Thirty local business professionals graduated from the Jackson Chamber’s 44^th Leadership Jackson class on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University.

Leadership Jackson, the Greater Jackson Chamber’s adult leadership development program, gives business professionals, employed with companies that are chamber members the opportunity to better understand the community and the opportunities and the challenges it faces. Class members visited community landmarks, met with area leaders and participated in weekly sessions about topics impacting Jackson-Madison County, including education, healthcare and government.

“The 44^th Leadership Jackson class really took charge of their experience. Those of us guiding them in their growth and education couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished,” says David Knack, Leadership Jackson 2022 chair. “Our community now has 30 individuals that are empowered to make Jackson better for years to come. Being able to see their success and learn from it has been uplifting to me. I’m thankful to have worked with this year’s class alongside Margaret Livingston.”

During the graduation ceremony, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership Jackson graduate certificate of completion. The class chose Mark Cancia, Director of The Salvation Army, to be its spokesperson and share their reflections of going through the three-month program and how it will influence their lives. The class also selected Allison Wright-Donahoe, West Tennessee Healthcare as the class social chair.

Kris Kelley, with JACOA, was selected to be vice chair of Leadership Jackson in 2023. He will serve with Livingston, who will assume the chairmanship.

Five class members were recognized for their commitment and personal growth. Derick Tisdale, Jackson Police Department; received the highest honor – the Diamond Award – for surpassing all requirements in Leadership Jackson. Jewel award recipients were Allison Wright-Donahoe, West Tennessee Healthcare; Mark Cancia, The Salvation Army; Andy Hall, Certified Health Coach/Madison County Commissioner, and Tangela Poole, Lane College.

Leadership Jackson alumni who were recognized are Melanie Luckey, Jackson Energy Authority, class of 2019, the Emerging Leader Award; Sabrina Blue, Helping Hands of Tennessee, class of 2018, the Community Observance of Personal Excellence (COPE) Award; Ted Austin, Jackson Energy Authority, class of 1988, the Harbert Alexander Award for Servant Leadership.

“It has been an honor to witness the 2022 class embrace ‘servant leadership’ the past 13 weeks,” said Lauren Saliba, director of leadership development, Greater Jackson Chamber. “The more they learn about Jackson-Madison County, the more they invest for the greater good of our community. It will be exciting to see their continued impact in serving others.”

The Leadership Jackson Class graduates include:

Alexis Halbrook, First Horizon
Allison Wright-Donahoe, West Tennessee Healthcare
Amanda Kimery, Jackson Energy Authority
Andrea Kemper, Cadence Bank
Andy Hall, Certified Health Coach/Madison County Commissioner
Brian Ferrell, FirstBank
Cassidy Spender, The STAR Center
Derick Tisdale, Jackson Police Department
Derriell Springfield, Western Governors University
Donmeka Martin-Mercer, West Tennessee Healthcare
Hannah Horch, Stanley Black and Decker
Joel Wyatt, Leaders Credit Union
Johnathon Chung, Your CBD Store
Julia Ewoldt, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Karen Larsen, Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Jackson
Kristen Moore, Jackson Christian School
Kristopher Kelley, JACOA
Marietta Haywood, TLM Associates, Inc.
Mark Cancia, The Salvation Army
Martavis Williams, Tennessee Voices
Mason Cagle, Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC
Morganne Austin-Dotson, University of Memphis-Lambuth
Nicole Newman, Le Bonheur Outpatient Children’s Clinic
Rick Taphorn, Union University
Shana Jackson, Conner Real Estate
Sharlene Bond, Howard Bond State Farm
Shanice Creasy, Town & Country Realtors
Tangela Poole, Lane College
Vicki Bunch, The Greater Jackson Chamber
Zach Polk, City of Jackson

For more information on Leadership Jackson, visit its website at LeadershipJackson.com.