Monday, Feb. 25, 2018

A speed coaching and networking eventpowered by bizwomen.minimum space

not to be encroached on

Mentors

1 | Missy Acosta | VP, Brand Strategy, Delta Dental of TennesseeMissy Acosta has more than 20 years B2B and consumer branding, marketing and public relations experience with an emphasis in strategic planning and brand development. Her industry experience includes insurance, healthcare, technology, economic devel-opment, entertainment and consumer products. Missy joined Delta Dental in 2006 as Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. She was promoted to Vice President of Marketing in 2007 and named VP, Brand Strategy in 2018. Missy received the honor of Distinguished President by Kiwanis International for her leadership of the Nashville Kiwanis Club, one of the largest civic clubs in the country. She was named to the prestigious 15-to-Watch by PR Week Magazine, a recognition that placed her among the top of peers nationwide. As a freelance writer, she has been published in The New York Times, MIX Magazine, Country America, Christian Bride, and Campus Life, among others. She graduated magna cum laude from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Mass Communications and Public Relations, and received her MBA at Trevecca Nazarene University. Prior to joining Delta Dental, Missy was the Vice President and Gen-eral Manager for Waterhouse Public Relations; Director of Public Relations at GS&F; and an Account Manager at Ackermann Marketing and PR. Previous experience was in music and entertainment industry.

2 | Heather Adams | Founder & CEO, Choice Media & CommunicationsHeather Adams is the founder and CEO of Choice Media Communications. A self-pro-claimed pop-culture junkie, Heather leads Choice’s impressive team of women as they serve preeminent voices in publishing, government, lifestyle, entertainment, business, and faith-based arenas. Choice is known for working with high-profi le clients that are both soulful and interesting; drafting eff ective strategies; and Heather’s warm professional-ism. She has played an instrumental role in helping more than 100 authors land spots on The New York Times best-sellers list by customizing and then spearheading multifaceted publicity campaigns. She has secured clients coverage in elite national media including “The TODAY Show,” “Good Morning America,” TIME, The New York Times, People, ESPN, Redbook, Huff Post, Southern Living, USA Today, Forbes, and comprehensive television packages across all major networks. Impressive as they are, those defi ning truths aren’t what fi rst comes to mind when people who know her think of her. When today’s most re-spected journalists, editors, producers, authors, and other personalities think of Heather, what fi rst comes to mind fi rst is genuine, long-term friendship. “It’s never gotten me in trouble––being kind to someone and showing compassion and general interest in them personally,” Heather says, laughing. “Kindness has never served me wrong. I want the people I work with to know that I care about them and want a relationship with them that goes beyond securing a four-minute segment on a TV show.”

3 | Marcie Allen | President, MAC PresentsMarcie Allen leverages more than 24 years of music industry experience to negotiate high-profi le partnerships between the world’s leading brands and artists.Allen has bro-kered and executed multi-faceted programs on behalf of brands including:Sony, South-west, Jeep, Microsoft, Verizon,Samsung,Citi,Nielsen,Chrysler,Capital One,Ford, Hollister, Forever 21,Delta,AT&T and artists including Chance the Rapper, Khalid,Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Travis Scott, Rolling Stones,Travis Scott, Billy Joel,Tim McGraw,Drake, John Mayer, John Legend, Imagine Dragons, and Keith Urban. She is a fourteen nominee and seven time winner of Billboard’s “Concert Marketing and Promotion Award” and has been named to Billboard’s “Women in Music” list every year since 2010.Allen was included in Billboard’s “Power 100” list in 2018,”Branding Power Player” list 2016-2018, named to “Hip-Hop Power Player” List 2017-2018, honored on the publications “40 Under 40” list in 2013 and received Billboard’s Humanitarian Award”. Variety selected Allen to its 2015 & 2018 “Power of Women:New York Impact”,representing the most powerful women in entertain-ment.Prior to starting MAC Presents,Allen owned and operated Nashville/ Atlanta based MAD Booking which created more than 100 music festivals across the country including On the Bricks in Atlanta. Allen is currently an adjunct professor at NYU Steinhardt and Clive Davis Music Institute of Recorded Music;sits on the board of directors for The Coun-try Music Association,serves on the advisory board for Berklee College of Music and Bar-clays’ Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.Marcie was a member of the 2016 Cannes Lions Entertainment Music jury and served on the 2016 Clio Music jury, was named to Nashville Business Journal’s “Women in Music City” list every year since 2014 and was recognized by Nashville all-girls college preparatory school Harpeth Hall as their Distinguished Alumna of 2017.

4 | Amanda Blanck | Managing Partner, DeviateAmanda Blanck, the Managing Partner at Deviate, is the performance coach to top minds in music, sports, and business. Trusted by major brands like the University of Chicago, William Morris Endeavor, and Skanska, she uses her innate ability to cut through to what helps — and what hinders — making her a potent force for performance. Whether Amanda is helping a football coach design for culture, support the transition of senior leadership, elevate a manager into an executive, align a firm’s partners strategically, or keynote coach at a conference, her powerful edge is the ability to “connects the dots.” Her talents form clarity and progress in the face of uncertainty. The intimate relationship she creates with her clients enables a partnership to accomplish what was once believed impossible. She’s coached leaders on how to stand out from the crowd to become more influential, disrupt norms to be more competitive in the market, and overcome unchecked stress to improve outcomes. Amanda is a Professional Certified Coach and the recipient of the 2016 Nashville ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and Cable Rising Star Award.

5 | Stephanie Bonner | SVP, Consumer Banking Region Executive, Bank of AmericaStephanie Bonner is the Regional Executive for the Mid-South Region in the Southeast Di-vision covering TN and Western NC. Stephanie develops and executes local strategies and tactics that increase customer engagement and relationship deepening within the context of market conditions, opportunities and risks. She also manages and develops Market Managers, and area teammates including assessing talent based on ability to deliver a new sales-oriented culture. Stephanie joined Bank of America in 2008 as the Consumer Market Executive for the Piedmont Area in North Carolina, and held various leadership roles before moving into the Area Executive role in Tennessee in 2014. Before joining Bank of America, Stephanie was the Service Director for Wachovia Bank, in the Philadelphia market, in addition to holding several other leadership roles during her 10 years with the company. Stephanie earned a Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She resides in Brentwood, Tennessee with her husband and son. Stephanie is the Executive sponsor for the HOLA TN chapter, is actively involved in LEAD for Women, LGBT Pride, as well as the Susan G Komen Foundation. She is also a board member for the PENCIL Foundation and Safe Haven.

6 | Diane Borgesen | Director of Asset Management, Highwoods Proper-tiesMs. Borgesen was promoted to the Director of Asset Management for the Nashville Division of Highwoods Properties in 2016. She is responsible for the management of a portfolio that covers over 4 million square feet. Ms. Borgesen is involved with financial reporting, budgets and business plans, assignment coordination, property compliance and capital improvement oversight. Ms. Borgesen is an accredited LEED Green Associate, an active board member for the Nashville chapter of BOMA and Past President and cur-rent board member of Nashville’s Women in Commercial Real Estate. She’s also a licensed Affiliate Broker in the State of Tennessee.

7 | Kimble Bosworth | President/COO, Proforma PrintelligenceAbout my biz: @ Proforma Printelligence we cover your print; promo & multimedia. If you’re in a marketing pinch, sometimes we cover your ass. My book, A Reckless Optimist’s Guide to an Unstoppable Life, will be available soon. About me: I have a horrible case of ADD and often exaggerate numbers. I seduce crowds with my unrehearsed and frequent-ly unfiltered public speaking. I can pilot an innertube down a raging river with remarkable accuracy and I can cook 5 minute oats in under 4 minutes. I am an expert in plastering corners, a hopeful romantic and an outlaw in China. Occasionally, I survive airplane crash landings. On Fridays, after work, I give marketing advice to growing companies over beers at no charge. I sleep with my eyes open. I have had tea with monks at the Golden Pavillion. I advised the British not to adopt the Euro. My love story has won countless gift baskets from Valentines Day radio call in shows. Dogs trust me. I died when I was 15. I got better. And, you may not know this, but I invented the cheeseburger.

