The document discusses several business leaders in the Chattanooga area and their accomplishments. It profiles 10 individuals, providing details about their roles, experience, accomplishments, and leadership styles. The profiles represent a variety of industries, including healthcare, banking, utilities, and other sectors. They demonstrate the wide-ranging qualities and impact of leadership in the local community.
The awards presentations and panel discussion featuring all of our Positively Powerful Women
will continue to be the spotlight event.
We will honor outstanding Positively Powerful Women who have founded legacy
entrepreneurial and nonprofit organizations.
This year, we will announce our first Positively Powerful Corporate Woman Award Recipient and
our first Positively Powerful Nonprofit Executive Woman Award Recipient.
This is a partial catalog of our diversity, leadership, culture competence, soft skills development, organizational development, and employee engagement workshops.
I am a development professional specializing in nonprofit board management and governance; and organizational development. My strengths include strategic planning, board management, fundraising oversight, constituent relations, campaign planning and marketing/communications. I have achieved recognition from board members and community leaders for foundation management, and have helped transform nonprofit programs into energized, active and productive foundations. I am excited to join a thriving organization in my next role.
10 Best Workplaces in Healthcare 2022.pdfinsightscare
Insights Care’s latest edition, 10 Best Workplaces in Healthcare 2022, comes together to celebrate and honor these organizations in creating an employee-centric environment where people can thrive.
The awards presentations and panel discussion featuring all of our Positively Powerful Women
will continue to be the spotlight event.
We will honor outstanding Positively Powerful Women who have founded legacy
entrepreneurial and nonprofit organizations.
This year, we will announce our first Positively Powerful Corporate Woman Award Recipient and
our first Positively Powerful Nonprofit Executive Woman Award Recipient.
This is a partial catalog of our diversity, leadership, culture competence, soft skills development, organizational development, and employee engagement workshops.
I am a development professional specializing in nonprofit board management and governance; and organizational development. My strengths include strategic planning, board management, fundraising oversight, constituent relations, campaign planning and marketing/communications. I have achieved recognition from board members and community leaders for foundation management, and have helped transform nonprofit programs into energized, active and productive foundations. I am excited to join a thriving organization in my next role.
10 Best Workplaces in Healthcare 2022.pdfinsightscare
Insights Care’s latest edition, 10 Best Workplaces in Healthcare 2022, comes together to celebrate and honor these organizations in creating an employee-centric environment where people can thrive.
The Clinician's Role in Developing a Patient Experience StrategyRenown Health
Learn how clinicians and marketing consultants can work together to develop a patient experience strategy that enables team to work at the highest levels and achieve outstanding results.
A Talent Seal (think Good HouseKeeping Seal for talent) is proof of certification of a ten week Access Coaching program. This program focuses on talent development, professional search campaigns, best in class networking practices and has an emphasis on building individual Spiritual Capital. As a certified candidate, it is understand that a job not aligned with your unique ability to create value in your work bankrupts your Spiritual Capital and only serves to put you back into uncertainty. Consequently, the content in this resume is in first person and focuses on who the candidate is, what their unique abilities look like, and the choices they are seeking.
Dr. Marty Trevino, the Technical Director & Chief Scientist graced the cover of the renowned World’s Leaders Magazine as one of World's Most Inspiring Leaders to Watch in 2023
Join expert Connie Lindsey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity & Inclusion at Northern Trust, as she leads a discussion around progressing talent recruitment, retention and managing to improve diversity and inclusion in the financial industry. Rethink industry hiring practices and explore how diversifying the workplace reshapes opportunity. Listen to panelist Dan Houlihan, Head of Asset Servicing for North America, and Jim Fitzpatrick, President of NICSA, as they share more information about The Diversity Project North America, an organization dedicated to a more inclusive workforce culture.
Vancouver executive briefing seminar by csr training instituteWayne Dunn
Dramatically increasing social demands are a fact of life for business today. They represent difficult challenges and exciting opportunities for industry, government, multi-lateral organizations and NGO and development leaders.
