Class of 2018

NEXUS PROTEGES

Hunter Acosta

ADPDistrict Manager

Millie Adams

ALSAC/St. JudeSpecialist – Endurance Programs & Partners,
Fitness

Jeremy Andrews

BRIDGESStrategic Partnership Officer

Sara Beshires

Frazee Ivy DavisAuditor

Quintilianus Carger

Budget Car & Truck Rental of Memphis Branch Manager

Amanda Carpenter

ServiceMaster Business Process Solutions Analyst

Calvin Davis

Helena Chemical IT Decision Support Analyst

Laura Dickerson

First Tennessee Bank Data Analyst

Jay Edwards

Raymond James & Associates Financial Advisor

Austin Ehrat

CBRE, Inc. Associate

Sheleah Harris

Agape/Living Grace Memphis Community Coordinator

Kanesha Hines

Medtronic Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Alana Hu

First Horizon National Corporation Community Investment Manager

Stewart Hunt

Church Health Executive Assistant to CEO

Geoffrey Lewis

Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division Staff Attorney

Karlisa Kuykindall

United Way of the Mid-South Community Engagement
Associate

Matthew Marrapode

Medtronic Spinal & Biologics Research &Development
Engineer

Chris Memminger

NAVY Executive Officer

Amber Munchow

Frazee Ivy Davis Staff Accountant

Keith K. Okello

FedEx Services Finance Manager

Chris Pruett

Southern Sun Asset Management Associate

Alex Pope

Capital Financial Financial Advisor

Tarryn Sanchez

inferno Account Executive

Adee Shankle

International Paper College Relations Specialist

Parish Sharkey

EAG, Inc. Project Manager

Louisa Shepherd

LITE Memphis Alumni Director

Erica Siddell

St. Jude/ALSAC Employee Engagement Manager

Cooper Smith

Shoemaker Financial Financial Advisor

Meredith Taylor

Whole Foods Market Marketing & Community Liasion

Steven Thomas

AutoZone Marketing Program Manager

Bryant-Joshua Turner

ServiceMaster Scrum Master

Kierra D Warren

FedEx Services Senior Marketing Specialist

Worth Whitten

Deloitte & Touche LLP Audit Senior Assistant

Elizabeth Wilcox

Triumph Bank Medical & Professional Banking Portfolio

Terrence Williams

Varangon Academy Youth Counselor

NEXUS MENTORS

Julie Ashby

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Director, Brand Marketing &
Development

Joey Bland

Commercial Advisors, LLC Vice President-Team Leader Farmland
Advisors

Priscilla Bland

Christ Methodist Day School Teacher

Teresa Blanton

Medtronic, Inc. Business Process Analyst

Sonji Branch

Communities in Schools for Tennessee Executive Director

Carl Carter

International Paper Associate General Counsel

Leslie Coleman

International Paper Business Human Resources Manager

Reggie Davis

Streets Ministries Executive Director

Rebecca Dupuy

International Paper Global Sourcing Consultant/Process Steward

Pam Faulk

Commercial Advisors Asset Services, LLC Senior VP Asset Management

Jeb Fields

Cushman Wakefield Commercial Advisors
Principal

Ed Garrison

International Paper Director
Leadership
Development

Cecil Godman

Mercury Investment Group Chief Marketing Officer & Partner

Angela Hill

City of Memphis Youth and Family Administrator

Andrea Hill

Leadership Memphis Director of Volunteer Memphis

Shelley Hill

Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. Chief Strategy & Execution
Officer

Alex Ivy

Frazee Ivy Davis, PLCMember

Mark Jenkins

Commercial Advisors, LLCEVP
Principal

Lori Kirkpatrick

Commercial Advisors, LLC CFO

Caroline Kuebler

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Director of
Development

Margaret McDonald

Girls Inc. of Memphis Development Officer

Larry Papasan

Smith & NephewRetired President

Lesley Patel

ALSAC St. Jude
Director-Marketing Operations

Don Riley

Discipling Men, Inc. Executive Director & Founder

Jeff Sample

United States District Court Case Administrator

Amy Simpson

TruGreenSenior Director-Corporate Communications

Elizabeth Smith

Commercial Bank & Trust CompanyVice President & Bank Loan
Officer

Gregg Smith

Wiseacre Brewing

Greg Spillyards

Commercial Advisors, LLCEVP

Rhea Taylor

Americraft Carton, Inc.President

Rob Walters

International Paper Senior Manager-IT Strategy & Planning

Andre’ Wilkes

Renasant Bank Associate Managing Director

Roby Williams

Black Business Association of MemphisPresident

Allison Willingham

Raymond James FVP

Kem Wilson

Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

Announcements

  • 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
  • Elizabeth Rouse First Speaker in 2024

    “Questions should inspire others.” – Elizabeth Rouse Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO for ARTSmemphis spoke at the first session of 2024.  The Class of 2024 had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth on January 4 share on the topic of “Asking the Right Questions”.  Elizabeth feels that questions can do many things – It shows you care, is a great way to communicate, empowers us, provides personal growth, inspires us, shows others... Read More
  • Sridhar Sunkara Shares On Newest Podcast Episode

    NEW RELEASE – NEXUS Alumni and Board member Sridhar Sunkara shares on the newest episode of the NEXUS podcast “The NEXUS Intersection” with co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. Sridhar is CEO of eBiz Solutions and works among global leaders in technology. He shares on the topic of “Technology & Leadership” including the benefits and challenges leaders are faced with today regarding technology. And why it’s so important to be... Read More
  • Ericka DeBruce Shared in December

    Ericka DeBruce, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital spoke at the December Session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Ericka spoke on the important topic “Intentionally Being a Diverse and Inclusive Leader”. Read More
  • The NEXUS Intersection Podcast with co-Founder Sandy Willson

    New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Co-founder of NEXUS Sandy Willson sat down with Heather Hunt and Ephie Johnson to talk about the vision he had for NEXUS and 20 years later why mentoring matters. Listen to the newest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” titled “The NEXUS Vision & Why Mentoring”. Sandy shares about why NEXUS was founded and the purpose we continue to fulfill for... Read More
  • November Session with Memphis Grizzlies Jason Wexler

    The NEXUS Class of 2024 hosted Jason Wexler, President for the Memphis Grizzlies at the November Session. Jason shared on the topic of “Motivating as a Leader” and how he personally is motivated and how he motivates his team. Read More
  • Mike Allen Shares on NEXUS Podcast – Episode 5

    In the newest episode of the NEXUS podcast, “The NEXUS Intersection” co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt have a conversation with Mike Allen, Executive Director of the Memphis Botanic Garden and NEXUS Mentor. Mike shares the things he has learned through his three different acts as a corporate employee, entrepreneur, and a non-profit leader – all end with the same theme “Mike Gives Back”. To listen click HERE. Read More

Upcoming Events

April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon – Celebrating 20 Years!

Join us as we commemorate a significant milestone - 20 years of NEXUS!  Members of the NEXUS Network and Alunni are invited

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April 25, 2024 - April 25, 2024
Recruitment Efforts for the Class of 2025 Begin in April

We will host an Informational Recruitment Reception on Thursday, April 25 at 5:30pm for interested Protégé and Mentor

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April 4, 2024 - April 4, 2024
NEXUS IN MOTION + MAYOR PAUL YOUNG in April

NEXUS IN MOTION is a class favorite and a networking event for NEXUS Alumni & current participants.  The event format

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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