August 31, 2017

Jackson Chamber's 2017 Leadership Jackson class.

The Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce the nominees selected for its 2017 Leadership Jackson class. Leadership Jackson is a leadership development program for community members who demonstrate leadership potential. Sponsored by the Jackson Chamber, the program is an opportunity for local professionals to learn more about the community and the challenges it faces.

The class participated in a full day information session in late August to get acquainted and find out more about what their Leadership Jackson experience will entail. The session was led by Leadership Jackson 2017 Chair Sarah Johnson, director of population health & value based contracting, The Jackson Clinic P.A.; and the program’s Vice Chair, Pierre DuVentre, owner, D’Top Roofing and Repair. In two weeks, Leadership Jackson class members will go on a two-day opening retreat.

“As we begin the new year in Leadership Jackson, Pierre and I are overwhelmed with excitement and enthusiasm for the new class,” says Johnson. “I am deeply honored to participate in such an outstanding, community focused program. Each year brings a unique group of Jackson’s finest together who further develop into highly contributing Jacksonians for years to come. We encourage each class member to embrace this opportunity and be open to new experiences and ideas that will challenge your current perspectives and beliefs. This will be an experience like no other!”

Class members will meet weekly for sessions on various topics. A leadership skill-building component is incorporated into each session. Leaders in key areas, such as health care, criminal justice, economic development, quality of life, education and government will share an overview of the present state, challenges, and future vision. This information provides the class with a broad understanding of the inter-workings of Jackson-Madison County and a big picture view. It also engages them in a self-analysis of where they can best make a positive impact by getting involved or by being a resource for their company or sphere of influence.

Let the fun times begin and the good times roll,” says DuVentre. “I would like to welcome the 2017 Leadership Jackson class. You are about to have a remarkable experience learning about the city, your capabilities, and ways to grow outside of your comfort zone as an effective leader. So buckle up, hold on tight and be prepared to take flight as we have this out of space experience! Welcome Leadership Jackson Class of 2017!”

The 2017 Leadership Jackson class includes:

Amy Allison, First Tennessee Bank

Alan Brown, Allan Brown State Farm

Tim Carpenter, White & Associates Insurance – Carpenter Agency

Kellye Cash, Youth Town of Tennessee

Russell Cook, Jackson Chamber

Kristie Dyer, Manpower

Lindsey Ferrell, 9Round Jackson

Vadessa Flack, The Jackson Symphony

Tim Gaffney, Leaders Credit Union

Jason Garrett, Union University

Jenny Graves, West Tennessee Healthcare

Adrian Hackett, West TN Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Joey Hale, Town & Country Realtors

Nick Hall, Jackson Generals Baseball

Dessie Hardee, RE/MAX

Jon Holley, Trinity Christian Academy

Brian James, Crocker Construction Company

Prasann Jinturkar, Gerdau

Will Johnson, Garrett Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.

Leslie Jones, Jackson Energy Authority

Larry Kronk, Pinnacle Foods

Stephanie Laffoon, The Dream Center

Benjamin Murphy, University School of Jackson

Tosh Newman, City of Jackson

Legon Roberson, RIFA

Lauren Saliba, West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation

Celeste Scott, UT Extension – Madison County

Courtney Searcy, TLM Associates, Inc.

Allison Shipp, The STAR Center

Scott Stookey, North Side High School

Mechelle Taylor-Moragne, Taylor Medical Center, PLLC

Jessica Temple, Jackson Arts Council

Kevin Williams, US Farathane