Institute For Civic Leadership Announces Inaugural Leadership Tennessee Class

  • Thursday, June 20, 2013

Lipscomb University’s Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership Thursday announced the inaugural class for Leadership Tennessee, its latest leadership education program designed to cultivate a network of business, nonprofit, education and government leaders who are committed to addressing the state’s challenges and opportunities.

The class includes 30 business, government, education and nonprofit leaders from across Tennessee. 

“We are very pleased with not only the geographic diversity this class represents but also the diversity of professional sectors and interests,” said Cathy Cate, executive director of Leadership Tennessee and director of community leadership programs for the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership. “By bringing together top leaders in business, education, health care and the nonprofit arena, we hope to not only learn from our differences, but also understand the collaborative nature of conversation and action that will continue to move our state ahead.  I'm honored to work with this inaugural class as they set the tone for the success of Leadership Tennessee for years to come.”

Leadership Tennessee is a 10-month program that will provide collaborative learning and dialogue spanning the state’s three grand divisions, issue-specific education for demonstrated leaders, a diverse representation of participants and opportunities to affect change. It will meet five times in addition to participating in other activities, research and projects throughout the program.  

The inaugural class will have its first meeting Aug. 18-19 in Townsend, Tenn., which will include an overview of state history, culture and politics to give participants a framework for “what shapes us? Why do we think the way we do? Why do we act and vote the way we do?” said Ms. Cate. Governor Bill Haslam is slated to welcome participants and to outline the critical issues affecting Tennessee, which will help set the agenda for future sessions. The group will learn about these issues as well as discuss collaborative solutions. At the end of the program, the group will produce a plan of action designed to impact the entire state, as well as each region.

Ms. Cate said the program is also designed for participants to experience the unique cultures found throughout Tennessee to help foster a “deeper understanding of and appreciation for each other and the context for the issues, challenges and opportunities for building stronger communities.”

"Bringing business, government and nonprofit leaders together for the common good is our mission at the Andrews Institute,” said Linda Peek Schacht, executive director of the Andrews Institute and Leadership Tennessee board member. “Leadership Tennessee extends to the state our vision that great communities are intentional, not accidental, and we look forward to working with these proven civic leaders as they collaborate to build a stronger Tennessee."

The Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership offers a Master of Arts in Civic Leadership, one of only two in the nation. Its signature community programs, produced with local, regional and statewide partners, include citizen leadership academies on critical issues, community leadership programs, customized leadership development and online resources. Leadership Tennessee is the latest of its initiatives designed to develop strong communities.

 For more information about Leadership Tennessee visit www.leadershiptennessee.org or contact Ms. Cate at 615.966-5180 catherine.cate@lipscomb.edu.

Members of the inaugural class of Leadership Tennessee
Chattanooga
Jim Hobson, chief executive officer, Memorial Health Care
Rebecca Hunter, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Human Resources
Todd Womack, chief of staff, Senator Bob Corker

Clarksville 
Kim McMillan, mayor, City of Clarksville

Franklin 
John Schroer, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation

Knoxville
Joe Armstrong, state representative, Tennessee House of Representatives; president, National Black Caucus of State Legislators
Randy Boyd, president and chief executive officer, Radio Systems Corporation
MaryAnne Carter, president, MAC Research
A. Richard (Rick) Johnson, president and chief executive officer, the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness; Special Assistant to the Governor
Raja Jubran, chief executive officer, Denark Construction, Inc.
Michael T. Strickland, chairman, Bandit Lites
J. Laurens Tullock, president, Cornerstone Foundation of Knoxville
Jamie Woodson, president and chief executive officer, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)

Memphis
Laura Adams, executive director, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Dr. Steven Bares, president and executive director, Memphis Bioworks Foundation
Martha Perine Beard, Memphis regional executive, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Mike Carpenter, executive director. Plough Foundation
Jack Sammons, chair, Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority
Blair Taylor, president, Memphis Tomorrow

Nashville
Michael Burcham, president & CEO, The Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Karl F. Dean, mayor, Metro Nashville – Davidson County
Stacey A. Garrett, founding member and chairperson, board of directors, Bone McAllester Norton PLLC; vice president for online & professional studies, Cumberland University
Many-Bears Grinder, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs
Dr. Candice McQueen, dean, College of Education, Lipscomb University
Dr. Claude O. Pressnell, president, Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association
Renata Soto, executive director, Conexion Americas

Oak Ridge
Dr. Thom Mason, director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Parsons
Janet Ayers, president, The Ayers Foundation

Sevierville
David Ogle, president, Five Oaks Development

Tullahoma
Dr. Mary Lou Apple, president, Motlow State Community College



Business/Government
Chattanooga Chamber Calendar Of Events April 1-5
  • 3/28/2024

April 1, Ribbon Cutting for Tazikis- Hixson 10-10:30 a.m. Tazikis- Hixson: 5215 Hwy. 153 Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Tazikis-Hixson. No cost. ... more

EPB Hosts Supplier Diversity Day May 23
  • 3/28/2024

EPB will host Supplier Diversity Day on May 23 to celebrate small and diverse businesses serving Chattanooga at The Chattanoogan Hotel, 1201 Broad St. from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. "This event will ... more

City Offices To Close For Good Friday, Trash And Recycling Pickup To Continue
  • 3/28/2024

City of Chattanooga offices will be closed on Friday in recognition of the Good Friday holiday. Trash and recycling scheduled for pickup on Friday will be collected as normal. Please place ... more