Twenty-Five Business Professionals graduate from Leadership Jackson program
Leadership Jackson Class of 2020.
Twenty-five local business professionals graduated from the Jackson Chamber’s 42nd Leadership Jackson (LJ) class on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University.
Leadership Jackson, the chamber’s adult leadership development program, gives business professionals, employed with companies that are chamber members the opportunity to better understand the community, 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.
“What happened with this year’s 42nd class was special,” says LJ Chair Russ McKelvey, branch manager, Mack Pest Control, Inc. “The difficulties presented over the past year created a unique opportunity for these leaders to embrace traditional challenges from a new perspective. This group was “ALL IN” from the start while sharpening their skills and learning about the needs of Jackson. Our community won big by what the class accomplished and it will be exciting to see what they do in the future. I thank Nick Hayes and Brandy Stutsman for being my teammates through this. It’s a treat to work with such great people.”
“LJ42 has truly owned their experience and embraced being the “Covid Class,” says LJ Vice-Chair Nick Hayes, general manager, Hiller Plumbing • Cooling • Heating • Electrical. “They have utilized their resources to earn funds in an unprecedented manor and their group projects have achieved more than we could have dreamed. Jackson and Madison County is blessed to have this group of 25 individuals taking ownership of our community’s future.”
During the graduation ceremony, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership Jackson graduate certificate of completion. Matt Marshall, president/CEO of United Way of West Tennessee, was chosen as class spokesperson to share their reflections on the three-month program and how it will influence their lives. The class also selected Tim Dyer, LIFELINE Blood Services, as the class social chair. Dyer will be responsible for scheduling class meetings and coordinating the socials.
David Knack, with Knack Consulting, was selected to be vice chair of Leadership Jackson in 2021. He will serve with Hayes, who will assume the chairmanship.
Five class members were recognized for their commitment and personal growth. Tim Dyer, LIFELINE Blood Services; received the highest honor – the Diamond Award – for surpassing all requirements in Leadership Jackson. Jewel award recipients were Kenneth Cummings, City of Jackson; Ronda Fitzgerald, Christian Brothers Automotive & Conner Real Estate; Matt Marshall, United Way of West Tennessee; and Ginger Williams, Town & Country Realtors.
Leadership Jackson alumni who were recognized are Vadessa Flack, Manpower of the Mid-South, class of 2017, the Emerging Leader Award; Dr. Vicki Lake, West Tennessee Healthcare, class of 2010, the Community Observance of Personal Excellence (COPE) Award; and Doug Roth, BancorpSouth, class of 2003, the Harbert Alexander Award for Servant Leadership.
“To say that the 42nd class of Leadership Jackson had challenges and obstacles to overcome is an understatement,” said Brandy Stutsman, director of leadership development, Jackson Chamber. “I am proud to witness the class members give 100% to the program and be ALL IN this year. Every class member embraced servant leadership during the program. The more the class learns about Jackson, the more they invest for the greater good of our community. It will be exciting to see their continued impact on the community.”
The Leadership Jackson Class graduates include:
Craig Barton, The Hamilton-Ryker Group, Inc.
Clint Beilke, The University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus
Kenneth Cummings, City of Jackson
Chelsie Denevan, AbilisHealth
Tim Dyer, LIFELINE Blood Services
Ronda Fitzgerald, Christian Brothers Automotive-Jackson/Conner Real Estate
Christy Fullington, Nest Realty
Hunter Hawes, State Farm Insurance-Alan Brown
Deb Heard, Hands Up! Preschool
Jenny Higdon, Jackson Energy Authority
Brandon Jones, TLM Associates, Inc. Architects + Engineers
Dr. Ann Keyl, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School
Lindsay Kilburn, Madison County Sheriff’s Department/Crimestoppers
David Knack, Knack Consulting
Matt Marshall, United Way of West Tennessee, Inc.
Caleb Merriweather, Haven Insurance Partners
Dr. Cassandra Owens, Lane College
Dr. Janice Pittman, Union University
Parker Powell, Yukon Outfitters
Allison Rickett, XMC, Excellence in Office Solutions
Drew Shaub, Butts Foods, Inc.
Andy Spence, Mitchell’s Body Shop, Inc.
Kayle Tyner, SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County
Ginger Williams, Town & Country Realtors
Rema Wilson, Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMHiTN)
For more information on Leadership Jackson, visit its website at LeadershipJackson.com.
Tim Dyer, Diamond Award winner
Kenneth Cummings, Jewel award recipient
Ronda Fitzgerald, Jewel award recipient
Matt Marshall, Jewel award recipient
Ginger Williams, Jewel award recipient
Vadessa Flack, class of 2017, Emerging Leader Award winner
Dr. Vicki Lake, class of 2010, Community Observance of Personal Excellence (COPE) Award
Doug Roth, class of 2003, Harbert Alexander Award for Servant Leadership winner