This one day event (June 24 in Vancouver) will include lectures, panel discussions and group work/case studies and role playing scenarios.
Participants will leave with more comprehensive understandings, including especially of the perspectives of other stakeholders, and an enhanced ability to lead and manage in the rapidly evolving space where business, community and government meet.
To keep updated on postings and events go to www.csrtraininginstitute.com and sign up for the newsletter. If interested the CSR Knowledge Centre http://bit.ly/CSRknowledge contains a series of short, pragmatic articles on CSR Strategy, Management and related areas.
Running head OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES1OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES38.docxcharisellington63520
Running head: OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES 1
OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES 38
Our Community Salutes, Business Plan
BA 599 Capstone
Redia Anderson
Dinodini Babau
Stacy Bernard
Dana Keith Callahan
Rickey Hampton
Mitchell Logsdon
Corey Mosley
Terrence Murchison
Grantham University
Dr. Joni Scott
January 11, 2016
Table of Contents
Abstract4
Background - Our Community Salutes (OCS)5
Proposed Business Strategy (Rickey Hampton)6
Comparable Non-Profit Organization Business Model (Mitchell Logsdon)
Administrative Structure
Governance Model
Funding Strategy
Championing the Cause10
OCS’s Current Opportunities and Possibilities10
Strengths13
Weaknesses14
Opportunities14
Threats15
Analyze the Current OCS Chapters and Offer Enhanced Program Opportunities16
Define Data Points
Market Sizing
Geographic Distribution
Enlistment Forecast
Forecast Mitigations
Competition22
National Military Family Association22
A Sanctuary for Military Families Inc.22
Blue Star Families23
Potential Revenue Streams23
Newman’s Own Foundation23
Fisher House Foundation24
United Way24
Potential New Products and Services Offerings Revenue Streams for Recruits and Persons of Influence (Dino Babau)
Building Alliances with Commercial Partners (Terrence Murchison)
Strategyfor Transitioning OCS Volunteer Chapters to Non-Profit Organizations(Stacy Bernard)Error! Bookmark not defined.
Proposed Non-Profit Organizational Structure
Philanthropy Specialist
Associate Strategic Planning Partner
Department Administrator
Department Coordinator
Summary and Transition
Appendix A - Assistant Director Philanthropy Major Gifts Position Description32
Appendix B - Associate Strategic Planning Partner Position Description34
Appendix C – Department Administrator Position Description36
Attachment D - Department Coordinator PositionDescription38
Abstract
OCS corporate strategy is rooted in a low-product diversification strategy. Although the type of corporate strategy can be sustained, organizational growth is often sacrificed. A low product diversification strategy makes expansion into other customer segments difficult. By diversifying product or services, OCS could gain exposure to a far-reaching base of customers. OCS should continue saluting the niche market of high school senior enlistees, but could incorporate saluting the veterans, for example, who are involuntarily being separated from the armed services because of congressionally mandated forced reduction measures.
Background - Our Community Salutes (OCS)
Our Community Salutes (OCS) was founded in 2009 by Dr. Kenneth Hartman Dr. Hartman is the president and founder of OCS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to recognize and honor graduating high school seniors (and parents) who have pledged to join the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation. Dr. Hartman holds an undergraduate degree from The State University of New York at Geneseo, a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and a Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hartman .
This is our Parkway Healthcare Ventures Overview. We are answering the cry for healthcare in rural America. In the process, we have also developed a demonstratively different investment opportunity. Everyone wins with our solution; the physicians looking to sell their practices in rural America, the patients that live in rural America that are lacking enhanced medical care with a variety of modalities and our investors. We offer an investment opportunity in healthcare using an interest bearing convertible note.
Please contact me for more details.
