” To request an audio of this presentation contact NEXUS. Read More
  • NEXUS Featured in River City Lifestyle

    NEXUS is featured in the February issue of River City Lifestyle. As we celebrate 20 years of NEXUS, the article captures the true meaning of NEXUS and honors our mission as we strengthen Memphis one leader at a time. River City Lifestyle is a local publication that is a hub for uplifting local stories, businesses and experiences. To read the article CLICK HERE. Read More
  • New NEXUS Podcast Release with Guest Caroline Kuebler

    New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Check out the latest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” with Caroline Kuebler, Director of Development for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Alumni. Co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. JUMP IN to this podcast with Caroline as she shares about being a “Value Based Giver”. Caroline uses her expertise everyday with donors on how to build a giving... Read More

Upcoming Events

November 5, 2024 - November 5, 2024
November 5 Session with Tom Cleves

On November 5, Tom Cleves, recently retired as SVP – Corporate Affairs for Slyvamo will speak to the mentors and proteges

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October 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024
Sally Pace to Speak at October 1 Session

Sally Pace, CEO for Connect Healthcare Collaboration will speak to the NEXUS Class of 2025 on the topic of “Asking the

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December 3, 2024 - December 3, 2024
December Session with Monica Wharton

On December 3, Monica Wharton, EVP and COO for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare will speak to the NEXUS Class of 2025 on the

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Testimonials

  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Ephie Ballard Johnson

    “I was honored to participate in the inaugural year of NEXUS, 20 years later I’m honored to still be involved in NEXUS as a mentor, past speaker, and Board member. Just five years after being a protégé I became President & CEO of NCC, because of NEXUS I appreciate and see the importance of servant leadership.” Ephie Ballard Johnson, President & CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Billie Jo Parker

    “The greatest benefit from participating in NEXUS are the connections you make. I am grateful for the personal and professional network of colleagues and friends I have encountered because of NEXUS.” Bill Jo Parker, SVP Pinnacle Bank and NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Douglas Skipworth

    “NEXUS is unique because it trains people's minds, hearts, and hands. I love NEXUS because it does both of those while also adding a higher purpose component to its program. In my experience, that's very rare. Thanks to NEXUS, the proteges who graduate each year are not only skilled and ambitious, but they are also compassionate leaders who are making a meaningful difference in Memphis!” Douglas Skipworth, Principal Broker, CrestCoreRealty, LLC and NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Amy Beth Dudley

    “NEXUS has been an important part of my professional life for over a decade. Starting as a protégé, moving to the mentor role, and now serving on the NEXUS Board of Directors. I have had the opportunity to see the impact of mentoring and that has been tremendous.” Amy Beth Dudley, Director of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis + NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Cameron Mann

    “The greatest part about NEXUS is the diversity of relationships made that last a lifetime, particularly multi-generational relationships.” Cameron Mann, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Methodist Healthcare + NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Amy Simpson

    “NEXUS provides the opportunity to learn from others who love Memphis and want to make a difference!” – Amy Simpson, Corporate Communications, International Paper + NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Lewis Williamson

    “The NEXUS program offers an opportunity for a young person to gain some of the knowledge and experience of their mentors. I was a rather young mentor at the time of my initial experience. Today I am older with hopefully more experience to share. NEXUS offers me another network – especially with a younger group and I have made many new friends and hopefully provided beneficial help to those in the next generation.” -Lewis Wiliamson, HTS Commo
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Caroline Kuebler

    “I’d say NEXUS is unique due to the opportunity to learn from and interact with local leadership in the small group monthly meetings. Of course, the relationships built between mentors and proteges is one of my favorite things.” - Caroline Kuebler, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis + NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Sally Pace

    “I came to NEXUS at a time where I desperately wanted a mentor from my industry who understood some of the challenges and opportunities I would be facing as I grew my career. I found that and so much more in the program, and the curriculum and discussions helped frame the path I would take over the coming years as I moved through various levels of management. - Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration + NEXUS Alumni
  • Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Andrew Mok

    “As a NEXUS graduate, I have benefitted from the program through the guidance and support from my mentor at such an early stage of my professional career. I feel more confident in making informed decisions and navigating challenges. The program assisted in the development of my leadership skills including communication, problem solving, and emotional intelligence." - Andrew Mok, AutoZone + NEXUS Alumni