Mentors

8 | Aoife Burke | Market Executive, Bank of America Merrill LynchAoife Burke is a Market Executive in the Global Commercial Banking division of Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). Aoife joined BAML in New York in 2014. Currently based in Nashville, her responsibilities include leading a team of twelve bankers who are respon-sible for delivering a broad set of financial solutions to companies located throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi. Aoife started her career in 2005, working in the commercial real estate division of Allied Irish Banks until 2011 when she was recruit-ed as part of a team hired to establish a real estate lending platform at CIT Bank. Aoife is an Executive Sponsor of the Tennessee Chapter of LEAD for Women. Aoife was formerly the Vice President of the New York City chapter of the Real Estate Lenders Association and a member of the Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers. In 2016, Aoife was recognized as one of the Commercial Observer’s Top 25 Debt Brokers and Lenders under 35. Aoife earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Mathe-matics and Economics from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She is also a CFA charterholder.

9 | Michelle Burgess | CEO, Select Impact, LLCMichelle Burgess, Managing Partner Founder and CEO of Select Impact – Business Coaching/Consulting Services, was Co-Founder and COO of Guidant Partners (Nov/1988 – Nov/2016) - IT Managed Services firm. Michelle’s 30-plus years of experience in business operations and management provide her with a competitive advantage in all areas of business. Michelle is a problem solver by nature. Her areas of expertise include but are not limited to Operational Efficiency, Strategic Judgment, Whole Life Balance, Value Based Leadership. Michelle is a very driven and motivated individual. She has taken the biblical principle of Colossians 3:23-24 and applied it to the way she approaches life and business.

10 | Lucy Carter | Member and Practice Leader, Healthcare Industry Team, KraftCPAs LLCLucy R. Carter is a member and practice leader of the healthcare industry at KraftCPAs. Prior to joining Kraft in 2015, Lucy was the president of Carter Lankford, CPAs, PC. Lucy has more than 35 years experience in providing tax, litigations support, audit, compli-ance, management consulting, reimbursement, and compensation services to healthcare providers.

11 | Beth R. Chase | Senior Managing Director & Partner, Ankura Consult-ing GroupBeth Chase is a Senior Managing Director at Ankura, leading its Strategy & Performance organization. She was the founder and CEO of c3/consulting. Beth partners with clients to develop winning strategies. She knows that leadership requires solving complex problems and making difficult decisions. Accordingly, she acts as a valued thought partner for executives as they lead transformational change in their organizations. Beth has over 25 years of experience in the consulting realm, collaborating with in an array of indus-tries that include private equity, healthcare, finance, banking, insurance, distribution, logistics, publishing, business services and technology. An experienced entrepreneur, she co-founded a successful technology consulting firm prior to starting c3. Her career began with IBM, where she held a variety of sales, financial and consulting positions. Beth is a Director on the board of Ingram Industries, a privately held, global content and inland marine enterprise and the Federal Reserve, Southeast Branch. She is also committed to supporting the Nashville community. She serves on multiple business and community boards, including: • Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Board Chair • Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Board Member • Nashville Healthcare Council, Board Member • YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Board Past-Chair

Mentors

12 | Karen Clark | Senior Vice President/Private Banker, FirstBankKaren is a 30+ year veteran in the financial services industry. She began her career in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1986 after graduating from Louisiana Tech University with her Bachelor’s in Finance with a minor in Accounting and Masters of Business Adminis-tration. Her career began at Commercial National Bank in Shreveport, Louisiana and she moved to Nashville in 1989. Karen is an accomplished banker and leader and has worked at Sovran Bank/NationsBank, Third National Bank/SunTrust Bank, Pinnacle Bank and currently is a Private Banker at FirstBank. She has served on many Boards and committees in the community including past appointments at The T. J. Martell Foundation- also served as Treasurer, Leadership Music-1996 Alumna, Fifty Forward Inc., The W. O. Smith School of Music, and Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Karen pres-ently serves on the Board of The New Beginnings Center, Medical Group Management Association and is a member of Gilda’s Club, CABLE, SOURCE, and volunteers for Junior Achievement and Book ‘Em-Reading is Fundamental. She was chosen as a Research Advocate for the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. Karen was recently chosen by the Nashville Business Journal as a 2018 Woman of Influence. 13 | Lisa Ramsay Cole | President/Managing Shareholder, Lewis ThomasonLisa Ramsay Cole is president and managing shareholder of Lewis Thomason and the managing partner of the firm’s Nashville office. She is also an ex-officio member of the firm’s Board of Directors and Shareholder Compensation Committee. She practices in the areas of employment law, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and gener-al casualty defense litigation. Ms. Cole’s practice for the past 25 years has concentrated in the area of complex civil trial litigation in state and federal courts. She has achieved successful results through defense jury verdicts, summary judgment, mediation, and arbitration in each of her practice areas. Ms. Cole’s current clients are national, regional and local employers; regional and local health care facilities; and insurance companies. In addition, Ms. Cole routinely defends public entities in medical malprac-tice and civil rights matters.

14 | Angela Crane-Jones | CEO, Nashville Business Incubation CenterMrs. Angela Crane-Jones initially came to the Nashville Business Incubation Center in 2003 and began serving as Assistant to the Director – she moved into the CEO role in 2013. Mrs. Crane-Jones jumped at the opportunity to take small business ideas and develop them into larger, successful brands. Now, as the CEO, Mrs. Crane-Jones works tirelessly to support undercapitalized and inexperienced small business owners who will benefit from a structured approach to growing their company.

15 | Jaynee Day | President & CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TennesseeJaynee K. Day joined Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee as President and CEO in July 1988. As president and CEO, Ms. Day oversees the daily operation of the entire food bank, while providing leadership and vision in conquering the issue of hunger in our community. Ms. Day has served on the Board of Directors of Feed-ing America and is currently a board member for the Nashville Sports Council and Leadership Music. She is a graduate of Leadership Tennessee, Leadership Nashville, Leadership Middle Tennessee, and Leadership Music. She is a member of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Nashville Rotary Club, and she has served on the Mayor’s Metropolitan Homelessness Commission. Ms. Day has conduct-ed various workshops for Feeding America’s national and regional conferences as well as for the Center for Non-Profit Management in Nashville. She is frequently called upon to address hunger awareness issues and is a prevalent speaker in the community. Ms. Day has over 40+ years’ experience in non profit management and administration. She has recently been recognized by the Center for Nonprofit Management as 2018’s Bank of America CEO of the Year.

Mentors

16 | Jade Driver | Co-Founder/Co-Owner, Crowd SurfJade Driver is the co-founder of Crowd Surf, a marketing, publicity and artist manage-ment company with offices in LA, NYC and Nashville. Always seeking new and innova-tive ways to create organic, meaningful connections between artist and their fans Driv-er, along with co-founder and longtime friend Cassie Petrey, launched Crowd Surf in 2007 and have since grown their massive roster to include Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, New Kids On The Block, Andy Grammer, Why Don’t We, AJR, Noah Cyrus, Becky G, Guns N Roses and more. In 2018, Driver and Petrey launched their podcast, “How I Got Backstage,” aiming to guide listeners on how they too can create their dream jobs in the music industry. Driver was named one of Billboard’s 2018 Digital Power Players.

17 | Kate Read Ezell | Principal, Ezell Consulting LLCKate partners with schools, service providers & product innovators to improve college access & success for Tennessee students. At Ezell Consulting, Kate designs & imple-ments: development strategies; product market testing & introduction; strategic analyses for education service providers; and board development & training. Recent clients include TnEdPartners, Teach For America, the TN Charter School Center, Gray Line Transportation, Communities in Schools, YWCA MEND, TestRocker and You-Science. A graduate of Leadership Nashville and the Mayor’s My City Academy, she is on the Nashville Public Library Foundation Board Executive Committee, working to connect students and the community to its rich network of 21 library branches. She is co-chair of the YWCA’s Fulcrum Society & chairman of UVA’s Jefferson Scholars Foundation Middle Tennessee Committee. Kate is a former member of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, the Fisk University Board of Trust, the Women’s Fund Board (Middle TN Community Foundation), the MNPS Charter Review Committee, the UVa Board of Managers and the Jefferson Scholars National Selection Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English & French Literature and an M.B.A. from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Kate and her husband Steven have 3 children: Lauren Ezell Minear, Read Ezell, and Eleanor Ezell.