David Federico
david@parkwayhealthcareventures.com
770 713.1243
1. 134 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M
T
he qualities required for strong leadership are wide-ranging. Throughout the Chattanooga area, busi-
nesses and services are succeeding based on the leadership of professional men and women. The following
businesspeople have been recognized by their peers, members of their organizations, or others within the
community for their exceptional leadership skills. They represent this year’s Gold Club for Leadership.
“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing
another.”
– John C. Maxwell, Internationally Acclaimed Author on Leadership
“Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s perfor-
mance
135
Thank You,
For Supporting Our Schools!
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ALSO INCLUDED:
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donated $4,360 to Area Schools
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will go to Area schools!
2. 6148 Lee Highway, Suite 206, Chattanooga, TN 37421 | 423.424.4637
www.InsurityGroup.com
Benefits | Commercial | Personal
With your support we are growing to meet your needs.
Insurity Group Partners
Front Row L to R: Ron Freeman, Sandra Browne Back Row L to R: Jeff Lett, Emerson Russell, Tim Eachus
PHOTO BY SOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
Integrity. Independence. Experience.
Patten and Patten is a local, independent wealth management firm, advising individual and institutional clients since 1976.
Combining the multi-generational experiences of four investment managers, we provide customized investment advising services.
Over $1 Billion in assets under management.
3. 138 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M 139
Andrea D. Willis, M.D., MPH, FAAP
Vice President & Chief Medical Officer | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Been with Company: 4 years
Oversees: clinical operations, medical policy, quality initiatives,
and collaboration with health care providers for the company’s
3 million members
If you ask Dr. Andrea Willis why she’s passionate about her job, she’s likely to tell
you that she has millions of reasons – each and every BlueCross member she has
the opportunity to impact with quality-focused care. Even before taking on the role
of chief medical officer, Dr. Willis was recognized at BlueCross as a resourceful and
inspirational leader who championed the cause of optimizing care for members with
special needs. As BlueCross’s clinical leader, she challenges herself and her teams
to provide better access to care and help members see preventive care as a pathway
to better health.
Bart Rolen
Executive Vice President & Director of Wealth Management and Trust | FSG Bank
Been with Company: 2 years (active in industry for 11 years)
Oversees: FSG Bank’s wealth management line of business, including trust &
estates, investment management, private banking and insurance services
Leadership for Bart Rolen is about two things: 1) having great mentors and, 2)
building a high-performing team he can trust to keep the clients’ best interests
at heart. While Rolen’s team offers comprehensive services ranging from private
banking to special needs trusts, the group’s atmosphere does not evoke a “big bank”
feel. Clients view the team as an extension of their own family, while members of
the Wealth Management Group themselves feel valued and celebrated for personal
accomplishments. With Rolen at the helm, the Trust & Investments Group has
grown assets by 48% and annual revenue by 93% since 2012.
J. Christopher Young, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist | Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
Been With Company: 1 year, 10 months
Oversees: Clinical Neuropsychology; serves as co-director of the Stroke
Recovery Aftercare Program
BetweenDr.ChrisYoung’slightheartedpersonalityandcalmdemeanor,hisbrilliance
could be overlooked…until you learn all he’s accomplished in less than two years
at Siskin Hospital. As one of the only board-certified clinical neuropsychologists
in Chattanooga, Dr. Young uses his expertise to help patients suffering from cogni-
tive and neuropsychiatric disorders. He has been instrumental in creating Siskin
Hospital’s Stroke Recovery Aftercare Program and Driving Assessment Program,
and has used his unique skill set to assess for cognitive impairments that may limit
a pilot’s ability to safely fly an aircraft.
Christie Kizer Burbank
Member | Miller & Martin PLLC
Been with Firm: 14 years
Serves as: chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Health Law Section
(2014-2015); former chair and co-chair of Miller & Martin’s Health Care
Practice Group
As the chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Health Law Section, Christie Kizer
Burbank teaches members about health care law and produces a nationally recog-
nized Health Law Forum. Burbank concentrates her practice with Miller & Martin
exclusively in health care regulatory and transactional law and is heavily involved in
the community by serving on boards and committees including Erlanger Children’s
Hospital Foundation, Chambliss Center for Children, Siskin Children’s Institute,
and the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation. Since 2012, she has been
recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as a leading health care attorney.
