Renata Soto, Conexión Américas Executive Director, has been named to the inaugural Leadership Tennessee class of  Lipscomb University’s Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership.

The class of 30 is a leadership education program designed to cultivate a network of business, nonprofit, education and government leaders who are committed to addressing the state’s challenges and opportunities.

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

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

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

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

“I am honored to be among the inaugural class of Leadership Tennessee, and among such a diverse group of leaders,” Soto said. “I am looking forward to the conversations and collaboration.”

About the Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership

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

Members of the inaugural class of Leadership Tennessee

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

Clarksville
Kim McMillan, mayor, City of Clarksville

Franklin
John Schroer, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation

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

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

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

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

Parsons
Janet Ayers, president, The Ayers Foundation

Sevierville
David Ogle, president, Five Oaks Development

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