18 | Kerri Fox-Metoyer | Chief Entertainment Strategist, LAB NashvilleKerri Fox-Metoyer is an accomplished entertainment strategist focusing on the music, film/television and branding market space. In 2018 Kerri exited her role as Vice President, Music Strategy & Partnerships at talent agency APA to open her own venture, LAB Nashville. The original vision for LAB (Life And Business) was a speaking series focusing on the life aspects of the business space. “As I began formulating my new business plan, I realized that LAB was more meaningful than ever to me. Building a company that allowed for the balance of life and business, building meaningful rela-tionships that expanded beyond the workplace and choosing who I wanted to spend the long work days with became my company vision” said Fox-Metoyer. LAB Nash-ville’s business structure is built on three pillars: Strategy, Partnerships and Manage-ment. Each with their own roster of clients spanning music, film, television and food. Fox-Metoyer has spent her career in the entertainment and technology world with executive roles at The Walt Disney Company, Sony Music, Sony Electronics & EMI Music. She has led projects with artists such as Miranda Lambert, Will.i.am, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Miley Cyrus, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Hayley Orrantia and more. “In my spare time I love to help others build their own ark” said Kerri. She is a mentor and advisor for The Nashville Entrepreneur Center and sits on several advisory boards.

Mentors

19 | Mignon Francois | Owner & CEO, The Cupcake CollectionMignon Francois is the Founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection (TCC). While crunch-ing numbers and creating the craze are amongst her job requirements, her favorite responsibilities within this role are giving hugs, listening, and mentoring her team and other up and coming entrepreneurs who seek after her grass roots experience. Using her “Follow Your Spirit” approach, Mignon developed an iconic flavor that drew lines and attention to the hip nature of her Historic Germantown neighborhood that hadn’t seen this concept developed prior. The success of TCC thereby became icing on the cake amongst the existing North Nashville restaurateurs that would ignite a new movement to the area for other business concepts that might not otherwise have considered doing business in North Nashville. Since planting its roots in 2008, Mignon’s business savvy has earned her the titles of “Woman of Legend and Merit” by Tennessee State Universi-ty, “Emerging Business Leader of the Year” and Black Enterprise Magazine “Family Busi-ness of the Year Award”. Prior to her career at TCC, Mignon was a Household Manager and mother of 6 plus 1. A NOLA girl from the core and die hard Charter School enthusi-ast, she lends her talent as a Nashville community cheerleader and entrepreneur to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, and to Republic Charter Schools as a board member. Mignon is an alumnus of Xavier University in New Orleans and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Hous-ton Baptist University in 1999. While she obtained her M.B.A. from the School of Hard Knocks, she is currently working on an accredited one from Lipscomb University.

20 | Leisa Gill | Director, Client Experience, Private Cos, LBMCLeisa Gill is the Director of Client Experience at LBMC and leads LBMC’s Privately Owned Companies segment. Leisa utilizes her communication skills, business acumen, and forward-thinking abilities to help companies and teams build better businesses. An experienced business developer, she understands that the sale is not made at the end of a process, the sale is a continuous process when helping clients be the best they can be. Her enthusiasm and genuine interest in meeting new people, hearing different opinions and bringing out the best in others has made highly regarded among her peers, leadership and the community. It is no wonder she is considered such a trusted advisor and team member among LBMC’s top accounts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Management, both with honors. LBMC is a top 50 professional services firm with offices located in Nashville (Brentwood, Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN).

21 | Kimberly Goessele | Chief Operating Officer, 180 Health PartnersAs Chief Operating Officer, Kimberly Goessele is responsible for the execution and implementation of the overall company strategy as well as supporting the 180 Health Partners culture of helping mothers, their babies, families and the support communi-ties. Prior to joining 180 Health Partners Kimberly was the Senior Vice President of Operations at Premise Health where she focused on operational excellence, stream-lining workflows to increase efficiencies and introduced a model of placing the patient experience and satisfaction as the core of their delivery model. She also created the Office of Innovation which is responsible for creating the company’s strategic road-map, vetting candidates for strategic investments, and working with the resources within the medical centers in identifying new technologies for implementations. Kimberly joined Premise Health through an acquisition of W Squared where she was the Executive Vice President of Healthcare Strategy. In this role, she was responsible for assisting clients navigate the changes inside the healthcare delivery systems while leveraging technology, understanding regulatory and policies changes that impacted care delivery and with a degree in Management Information Systems, Kimberly has served as the Vice President of Business Technology for Healthways and was the Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer for CHD Meridian. Kimberly is active in the Nashville healthcare community. She is the co-founder of the Nashville based Lead-ership Healthcare, was the founder and president Tennessee based Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS), a member of Women in Technology since 2003, a participant of the Nashville Race for the Cure, member of the Nashville Breakfast Club since 2008, was a Nashville Future 50 Recipient 2008 and 2009, honored by the Nashville Business Journal as a Healthcare 100 and a Who’s Who. Kimberly is a Chicago native but has called Nashville home for over 20 years with her husband and daughter.

Mentors

22 | Debbie Gordon | CEO, Cloud Range CyberDebbie Gordon is a Nashville-based serial entrepreneur and currently Founder and CEO of Cloud Range Cyber, a pioneer in providing cyber defense training and simulation to help organizations prepare for inevitable cyber attacks. In addition to Cloud Range, which serves customers worldwide, she also developed and owns the Nashville Cyber Range (opening January 2019), a simulated command center for cyber security teams and individuals to be trained on cyber defense, and for executive teams to experience incident response and preparedness exercises. Previously, she founded and was CEO of S3 IT Asset Management which she sold in 2015, as well as Snappy Auctions, and international franchisor of online consignment services which she grew internationally throughout North America and Asia. Debbie is a long time member and former Presi-dent of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Nashville, and serves in a global capacity facili-tating strategic planning for chapters around the world. Debbie was recently appointed as an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, providing guidance and mentorship to early stage founders..

23 | Mila Grigg | CEO, MODA Image and Brand Consulting, LLCMila Grigg, CEO of MODA Image and Brand Consulting, is passionate about brand, mar-keting and leadership. MODA is the leading individual and corporate brand, leadership, marketing, social media and executive coach. MODA helps individuals to communicate their Personal and Professional Brand, companies to discern and share the Corporate Brand with the world around them and management teams to develop strategies that give monetary value to their brand strengths. MODA helps individuals and compa-nies to share WHO THEY ARE and what they do in a way that allows the public to see their unique individual and corporate value. MODA ensures that companies sell their products and increase their bottom line. MODA is the only company in the US that is able to integrate corporate brand, personal brand, leadership, marketing, sales, image, internal and external communication, non-verbal communication, emotional intelligence, brand storytelling, social media strategy, the ‘why’ exercises, professional etiquette, executive presence and fashion into training seminars and 1:1 coaching that benefit both the company and its employees. She is serving companies in the ranks of the Fortune 100 to 500 listings, private practices and private companies. Her company has advised professional firms of all sizes, small businesses, executive suites and even placed senior executives in their corporate dream jobs.

24 | Jami Hall | Chief Executive Officer, Stones River Electric Jami Hall has 40 years of experience in the electrical construction and lighting manage-ment industry, which encompasses all aspects of the business. In 1990, she founded Stones River Electric, a diverse electrical service company. Her vision was to take the firm in a different direction from that of the typical electrical construction company. This successful approach was specialization in electrical and lighting management. As a result, Ms. Hall found a unique niche in the marketplace. Stones River Electric specializ-es in energy efficient projects, lighting design and solutions, electrical & lighting main-tenance, and energy management. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the firm performs work throughout the United States, along with projects in Canada and Mexico. This performance is widely recognized as a leader in the lighting & electrical industry. As Chief Executive Officer of Stones River Electric, Ms. Hall is committed to quality and integrity in the lighting industry by ensuring that her staff delivers professional, well-designed and installed projects to their clients. A Nashville native and a graduate of Lipscomb University, Ms. Hall is active in the community. She has won numerous awards including Woman Business Owner of the Year (NAWBO) and 2009 Women of Influence - Entrepreneur (Nashville Business Journal).