Rick Hansard
Marketing Director | Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, United, Inc.
Been With Company: 38 years
Oversees: coordination of marketing activities for the Tennessee Valley
Division of Coca-Cola Bottling Company, United, Inc.
Rick Hansard began his career at Chattanooga Coca-Cola in 1976. Hansard started
in the loading department where his job function included loading route trucks
and organizing the empty returnable bottles, which were still popular in the late
‘70s. Hansard transferred to the sales department in 1982 where he enjoyed working
as a route salesman until accepting a management position in 1994. “I have been
blessed to work with a company that is an icon in Chattanooga and represents not
only a rich history, but also an exciting future,” stated Hansard. “It is awesome to
experience the excitement of our company’s recent expansion into additional ter-
ritories that include Dalton, Georgia, and Scottsboro, Alabama.”
L E A D E R S H I P L E A D E R S H I P
Jim Callihan
Partner | Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain – Chattanooga
Been with Firm: 4 years
Oversees: client service; business development; quality
assurance in accounting and auditing
Over the course of his career, Jim Callihan has worked with a diverse group of public
and privately-held companies in a variety of sectors including manufacturing and
distribution, energy, and services. As a leader at LBMC, Callihan is committed to
developing a staff of valued business advisors rather than “number crunchers,” and
is often encouraging LBMC’s young professionals to take notes on how businesses
operate, manage people, and resolve issues while on site with clients. Callihan also
encourages staff to give back to the community, setting an example for his employees
through active participation in a variety of community organizations.
4. 140 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M 141
Charlotte Lindeman
Vice President of Marketing | Cornerstone Community Bank
Been with Company: 6 years (28 years of experience in the industry)
Oversees: all marketing functions; manages sponsorships and contributions;
administrator for the Cornerstone Bancshares Foundation
Hailing from Atlanta, veteran PR practitioner Charlotte Lindeman joined Corner-
stone during the Great Recession of 2008. “It was all hands on deck,” says Lindeman
of those early years. On top of her traditional marketing responsibilities, she was
instrumental in helping Cornerstone raise $15 million in capital through a Preferred
Stock Offering, sell a large portion of foreclosed assets, and increase market share,
all while maintaining Cornerstone’s solid reputation as a premier community bank.
Lindeman is active in her church and the local community, and currently serves
on the boards of First Things First and the Mid-South Chapter of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Mark Stewart
Senior Vice President & Senior Commercial Banker | Cohutta Banking Com-
pany, a division of Synovus Bank
Been With Company: 1 year (active in industry for 30 years)
Oversees: delivery of commercial, business banking, and treasury
management services
Mark Stewart brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Cohutta Banking gained
through his 30 years in commercial banking. His experience includes business de-
velopment, underwriting, and the delivery of treasury management services. “Mark’s
banking background and local market knowledge serve Cohutta well as we work
to increase our market share,” says Mike Sarvis, CEO of Cohutta. Customers and
fellow team members alike appreciate Stewart’s rapid response to questions and con-
cerns and his ability to work to provide workable solutions for clients and the bank.
Jacinda B. Woodward, P.E.
Senior Vice President, Transmission | Tennessee Valley Authority
Been With Company: 30 years
Oversees: the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and real-time
operation of TVA’s power transmission system (one of the largest in the U.S.)
Born with an intense curiosity about how things work, Chattanooga native Jacinda
Woodward followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming an engineer. Her natural
inquisitiveness combined with her ability to translate highly technical information
into simple terms makes her an ideal fit for her job. Responsible for coordinating
betweenTVA and local power companies, she works hard to “keep the lights on” for
over 9 million people in the Tennessee Valley every day. Her passion for improving
the lives of those around her also extends beyond the office through her involve-
ment with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and with TVA’s Partner in Education
Program at Red Bank High School.