25 | Terry Hardesty | Managing Partner, DeloitteA global audit partner with over 30 years of serving large public and multinational companies in several industries focusing on retail and distribution, manufacturing and healthcare. Terry’s client experiences include merger and acquisitions, spin-offs, refinancing’s and restructurings. She also has experience with integration activities as well as leading controls optimization projects. Serving in the roles of the lead audit partner has allowed Terry to deliver the power of Deloitte by providing access to spe-cialists assisting clients with industry specific challenges and opportunities. In addi-tion to Terry’s client service roles, she has also held various leadership roles in the firm. These leadership roles within Deloitte have helped Terry establish a strong network within the firm that she can engage quickly for client needs. Beyond these roles, Terry also serves as the technical review partner for several SEC engagements.

Mentors

26 | Marjorie Feltus Hawkins | President, FH DesignMarjorie F Hawkins is an award-winning interior designer with 30 plus years of interior architecture and design experience in the hospitality, healthcare and corporate industry. Her portfolio is a study in the blending of classic and modern elements to support business operations, drive efficiencies, and deliver interior spaces supporting each client’s vision. As a 100% woman-owned firm, Marjorie leads a talented team of designers to create inspiring , task-focused spaces, and each project demonstrates her commitment to the business philosophy of building customer relationships through communication, leadership, teamwork, and trust.

27 | Jacqueline Hayes, MBA | Principal & Chief Marketing Strategist, Cray-ons & MarketersJacqueline Hayes, MBA is chief marketing strategist and principal of Crayons & Market-ers, a WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprise and certified Minority Business Enterprise and WOSB. Under her leadership, Crayons & Marketers, a full-service mar-keting company, helps organizations find smarter ways to connect to their audiences using data-driven marketing strategies that support business growth. Before starting Crayons & Marketers, Jacqueline was the Marketing Manager for Harpeth Marketing where she led the firm’s lead building and nurturing programs for market research firms across the country. She has an extensive background in client relationship management and training. Jacqueline serves as current communications chair and past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Nashville Chapter. Jacqueline is a frequent guest contributor and writer for various publications, including the Mt. Zion Trumpet Magazine and is the Lifestyles Segment Contributor for the “IN THE KNOW” Radio Magazine Show on WRFN Radio Free Nashville 103.7 FM 107.1 FM.

28 | Karol Hernandez | Marketing Director, Lee CompanyAs Director of Marketing for Lee Company, Karol brings a service-focused approach to work and a customer-focused approach to marketing and communications. She is responsible for marketing strategy and execution, and leads an award-winning team that handles: digital communications, social media, direct marketing, media planning, online reputation management, internal communications, sponsorships and promo-tions. Karol has worked with high performing marketing and communication teams for Fortune 500, private and non-profit companies within logistics, transportation, housing, construction, and mission driven organizations.

29 | McKel Hill, MS, RDN, LDN | CEO and Founder, Nutrition StrippedMcKel leads Nutrition Stripped and nutritionstripped.com. She holds a Master of Sci-ence degree in Clinical Nutrition from Ohio State University and is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist. With 7 years of coaching experience, she teaches the simplicity behind the science of nutrition and art of healthy living through recipes, health articles, online education programs, and a private coaching practice. While a teacher at heart, she is always learning, and currently enrolled in training as an Inte-grative Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner through the accredited Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy™ (IFNA). She’s dedicated her career to helping people feel amazing through nourishing multiple pillars of health—and also feel good about the information they were getting about nutrition and wellness. She lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and Luna (their adorable Samoyed dog).

30 | Kelly Hodges | Division Vice President, Gresham, Smith and PartnersHodges oversees operations, staff development and client service and satisfaction. She also serves in a business development role.

Mentors

31 | Ann Hollis-Young | Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch“Ann Hollis Young joined Bank of America-Merrill Lynch in 2007 following her grad-uation from Vanderbilt University where she majored in Economics and minored in Finance. Ann’s focus is to help clients establish their financial goals and objectives and assist in developing an appropriate overall investment strategy. At the core of her phi-losophy is a desire to build long-lasting relationships. She has a genuine desire to help clients achieve their goals, and finds the personal element within her role as an advisor particularly rewarding. Ann has earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist® (AAMS) designation. Ann was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN. She and her hus-band, Donnie, now reside in Davidson County. Ann is a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee program, and an avid supporter of Vanderbilt athletics.

32 | Hayley Hovious | President, Nashville Health Care CouncilHayley Hovious is the president of the Nashville Health Care Council. Prior to her appointment as president, Hovious served as the executive director of the Council Fellows, an initiative which seeks to engage, educate and inspire senior executives in health care. Prior to joining the Council staff, Hovious served as trade director at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development where she developed and managed the states export program. She worked as a marketing man-ager for software startup Consensus Point, and before that as a brand manager at E.J.Gallo Winery in Modesto, Calif. A Nashville native, Hovious is a cum laude graduate of Smith College and has an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. She was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Tennessee District Export Council, is a member of the Downtown Nashville Rotary and is on the board of Sister Cities of Nashville.

33 | Mary Jo Innis | President, The R.O.W. GroupMary Jo Innis, President of The R.O.W. Group, has been a vital partner in the firm for over ten years. The R.O.W. Group, formerly known as Southeast Financial Group, has been an industry leader in the Nashville community since 1986. By 39, she was chosen to be Pres-ident of The R.O.W. Group. At 40, she was the 14th female principle at M Financial Group, the largest non-publically traded producer group of financial services in the world. In 2016 Mary Jo became one of 16 Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors in the state of Tennessee, and one of four women to earn that title in the state. In 2017* she was recognized as one of the executive Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal. Other professional accomplishments to add to Mary Jo’s list are: a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors, one of only 19 members of the local chapter of the Women Presidents’ Organization, attended The University of Tulsa, currently holds her Tennessee Life and Health license and is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor. Personally, Mary Jo is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church, supports Soles for Souls, Graceworks, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

34 | Patricia Brown James | Consultant & Coach, PB&J ConsultingOver a three-decade career in key management and leadership roles in three global corporations, Patricia James has developed and executed successful strategies for sustainable change in human resources and shared services. Recognized as an inspi-rational leader, coach, and mentor, James has advised leaders at every level, from CEO to emerging leader. She has a passion for mentoring, coaching, and lifelong learning. Patti’s career began as an HR analyst at Shell Oil, followed by time with Schlumberger Limited, before joining part of what is now Bridgestone Americas from 1992 to 2013. Following retirement from Bridgestone Americas, James revitalized a regional nonprof-it leadership program by applying business expertise and experience to an organiza-tion focused on stronger leadership for organizations in Middle Tennessee. Currently, James operates her own consulting firm, PB&J Consulting. She provides career transi-tion and executive coaching, competency-based training course design and delivery, and business development services to private and corporate clients. James also serves as an Advisory Director for Stanton Chase, a global retained executive search and con-sulting firm. James holds BSBA and MBA degrees from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in Civic Leadership from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mentors

35 | Daynise Joseph | Community Impact Manager, Google FiberDaynise Joseph leads Community Impact initiatives for Google Fiber in Nashville, TN and Huntsville, AL. As Community Impact Manager she works with nonprofits, government agencies, and community stakeholders to support efforts to make digital literacy, STEM, and minority entrepreneur programs more widely available to underrepresented communities. Before joining Google Fiber, she was a nonprofit management consultant and nonprofit Executive Director in Nashville and grassroots community organizer working on various quality of life and social justice issues like affordable housing, living wages, public transportation, and education.

36 | Beverly Keel | Chair, Dept. of Recording Industry, MTSUBeverly Keel is a professor and chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry and an award-winning music journalist whose work has appeared in People, Parade, The Tennessean, and many other publications. In 2014, she joined forces with Tracy Gershon and Leslie Fram to create Change the Conversation, which has become an influential movement in the area of gender equality in country music. Forbes recently included her on its national list of “40 Women to Watch Over 40,” a group of innovative women recognized for disrupting industry and society. She also serves as publicist for Jamey Johnson and has been a consultant for various projects and artists, such as Alison Krauss, Lionel Richie and Scotty McCreery. She has hosted album-launch events for artists including Don Henley and Barry Gibb. She returned to MTSU in 2013 after a leave of absence to serve as senior vice president of artist and media relations for Universal Music Group Nashville, where she was responsible for the media campaigns of projects, including Lionel Richie, Vince Gill, Sugarland, Shania Twain, George Strait and many more.

37 | Dimeta Smith Knight | Partner, Smith, Pelmore & Dobbs, PCDimeta a Principal with Smith, Pelmore & Dobbs, PC an accounting and consulting firm located in Nashville, TN. Her firm consults with small to large size corporations, sole proprietorships and partnerships from various industries within for profit and nonprofit sectors. She has facilitated seminars and workshops for various organiza-tions including the Small Business Administration, Pathway Women’s Business Center and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is also a frequent guest on Common Cents: The Money Show on WFSK 88.1 FM radio. She has almost 20 years of financial accounting, internal auditing, and financial system consulting experience. Previous corporate roles include Internal Auditor, Financial Systems Implementation Consultant and Chief Financial Officer. She also spent seven years as an Adjunct Ac-counting Professor, lecturing on numerous disciplines of Accounting, such as Account-ing Principles, Strategic Cost Management and, Individual and Corporate Taxation. She frequently shares her passion for financial literacy and economic development with the community. Her recent conferences include Girls To The Moon and National Association of Women MBAs’ Annual Thrive Conference. She was recently selected a 2018 Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal. Dimeta received her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a major in Accounting from Tennes-see State University and Master of Accountancy Degree from Belmont University. Her current civic involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Respite Coalition, West End Homes Foundation and New Leaders Council.

38 | Laura Lemon | CEO & Founder, Lemon LaineAfter over a decade in merchandising, marketing and product development in the beauty industry, Laura Lemon created Lemon Laine to bring a bit of fun and clarity to the beauty shopping experience. Partnering with some of the best vendors and beauty experts in the world, Laura hand-picks each product with an emphasis on quality and natural ingredients. Laura is dedicated to the discovery process of testing and curating a simplified list of products that really work so you can fall in love with your beauty routine again.

Mentors

39 | Julie Lilliston | President, Julie Lilliston Communications LLCJulie Lilliston Communications, LLC is a WBENC certified woman-owned Nashville-based public relations agency specializing in corporate communications, thought leadership and reputation management for clients across industries including professional ser-vices, healthcare, higher education and technology. Julie is an award-winning profes-sional with more than 15 years of experience developing communications campaigns to help businesses and non-profits share their stories with audiences who matter. She’s worked with diverse clients including Apto Global, Sweet Creations Pie Bakery, Affinity Technology Partners, Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design and DevMar Products, LLC. She cultivated her expertise at global public relations firms Weber Shandwick and MSL-Group in Chicago and Lovell Communications in Nashville. Her work on the Go Direct national public education and engagement campaign for the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks earned numerous awards including a PRSA Silver Anvil. Julie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.

40 | Kathy Macdonald | Senior Vice President - Investor Relations, Brookdale Senior LivingA strategic finance executive with global leadership experience living and working in Japan, South Asia and the United States. Currently Kathy is the Investor Relations Officer for Brookdale Senior Living responsible for managing the strategic planning and on-going enhancements of the Investor Relations program; cultivating professional relationships with the investment community; serving as the primary spokesperson with investors; and providing market and investor feedback to executives and board members. Before Brookdale Senior Living, Kathy held the Investor Relations role at Mead Johnson Nutri-tion. Within the first year in that role, she successfully led through a significant crisis in the U.S. market. Prior to Investor Relations roles, she was Mead Johnson’s Vice President of Finance for Asia and Europe. She led and developed leaders in a finance organization of 100 professionals across 18 countries. Developed strong relationships with country General Managers, Marketing and Supply Chain leaders to drive commercial results. Expanded finance team’s role to focus on business partnering. Kathy is a well-rounded fi-nance leader having experience as Interim Corporate Controller, Finance Vice President in Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Consumer Divisions, Divestiture Project Team Lead, Manufacturing Plant Controller, Internal Audit and Big 4 - Public Accounting.

41 | Alisa Malone | Director of Workforce Development, GTLAlisa Malone is the Director of Workforce Development within the Education Services Division, of GTL. Understanding the devastating impact of poor or limited education and the tremendous positive impact of education on reducing recidivism, Alisa plays a strategic role in advancing GTL ‘s innovative solutions for the secure delivery of digital educational services within correctional facilities via the use of wireless tablet technology and Leaning Management Systems. Ms. Malone also currently serves as a Senior Mentor with Mission Development International (MDI). In this role, she serves leaders of non-profits offering mentoring, technical assistance and support in areas such as organizational change management, fundraising strategies, strategic planning, succession planning, staff development, board development, and personal and professional development. During her career devoted to public and nonprof-it service, Ms. Malone also has had the pleasure to serve in several key positions within the State of Tennessee, non-profit, and private organizations. While serving in various leadership roles, she demonstrated repeated success leading large-scale initiatives, transformational growth and change management across several differ-ent organizational platforms. Ms. Malone proudly served in the United States Army Reserve and holds a Master of Public Service Management degree from Cumberland University and two undergraduate degrees from Auburn University.

Mentors

42 | Lucia Mar | SVP, Market Manager, Bank of America Merrill LynchLucia J. Mar, CFA, CPA, is a Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Commercial Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). She leads a team of seasoned commer-cial bankers in the expansion of BAML’s market share among companies with $5 million to $50 million annual revenue in Nashville. Under her leadership, the team became #1 in growth metrics among BAML commercial banking teams in the Southeast and achieved 100% score in employee engagement survey in 2018. Lucia has earned recognition within BAML for driving a culture of diversity and inclusion as well as helping others win and pre-pare for career advancement. She is a 2018 Global Diversity & Inclusion award recipient at Bank of America. Lucia received her MBA from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and her BS in Business Administration from the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, China. Lucia is a CPA and a CFA charter holder. She is Series 7 and 63 licensed and bilingual – English and Mandarin Chinese. As a community leader, Lucia

43 | Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson | Dean, College of Business, College of Business, Tennessee State UniversityDr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson is the Dean of the College of Business at Tennessee State University and has over 40 years of experience in higher education administration, re-search, teaching and entrepreneurial endeavors. Previously, Dr. Lownes-Jackson served as the Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Tennessee State University and the Associate Dean for the College of Business at Tennessee State University. A recipient of numerous awards and honors for service to society, she is the Founder of The Inter-denominational Services Organization of America, Inc.(ISOA), the Business Exchange for the Entrepreneurially Minded (BEEM) Program, and The World Institute for Sustainable Education and Research (The WISER Group). Dr. Lownes-Jackson is also a founding mem-ber of the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Business Deans Roundta-ble. Internationally recognized as a small business expert, Dr. Lownes-Jackson is author of 15 books, numerous refereed journal articles, proceedings, and book chapters, and has made over 200 academic and professional presentations. Dr. Lownes-Jackson holds a B.A. from Fisk University. She also holds masters degrees and the doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University where she became the first African American woman award-ed the MBA by the institution.