Rosemarie Hill
Shareholder & Chair of Labor and Employment Section |
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Been With Company: 8 years
Serves as: chair of the firm’s labor and employment section; the firm’s
in-house counsel for labor and employment matters
Rosemarie Hill has a well-deserved reputation for dedication, hard work, and excel-
lent results among both her clients and her colleagues at the firm. In addition to
her advocacy for clients, she serves as chair of Chambliss’ Labor and Employment
Practice Group and as the firm’s in-house labor and employment counsel, leading
the firm’s human resource initiatives.“We greatly appreciate Rosemarie’s commit-
ment to the firm’s clients, the profession, and our management team,” said Mike St.
Charles, managing shareholder of Chambliss. “She is a leader in our firm in regard
to her high level of client service and accessibility.”
Julie Brandao
Vice President, Family Risk Manager | BB&T Huffaker & Trimble Insurance
Been With Company: 23 years
Oversees: All Personal Lines Operations of Chattanooga office,
4th largest personal insurance division out of 130 plus agencies
Twenty-three years ago, Julie Brandao was working for Jr. Achievement of Chat-
tanooga and called on Bob Huffaker, then President of Huffaker & Associates,
Inc., to sell him a sponsorship for an economic education program. That day, Bob
introduced Julie to then VP Roger Smith, who was convinced that personal insur-
ance could play an even more vital role in the agency with a dedicated personal
producer on staff. Since then, the Personal Insurance division has grown 900%.
Current Agency Executive Smith states, “Julie is a professional in every way, and she
works hard to discover her client’s needs and be sure they have the best protection
available.” Agency Executive Bill Wilder shares that Julie is “passionate about her
role as an insurance advisor, and is a strong advocate for her clients.”
Kevin Spiegel
President & CEO | Erlanger Health System
Been with Erlanger: 1 year
Oversees: the ninth-largest public hospital system in the United States
Kevin Spiegel hit the ground running as soon as he arrived at Erlanger in April of
last year, zeroing in on his mission to improve Erlanger’s financial status, enhance
its national reputation, expand services, and streamline operations. The seasoned
healthcare administrator quickly identified untapped sources of revenue and im-
mediately knocked on political doors to achieve his goals. “Kevin thinks big,” says
Steve Johnson, Erlanger’s vice-president of governmental relations. “From the time
he arrived here he has demonstrated bold leadership. And, in less than a year, his
tireless efforts and unwavering passion have paid off.”
PHOTOBYAMYJOHNSON
L E A D E R S H I P L E A D E R S H I P
5. 142 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M 143
Mark Brock
President | Brock Insurance Agency
Been with Company: 31 years
Oversees: the entire agency; specializes in commercial insurance
coverages and bonds
Over the past three decades, Mark Brock has built the Brock family business into
one of the leading independent insurance agencies in the Southeast – one customer
at a time. “Mark is the guy who will be in a client’s office three, four, and five times
a day to make sure they have everything they need to get that next job,” says his
colleague. A people person, Brock has many clients who have been with him for
over 30 years. Much of his staff has also stayed with the agency for decades.
Jennifer Nicely
Foundation President and Chief Development Officer,
Memorial Health Care System
Been With Organization: over 15 years
Oversees: Memorial Foundation, the fundraising arm of Memorial Health Care System
Jennifer Nicely’s purpose is to help Memorial Health Care System better serve the
needs of our community. “I’ve been around for a long time so I’ve seen us go from
a one person development shop to forming the foundation in 2001 to a staff of six,
raising millions each year,” Nicely says. Working with her staff, volunteers, and a
board of directors, Nicely reaches out to the community to provide needed resources
to the hospital. Funds gained by Nicely and her team help support capital projects
such as construction, renovation, and equipment purchases, as well as programmatic
ventures such as mobile health coaches to support the underserved population. “I
see my role as giving people an opportunity to help others,” says Nicely. “It’s an
honor, I have a great job.”
Meghan Scanlon Roach, CFP®
First Vice President & Client Advisor, Private Wealth Management |
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
Been with Company: 10 years
Oversees: 100 families to financial well-being
Meghan Scanlon Roach joined SunTrust in 2004 as the bank’s regional financial
planner, and soon after spearheaded the financial planning initiative for the greater
Chattanooga region, using her experience to coach relationship managers in the
financial planning process and complete objective fee-based financial plans. In her
current role at SunTrust, she assists high net worth clients and prospects in attain-
ing their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning solutions. In
2010, she was selected for the SunTrust Chairman’s Team for excellence in service
and performance.
Ronelle Sellers
Director of Marketing | Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC
Been with Firm: 14 years
Oversees: marketing; public relations; business development initiatives
for the firm and several clients
Ronelle Sellers’ contagious energy and enthusiasm changed the way Henderson
Hutcherson & McCullough approached its marketing. She wrote a traditional
marketing plan for the firm and eight of its industry niches when she came on board
in 2000, but later expanded to developing a firm-wide marketing rewards program
to encourage accountants to move out of their comfort zones. The program has
maintained over 90% participation for the past 13 years. Combined with other
sales initiatives, it has contributed to the firm doubling in revenue and staff size.
Gary S. Napolitan
Member | Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC
Been with Firm: since 1972 (40+ years in law)
Oversees: coordination and defense efforts on behalf of the firm’s
corporate and private clients
A partner since 1972, Gary Napolitan has grown Leitner, Williams, Dooley &
Napolitan through his no-nonsense business acuity and strong civic leadership.
His clients include top local and national companies (including Fortune 500) in
which he has had long-standing relationships. Napolitan is active in the community
with the Civitan Club and the Orange Grove Center. “His practice area aside from
business has dealt with everything from domestic to labor and employment,” says
senior attorney Thomas Williams. “He fiercely approaches the defense of his clients
and is always well prepared.”
Jeff Jackson
Senior Vice President | First Tennessee Bank
Been With Company: 4½ years (active in industry for 20 years)
Oversees: 23 employees in Corporate, Commercial, and Business Banking in
Chattanooga, North Georgia, and Atlanta
Jeff Jackson hit the ground running the day he started at FirstTennessee. In his first
full year, the bank had one of the most successful years of revenue growth ever in the
Chattanooga market, accomplished in part by Jackson quickly developing trusted
relationships with his commercial customer base. Jackson now uses the same rela-
tional strengths to create a cohesive team atmosphere and develop his staff members
at First Tennessee. Today, his Commercial and Business Banking teams are #1 for
all of First Tennessee and boast many of the company’s top relationship managers.
L E A D E R S H I P L E A D E R S H I P
6. 144 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M 145
Ryan Murphy
Business Unit Group Head | CapitalMark Bank & Trust
Been with Company: 8 years (since CapitalMark’s formation in 2006)
Oversees: CapitalMark’s Wealth & Trust Group; mortgage and marketing
departments
A banking veteran, Ryan Murphy is widely respected in his industry for his abil-
ity to drive bottom-line results and secure key banking relationships. A member
of CapitalMark’s founding executive team, Murphy was an integral part in the
formation and preparation of CapitalMark’s launch in 2007. In addition to driv-
ing tangible results for the bank’s financial success, Murphy’s sense of humor and
positive, energetic approach exemplify the best qualities of “leadership by example.”