44 | Wanda Lyle | Managing Director/General Manager - UBS Nashville Business Solution Center & Americas Head of Employee Conduct, UBSWanda Lyle is the General Manager of the UBS Nashville Business Solutions Center (BSC). In her role, Wanda oversees the ongoing expansion of the Nashville BSC, and will be responsible for setting up the center’s operating model and associated service delivery. She will also provide leadership and management for a number of functions in the Nashville BSC including Information Technology, Operations, Human Resourc-es, Finance, Legal, Compliance & Operational Risk and Control and Corporate Real Estate and Administrative Services (CREAS). Wanda, who joined UBS in 2010, is also the Head of Employee Conduct for the Americas, overseeing Monitoring & Surveil-lance, Employee Compliance and Compliance Training and Education for the Americas Region. Wanda began her career at Merrill Lynch where she worked for nearly 30 years, having most recently served as Managing Director in the Managed Solutions Group running the Personal Investment Advisor business. Prior to that, she was responsible for business risk management for Global Investment and Solutions and was also Business Risk Manager for Wealth Management Americas for a number of years with responsibility for supervision and risk management for the branch offices in the U.S., Latin America, Private Banking and Investments and the Financial Adviso-ry Center. Wanda is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. She is married and has two daughters and one granddaughter.

Mentors

45 | Rhonda Marko | President and CEO, Retired, Destination NashvilleRecognizing the need for a destination management company in Nashville, Rhonda founded Destination Nashville in 1994. In 2007, Women’s Business Enterprise Council named Rhonda as Nashville’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and The Nashville Business Journal named Rhonda “2012 Woman of Influence.” Rhonda led Destina-tion Nashville to be ranked on the Nashville Business Journal’s list of “25 Largest Women Owned Businesses in Nashville” since 2008 and list of “Best Places to Work in Nashville” since 2010. In 2015 Destination Nashville was named to the Nashville Business Journal “Best Places to Work in Nashville Hall of Fame.” The Association for Destination Management Executives (ADMEI) named Rhonda as “2009 Destina-tion Management Professional of the Year” and presented her with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2015. In 2016 Rhonda facilitated the Nashville chapter of The Woman’s Advantage Forum, a program giving women who own small businesses an opportunity to receive mentoring and support they need to move their businesses to the next level.

46 | Amanda Mathis | Chief Financial Officer, Bridgestone AmericasAmanda Mathis was named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) in May 2017. In this role, Mathis is responsible for overseeing all strategic aspects of finance, accounting, procurement and financial shared services for BSAM’s international operations, including management of the 900 teammates within these departments. Additionally, she is responsible for BSAM’s mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, cash flow and debt management. Amanda joined BSAM as Controller for the Consumer Tire Division in 2012. She was later promoted to Vice President, Finance for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) North Amer-ica and concurrently named Acting CFO in September 2016. Prior to joining BATO, Mathis spent nine years at Yum! Brands, Inc., the world’s largest system restaurant company. In her last role at Yum!, Mathis served as CFO of Long John Silver’s and A&W Restaurants. Prior to that, Mathis held finance positions of increasing responsibility at Yum!, having started her career in investment banking at the Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets and Morgan Keegan. Mathis received a 2016 Women of Influence Award from the Nashville Business Journal and serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. She graduated from Emory University with a BBA, double majoring in Business and Economics, with concentrations in Finance and Marketing.

47 | Janet Miller | CEO and Partner, Colliers InternationalJanet Miller has been a key player in Nashville’s development community for over 30 years. She joined Colliers Nashville as CEO and Partner in 2014, following 21 years of service as Chief Economic Development Officer for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Miller led the ten-county region’s top agency for recruiting new com-panies to the region and working with existing companies on retention/expansion projects. Miller led a team that was named a top ten economic development group in America for 4 of the last 5 years of her tenure and successfully worked with over 400 corporations on major job-creation projects including Asurion, HCA, Beretta, Mars Pet Care, Nissan, Bridgestone, Dell Inc., BNY Mellon, and UBS. At Colliers, Miller is responsible for talent development, business and brand development and all opera-tions for the Colliers Nashville office. Janet is a proud supporter of the YWCA, Friends of Radnor Lake and the Tennessee Women’s Forum. Janet is a sought-after lecturer and has spoken on economic development in university classes around the country. She was recognized with the 2016 “Spirit of Nashville Award” by the T.J. Martell Foun-dation and was the 2015 recipient of Nashville Post magazine’s “Boom” issue.

Mentors

48 | Hasina Mohyuddin | Director, Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Research Associate, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt UniversityHasina is the Director of the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and a Research Associate at Vanderbilt University. She is also a PhD candidate in the Com-munity Research and Action (CRA) program at Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining the program, she received a BA in Economics from Yale University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. After working in the healthcare industry for several years, she went back to school to complete her doctoral degree. Her dissertation research explores the religious identity development for Muslim American youth in the con-text of widespread negative stereotypes of Islam and Islamophobia. As a Research Associate, Hasina is currently serving as the Study Coordinator for a grant evaluating HIV/AIDS education programs for the Southeast AETC. She is also an active member of the Nashville Muslim community, and currently serves on the boards of the League of Women Voters, PENCIL, Nashville OIC and the Maddox Foundation. Hasina has been married for over 20 years to her husband Shuaib and has three sons – Ibrahim, Mohammed and Isa.

49 | Julie Nimmons | President, EXO Living, LLCJulie Nimmons is a former Group Chair for Vistage International In Nashville and St. Louis, MO, and former CEO of Schutt Sports. As CEO of Schutt, she led the company’s growth for over two decades, taking the head count from 30 to over 400, expanding its production facilities from 37,000 square feet to 274,000 square feet and growing revenue by a factor of 16. Julie was the first woman elected to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s Board of Directors, and was later elected Chairman. In 2002 and 2005, Sports Edge named her as one of the “25 Leaders to Watch”. In 2010, Julie was inducted into the National Sporting Goods Association’s Hall of Fame. Julie served on the Board of Trustees for Eastern Illinois University for ten years, and also served as its Chair. Julie also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Eastern Illinois University and has been recognized by the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumni. She is Past-Chairman of the National Board of Trustees for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and currently serves on the Nashville and Tennessee Leadership Boards. Julie is a Founding Member of the Nashville Chapter of the Private Directors Association.

50 | Lisa Purcell | Vice President of Development, Education, and Com-munity Outreach, Country Music Hall of Fame and MuseumLisa Purcell is the vice president of development, education, and community outreach for the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, which is among the most vibrant and visited history museums in America. In this role, Purcell’s division oversees the Museum’s contributed income department, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to preserve the evolving history and traditions of country music, as well as the education department, which develops, implements, and evaluates programs that share the beauty and cultural significance of country music with an international audience, while maintaining a service emphasis in Middle Tennessee. Prior to joining the Museum’s staff, Purcell served as vice president of external affairs for Hands On Nashville (HON). During her tenue, HON was nationally recognized for its role in mobilizing over 150,000 volunteers in the wake of the May 2010 flood that devastated Middle Tennessee. Purcell previously worked for diverse arts organizations, such as The Frick Pittsburgh and Frist Art Museum. She has served as a grant review panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, and she has worked for music business charity T.J. Martell Foundation. Purcell holds degrees in art history from West Virgin-ia University and a certificate in executive leadership from Belmont University.

Mentors

51 | Suzanne Reed | Director - Marketing, LBMCA recognized marketing strategist and Chief Marketing Officer of the year finalist, Suzanne has more than 25 years of experience in professional and financial services industry. Suzanne’s an accomplished B2B/B2C Marketing Executive with experience at three Fortune 500 companies and a proven record of success in identifying and developing business opportunities, driving growth and overall client engagement for multi-state, multi-service operations. I specialize in providing visionary market-ing leadership that motivates companies to high-level performance and exceeding financial targets. I have led digital transformations for national financial and profes-sional organizations. Skilled at managing change throughout full life cycle, I thrive in dynamic environments requiring a strong analytic, quantitative, and strategic operational focus A marketing leader with a proven track record of enhancing brand equity and revenue. Suzanne champions growth by using an integrated approach to marketing and sales that produces profitable results. She is a strong advocate for the client while creating revenue generating programs. She is an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University teaching Fundamentals of Marketing and serves as an advisory board member on the University of South Florida Digital Marketing Executive Certifi-cation Program. In 2018, Suzanne was named a Nashville Business Journal -Women of Influence in the mentor and inspiration category which recognized her contribu-tions for improving the business community.