Bob Dollinger
Vice President of Operations | 3H Group Hotels
Been With Company: 15 years
Oversees: day to day operations of 3H Group Hotels portfolio
One of the most important aspects of achieving operational excellence is having
a savvy Vice President at the helm. Bob Dollinger, a 15 year veteran manager, ex-
hibits strong leadership and management skills. While Dollinger ensures that all
3H Group Hotel properties run efficiently, he also helps design a winning strategy
for 3H and oversees hotel management teams. Dollinger’s vast knowledge in the
hospitality industry, aided by his experience in a supervisory role, gives him a great
advantage to achieve customer success and satisfaction. “Bob’s dedication to his job
and employees has allowed him to climb the corporate ladder,” Hiren Desai, CEO
of 3H Group Hotels, said. “I can count on him to get any job done.”
Steve Clark
EPB Senior Vice President, Strategic Systems | EPB
Been With utility: 39 years
Oversees: construction and operation of new and existing EPB buildings and
implementation of major computer systems.
Steve Clark’s vision and leadership directed the team that recently completed con-
struction of EPB’s new, state-of-the-art control center. The center is a first for North
America and combines the control and operation of the community’s electric and
fiber optic systems. By consolidating multiple processes and departments into one
center using the most advanced computer systems available, service and response to
customers’ needs are enhanced to ensure even higher levels of quality and efficiency.
Clarks’ critical thinking and analytical skills have proven to be vital in furthering
EPB’s mission to improve quality of life for all residents in our community.
Jim Coleman
Vice President of Business Development | Parkridge Health System
Been With Company: 8 years
Oversees: sales, business development, radiology, oncology, hospitalist
services, and pharmacy
Jim joined the leadership of Parkridge Health System as Vice President of Business
Development in 2006, and became COO in 2008. Well-known for his business
acumen and his sense of humor, Jim is a respected leader who has helped navigate
the hospital system through several significant expansion and renovation projects
in the past several years. Together with the Parkridge Health System administra-
tive team, he plays an important role in physician relations and developing future
strategic growth opportunities that will enhance care delivery and meet the evolving
requirements of healthcare reform.
Valerie Gifford, PHR, CEBS, CCE
Vice President, Human Resources | Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Been With Credit Union: 27 years
Oversees: all human resources functions for more than 270 employees
at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, including employee benefits,
recruiting and staff development
Valerie Gifford has been pivotal in building internal leadership courses that enhance
the leadership skills of TVFCU managers and staff. Her oversight of hiring and
training has contributed toTVFCU being one of the fastest growing financial insti-
tutions in the Southeast as reflected by the credit union recently reaching $1 billion
in total assets. In looking out for the overall welfare of TVFCU’s staff, Gifford has
successfully implemented an array of wellness initiatives that have improved the
quality of life for employees while having the extra benefit of helping the institution
control the cost of healthcare.
Jeff Averbeck
President & CEO | Airnet Group, Inc.
Been with Company: 12 years
Oversees: 28 employees in technical development and
data-centric products and services
Relying on decades of experience in the technology arena, Jeff Averbeck took Air-
net Group from a tiny start-up to a large company, envisioning the power of data
from day one. Propelled by his belief that data is worthless without the tools to
understand it, he has led the company through the development of its data center
to the creation of its high-tech communications platform. His oft-quoted motto
“find a need and fill it” certainly fits with his newest venture: Data-Centric VoIP
PBX Telephone Systems.
L E A D E R S H I P L E A D E R S H I P
7. 146 C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M C I T Y S C O P E M A G . C O M 147
Marc Mathis
Service Technician | AT&T Network Services
Been with Company: 15 years
Oversees: service issues related to network connectivity
(for both business and residential customers)
For almost 15 years, Marc Mathis has provided excellent service to AT&T custom-
ers, meeting their needs related to phone, internet, and Uverse (TV) services with
friendliness and skill. Serving as the local Chapter President for AT&T Pioneers
in Chattanooga, he has been instrumental in the community by leading youth
initiatives all across the city. Having served his country as a Navy Seabee for several
years, Mathis knows the values of teamwork and leadership. He shares the necessity
of these skills not only with the current AT&T workforce, but also with the future
AT&T workforce through the AT&T Pioneer initiative.