52 | Kelly Rich | Senior Label Relations, Amazon MusicRich joined Amazon Music in February 2017, ensuring Nashville’s priority releases have a direct advocate, are properly set up within the Amazon eco-system and that Amazon’s global reach is leveraged on all of their properties for Nashville’s multiple genres.

53 | Jennifer Robinson | Office Managing Shareholder, Co-Chair of Hos-pitality Industry Group, Littler Office Managing Shareholder, Co-Chair of Hospitality Industry Group, LittlerWith more than 20 years of experience practicing labor and employment law, Jennifer Robinson has been the lead defense attorney in nearly 40 state and federal wage and hour class and/or collective actions. Jennifer also conducts high-level workplace in-vestigations for clients and often follows up with appropriate training, as needed. In addition, she defends employers in single and multi-plaintiff lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and failure to accommodate. She works with a wide range of industries, including, but not limited to food and beverage manufacturing and distribution, hospitality and entertainment. Jennifer co-chairs Littler’s Hospitality Industry Group and serves as the office managing shareholder for the Nashville office. Prior to joining Littler, Jennifer was a partner at a full-service firm in Nashville. She also worked as an attorney in California for nearly a decade.

Mentors

54 | Jill Robinson | Director of External Relations & Executive Learning, Jack C. Massey College of Business, Belmont UniversityIn 1995, Jill’s career started in Nashville with various nonprofits in marketing, outreach, and programs including Tennessee 200, the non-profit managing Tennessee’s 200th birthday, TACA, an organization supporting statewide artists, and LifeWay, the national Baptist organization. Concurrently, she joined Charter Resource, a change management and CEO coaching consulting firm. In 1999, she managed TPAC’s first volunteer depart-ment, eventually moving to Director of Development supporting fundraising and event goals for their education programs. Finding a passion for organizational development, she obtained an M.A. in Organizational Management in 2002, and completed her M.B.A. in 2004. February 2005, she joined Belmont University’s Office of the President focusing on presidential initiatives, donor relations, and cross-functional team management. Summer 2007, she moved to the Center for Executive Education as the Director of Executive Learning and Marketing combining her love for learning and marketing. Jill’s current role as Director of External Relations of the Jack C. Massey College of Business started in January 2014 moved her to the Dean’s Office and expanded her role to include strategic initiatives, community outreach, and leadership development, working with the Massey School’s 5 Centers of Learning, marketing for the college, and community and business alliances. In 2009, she received the inaugural NBJ 40 Under 40 award, in 2010 the Nashville Chamber NEL Education award, in 2016 the NBJ Women of Influence non-profit award, and in 2017 received her International Coaching Certification. Jill launched her side business in coaching in 2017 focusing on job transition, career vision-ing, and execution. Through her role at Belmont and her coaching company, she serves those that she connects with and enjoys encouraging them to be their best selves. In her spare time, you can often find Jill spoiling her nieces, painting, at yoga class, or hik-ing in Percy. The novice foodie can be found eating out with friends in Nashville at the latest restaurant opening, or in class learning about vino!

55 | Akiko Rogers | International Music Agent, WMEI have been a music agent for 25 years....Started my career as an assistant at APA and worked there for 11 years....worked at William Morris and still here after merging with Endeavor...Have lived in Nashville for 5 years moving here from LA. Responsible for booking all country international shows for WME well as AC and some Contemporary Artists.

56 | Heather J. Rohan | Division President, TriStar HealthMs. Rohan serves as President of HCA’s TriStar Division, which includes TriStar Health and nine additional HCA facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Northwest Georgia. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she oversees a total of 22 hospitals and related care settings that are supported by approximately 2,800 physicians and over 15,000 employ-ees – including over 5,800 nurses - who, above all else, are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

57 | Mari Ross-Alexander | CEO, Ross Behavioral GroupMari Ross-Alexander is a native of Las Vegas, NV and the graduate of Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. She has spent the last 20 years as the wife of a 12 year NFL veteran, mother of 3 and a psychotherapist focused on minority mental health with an emphasis on sport behavioral health consulting. Mari is the founder and CEO of Ross Behavioral Group which specializes in behavioral health services for minority popula-tions encouraging mental, emotional and behavioral wellness. Currently Ross Behavior-al Group operates, manages and integrates services in 16 different locations including Tennessee State University Counseling Center as well as a number of collegiate sports teams throughout the Southeast.

Mentors

58 | K. Dawn Rutledge | Director of External Communications and PIO, Metro Nashville Public SchoolsK. Dawn Rutledge is a veteran writer, media, marketing, public relations and events management professional with more than 20 years of diverse experience. She has been a working journalist in print and broadcast and has served in key communications roles in the media, non-profit, corporate, entertainment, government, and education sectors. She lead Metro Nashville Public Schools’ first-ever strategic marketing efforts, and currently serves as Director of External Communications in which she works with nearly 86,000 students, 12,000 employees, community partners, elected officials and other stakeholders. Also, in this capacity she is the district’s Public Information Officer and designated spokesperson.

59 | Nancy Schultz | Vice President, North Highland Nancy Schultz is a Vice President of North Highland, a global consulting firm that deliv-ers tactical and strategic business solutions to multi national organizations. Nancy has over 30 years of experience in the consulting industry. Nancy’s consulting career has focused on helping clients design and implement growth strategies using technology as an enabler; customer experience and data & analytics being key areas.

60 | Dr. Michelle Cummings Steele | Academic Director and Assistant Professor College of Leadership and Public Service; Director of Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership, Lipscomb UniversityDr. Michelle Cummings Steele is the Director of the Nelson & Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership and Academic Director and Assistant Professor in the College of Leadership & Public Service at Lipscomb University. With more than 18 years of experi-ence working with governmental agencies, Dr. Steele served as director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods during the tenure of Mayor Bill Purcell, former case manager for Mid-Cumberland Community Services Agency, and supervised the customer ser-vice team at the Metropolitan Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety. In 2016, Dr. Steele co-facilitated the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and David-son County discussions on Race, Equity and Leadership (R. E.A.L. Talks) that brought together over 1100 people from across the city. Dr Steele is a native Nashvillian and she gives back to her community by serving on the boards of Metropolitan Nashville Parks and Recreation, Adventure Science Center, Nashville Civic Design Center, Nashville Cable, Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and League of Women Voters. She is a member of Leadership Nashville Class of 2019. She earned the Doctorate of Education in leadership and professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Steele is married to Larry Steele, Jr. and they have two adorable children, Sheldon and Chellsea.

61 | Joycelyn Stevenson | Executive Director, Tennessee Bar AssociationJoycelyn is a native of Macon, GA. She graduated from Howard University in Wash-ington, D.C. and received her law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, TN. Joycelyn has served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Bar Association since July 2017. Prior to joining the TBA she worked for 16 years in private practice as labor and employment attorney in the Nashville offices of two prominent law firms. She is a past president of the Nashville Bar Association, the Lawyers’ As-sociation for Women in Nashville and the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee. She was recently selected by NashvilleBusiness.Net as one of the “Most Leading African Americans in Nashville.” She is the recipient of many professional honors including recognition in The Best Lawyers in America as well as recognition as a best of the Bar Honoree by the Nashville Business Journal. She served as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University Law School where she taught employment discrimination law and is a member of the 2014 Leadership Nashville class.

Mentors

62 | Loretta Stokes | Senior Engineering Manager, EventbriteLoretta Stokes is a technology leader with 18 years of software engineering expe-rience and management experience. Loretta graduated from Austin Peay State University with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Math. She is currently the Senior Software Engineering Manager for Eventbrite in the Nashville location. Her programming experience includes C++, C#, and Python. Earlier this year, she was named one of Nashville Business Journal’s 2018 Women of Infl uence. This award has recognized the women in Middle Tennessee who are shaping their companies, improving our communities and paving the way for the next generation of infl uential female leaders. Loretta is passionate about developing future female leaders in tech-nology through mentoring, coaching, and speaking at conferences.

63 | Laquita Stribling | Senior Vice President, Randstad USA“Laquita Stribling is Senior Vice President with Randstad USA. She is responsible for four districts and nine offi ces across three states, approximately 1,500 employees, and over $40 million in revenue. Laquita earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff . She continued her education at the University of Memphis, where she obtained her Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in human resources. She is currently enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University, where she will grad-uate with a doctorate degree in Leadership and Professional Practices in May 2018.”