Bob Hamilton
President/CEO, Xerox Authorized Sales Agent | XMC Inc.
Been With Company: over 22 years
Oversees: 60+ employees and operations in six states
Bob Hamilton helms one of the largest Xerox dealers in the country. Hamilton took
full ownership of XMC in 1992 and has grown the business exponentially since that
time. In the first year, there was one employee with sales figures of $200,000.Today,
XMC, Inc. has over 60 employees with sales figures in excess of $50 million. XMC
shows sales figures from Xerox that ranks them as the number two in the U.S. In
2011, XMC expanded and increased its territory to include the Chattanooga area
and North Georgia. XMC now has nine offices within four states, and covers sales
territories in six states. XMC provides sales, leasing, service, and supplies for products
such as printers, digital presses, digital copiers, and full document solution systems.
Chris Ridge
Vice President | Lawson Electric Company
Been With Company: 31 years
Oversees: estimating, project management, day-to-day operations
Chris Ridge started out as a helper at Lawson Electric over 30 years ago and worked
his way up the ranks. Holding a variety of positions over time allowed him to learn
every angle of the business, a knowledge he uses now in his leadership role as vice
president of the company. Today, Lawson Electric is six times bigger than when it
was when he started – and Chris has been involved in nearly all its large projects.
As vice president, he is passionate about developing excellent customer service.
“He’s really good at getting the best out of people,” says Andrew Orman, a project
manager at the company. “He will drive you to your best potential and encourage
you to think outside the box.”
John Farrimond
President and CEO | Siskin Children’s Institute
Been With Company: 18 Months
Oversees: 105 employees serving over 1,900 children and families in the
areas of early education, developmental healthcare, research, and outreach
Upon arrival in Chattanooga in January 2013, Farrimond immediately began to
learn about and engage the community as well as tackle numerous challenges at
Siskin Children’s Institute. The last year has been a period of significant change – the
Early Learning Centers were consolidated to the downtown location with three new
classrooms added, the Center for Developmental Pediatrics greatly expanded its
therapy services and doubled its revenue, the Center for Child & Family Research
created a post-doctoral fellowship, and the Institute’s operating deficit was reduced
by two-thirds.
Jeremy Babb
Vice President, Project Manager | P&C Construction
Been With Company: 6 years
Oversees: construction and project management
Jeremy Babb became part of the P&C Construction team in the summer of 2008.
As a project manager and estimator for the company, Jeremy has successfully com-
pleted over 100 projects in the medical, educational, financial, industrial, retail, and
restaurant industry. On a national level, he has completed projects for RaceTrac,
Taco Bell, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Regions Bank, and Target. On a local level,
clients have included: Parkridge Medical, University Surgical, Chattanooga Surgery,
Chattanooga Bone and Joint, LabCorp, EPB, Pilgrim’s Pride, Volkswagen, Pepsi,
Better Business Bureau, Miller Motte Technical College, McKee Bakery, and Heil
Environmental. Jeremy credits his success and knowledge of the construction indus-
try to his father Steve Babb, who taught him the only way to manage a construction
project is with complete honesty and integrity.
Ron Jones
Executive Vice President | First Volunteer Bank
Been with Company: 12 years (active in banking industry for 20+ years)
Oversees: the sales and service of the Commercial Group, including 10
commercial banking advisers and five support staff positions
Since joining First Volunteer, Ron Jones has been instrumental in helping chart the
bank’s asset growth from $446 million to its current $900 million. Using his energy
and experience, Jones has assembled a talented team of bankers well-equipped to
achieve the bank’s primary goal: helping family-owned businesses create wealth.
Jones most appreciates the Bank’s commitment to being the “Bank with Personality.”
“We recruit and hire bankers who take their jobs seriously, but themselves lightly,”
Jones says. “Quality of life is a major focus for our Bank and clients.”
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