64 | Rhonda Thomas | Director of Leasing & Property Management | The Parkes CompaniesRhonda has over thirty years of experience managing and leasing commercial real estate. Currently working with Parkes Development Group (PDG), she manages all as-pects of leasing and property management for both the Company owned portfolio and third party assignments, currently just under 1,000,000 sf. Over the years, Rhonda has leased and managed for a variety of Owners and has provided tenant representation services for local, regional, and national retailers. Rhonda’s journey has led her from Nashville to Huntsville, AL and back home to the Nashville area, in a variety of leader-ship positions in Commercial Real Estate. She holds her Brokers license in both Ten-nessee and Alabama, and is currently the principal broker for both the management and brokerage arms for PDG. Rhonda has earned the CPM designation with IREM, the CSM and CLS designations with ICSC, and has earned the Foundations of 21st Century Leadership Certifi cate through Cable’s Executive Leadership Academy. Currently, Rhonda is serving her second term as President for WCRE, has served as President of the Greater Nashville IREM Chapter, TN State Operations Chair for ICSC, President of Commercial and Industrial Brokers – Huntsville and as member of the Retail Council Leadership Board for NAI.

65 | LoLita D. Toney | Senior Director of Development, Senior Director of DevelopmentLoLita is the senior director of development for the National Museum of African American Music. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a graduate of Nashville’s Trevecca Nazarene University where she earned a BA in Business Administration, a MA in Organizational Management and an MBA. She built a successful career as an entre-preneur with Ivy Business Solutions and in pharmaceutical sales on AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular team. LoLita had a prosperous higher education career, working in community relations and fund-raising positions at Meharry Medical College, Belmont University, Tennessee State University and Fisk University. She was also an adjunct instructor in the College of Business at Tennessee State University 2003-2016. LoLita also served as managing director of a global executive search fi rm. LoLita served on active duty with the U.S. Army in Frankfurt Germany and the Gulf War. She was a 17-year member of the Army Reserve and National Guard. LoLita is a graduate of Offi cer Candidate School, receiving the accolade of Outstanding Candidate School graduate. She is a recipient of the Nashville Business Journals Women in Music City, Nashville Cable Civic Outreach and Rising Star Awards.

Mentors

66 | Deborah Varallo | President, Varallo Public RelationsDeborah Varallo, Nashville native and graduate of Baylor University, founded Varallo Public Relations, a marketing, public relations and crisis management fi rm in 1991. VPR provides support to professional fi rms such as architects, engineers and to the legal, fi nancial and healthcare industry. She has been named to Nashville Post’s InCharge list and named to their All-Star Board. She was recently named a Society of Fellows for TEDxNashville and recognized by the YWCA of Middle Tennessee as Woman of Achieve-ment. Deborah is president-elect of the International Women’s Forum – Tennessee Chapter. She is past board chair for Leadership Middle Tennessee and its Alumni Board. She co-chaired Leadership Nashville Program and chaired its alumni board. She was president of LMT’s 2004 class and is a graduate of Leadership Music. She served as Community Chair for Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, co-chaired the Celebration of Mission to Service for Catholic Charities; co-chaired the Girl Scouts major fundraiser and is active at St. Stephen Catholic Community. She was honored by the Women’s Political Collaborative of Tennessee for her community service. Deborah is married to Jim Varallo, owner of Varallo Investment Properties.

67 | Amanda Weeks-Geveden | Senior Vice President, Managing Director TN/KY, U.S. Bank Private Wealth ManagementAmanda has spent twenty-six years in the banking industry. She began her career in an in-store retail branch and has spent the last fourteen years in Private Wealth Management. Amanda chairs the Development Committee on the YWCA board and is a co-found of Women Infl uencing Nashville.

68 | Christie Wilson | Owner and President, The Wilson Group Real Es-tate ServicesThe Wilson Group is a residential real estate fi rm specializing in listing and sales of homes, condos, land and investment property with 25 agents and a full service property management division, specializing in Davidson, Williamson, Sumner, Wilson and Cheatham Counties. Graduate of Father Ryan High School in Nashville and The University of TN, Knoxville.A past president of The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and the recipient of the GNAR “Realtor of the Year”, and the Tennessee “Realtor of the Year”. She is a recipient of the President’s Award from the Tennessee Association of Realtors. (only 4 Realtors in the state of TN have ever been awarded both the Local and State Realtor of the Year) Professional designations include the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative); CRS (Certifi ed Residential Specialist); CRB (Certifi ed Residential Broker); GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute).Former host of “Real Estate Real Talk” on Channel 5+, which is Nashville’s only live real estate call-in talk show. Current Boards: Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity; The YWCA; Women’s President’s Organization; Nashville Wine Auction; Leadership Nashville Alumni Board, Charter Member of the YWCA’s Fulcrum Society. Former Boards on which she has served: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors; Realtracs Board; Metro Sports Authority Board, Metro Board of Equalization;The New Beginnings Center; Tennes-see Housing and Development Agency Realtor Advisory Board; The Housing Fund of Nashville; TN Assoc of Realtors; The National Assn of Realtors, Chairman of the Board of Equalization of Metro/Davidson County (Tax Appeals Board); Governmental Aff airs of The TN Association of Realtors. Recent Professional Awards: Best Places to Work 2016; Most Admired CEO 2014; Best in Business 2013, all from the Nashville Business Journal; Most Admired CEO 2014; 40 Under 40 in 2006; Nashville Leukemia Lympho-ma Society Woman of the Year.

Mentors

Mentors

69 | Dr. Tameka T. Winston | Associate Vice President of Research and Institutional Advancement, Tennessee State UniversityDr. Tameka Winston is the Associate Vice President of Research and Institu-tional Advancement, Department Chair and an award-winning Professor in the Department of Communications at Tennessee State University. She is also a national radio show host on Sirius XM and an accomplished author. Winston has been working at the collegiate level for 16 years in various roles. Her passion for education and community service has helped her earn several recent accolades. A highly sought-after speaker, she also fa-cilitates numerous workshops on various topics. Dr. Winston was recent-ly awarded the prestigious 2017 Athena Young Professional Leadership Award and Nashville Business Journal’s “2017 Woman of Influence Award”. She was also among this year’s Class of 2018 protégés for the Millenni-um Leadership Initiative Institute that took place in Washington, DC this summer. The purpose of the Millennium Leadership Initiative is to prepare, enhance and advance the prospect for qualified candidates, who have pro-gressed in their professional careers, to successfully compete in the future for positions of president or chancellor at universities or colleges, public or private. She is very passionate about promoting the importance of having strong mentorship programs in place. Winston has implemented a total of 3 mentoring programs.

70 | Patty Wise | Executive Director, Legility (formerly Counsel On Call) Patty Wise is an Executive Director with Legility (formerly Counsel On Call), a ‘New Law’ company for corporate legal departments and law firms. Patty designs and implements legal solutions for clients across the country. She also oversees the company’s Flexible Talent Solution. Patty is based in Legility’s headquarters’ office in Nashville. Prior to joining Legility, Patty was a litigator with Troutman Sanders in Atlanta and Kennedy Covington in Charlotte. Patty earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law, where she received the Junius L. Allison Award, given for the most significant contribution to the Legal Aid Society. She received her B.A. from Emory University.

71 | Carol Yochem | President-Middle Tennessee Region, First Tennessee BankCarol Yochem is President of First Tennessee Bank in Middle Tennessee and oversees a combined portfolio of loans and deposits of over $9.0 billion and 600 employees. Carol serves as chairman of the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership, serves on the boards of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and the An-drew Jackson Foundation. She is a member of Nashville’s Agenda Steering Committee, Partnership 2020, Leadership Nashville Alumni Association, and Rotary Club of Nashville. Carol is a 1929 Club member and past Board Trustee of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Carol has been recognized as a Nashville Business Journal Power Leader in Finance, Most Admired CEO, and Woman of Influence.

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