J. MARK HUTCHINS – Chair
J. Mark Hutchins has spent more than 30 years as an executive and leader of complex organizations. Through his management and government relations efforts, he has championed projects that have raised millions of dollars from private and government sources supporting business development, academic efforts, athletic programs and facilities, religious and civic groups, and other causes.
Mark has served as Chair of the IMPACT Leadership Board of Directors, Cookeville, TN, the Leadership and Ethics Instructor for IMPACT Leadership, and is certified in Myers-Briggs and Clifton Strengths by Gallup and is licensed and certified as a John C. Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker. He is involved as a volunteer in numerous other community and state organizations.
I am involved with TACL because….”I believe that TACL serves an important purpose in ensuring that leadership in our communities has the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to their quality of life and economic viability,” said Hutchins.
Kathy Parks – Vice-Chair
Kathy retired after working 35 years as a health care social worker. Currently, she serves as the immediate past president for East Tennessee Regional Leadership, is a member of Leadership Roane County Board and is the volunteer program director for Roane County Youth Leadership.
Having worked in health care for many years, Kathy continues to be the facilitator for Roane County’s Alzheimer’s Support Group and serves as a board member for the Roane Health Council. She also does community education for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, as well as work on the annual planning committee for the Five County Walk. In addition she serves as a board member for Roane County’s Chamber of Commerce.
“I am involved with TACL because … I am passionate about developing young leaders and growing the leadership capabilities of all. There is always more to learn from others and TACL provides that opportunity through the regional and state conferences as well as the TACL Facebook page. Connecting and developing relationships with others who feel the same about their communities and state is powerful and everyone I’ve met and come in contact with through the organization is dedicated to seeing their communities grow.”
CARY E. VAUGHN, CCNL – Secretary
Cary E. Vaughn is the CEO and President of Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc. which is a worldwide radio, TV and internet ministry reaching 196 countries. LWF has the potential to reach millions of households. A true mass communications ministry, with exposure across all social media platforms, and broadcasting on 2,500 radio outlets. He led the LWF 30th Anniversary Campaign, and he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for LWF Canada.
He is an active board member and Vice Chair of the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce (GMACW), and he currently serves on the EDGE Board of Directors for Memphis and Shelby County. Recently, he was appointed to the Blue-Ribbon Ethics Committee of Shelby County.
Cary became a Rotarian in 2005. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Paul Harris Society. At the District level, Cary has served as the District Governor.
In the community, Mr. Vaughn participates with several boards and commissions: Jackson State Community College Foundation Board of Trustees (Past Chair), Lambuth University Alumni Association (Past Chair), UT Martin NRMI Board of Directors, UT Martin WestStar Board of Directors, H.A.R.E. Board of Directors (President), Memphis YMCA Board of Directors (Past Chair), Millington Education Foundation Board of Directors (Chair), Tennessee Association of Community Leaders Board of Directors (Past Chair), Millington Area Chamber of Commerce (Chair), South Tipton Chamber of Commerce, Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, and TRA Board of Directors, Booster Club, Alumni Association, and Capital Campaign (Past Chair).
Cary’s ministry opportunities include Pastor of Community Baptist Church, Deacon at Bellevue Baptist Church (Past Chair and Vice Chair), Board of Directors (Secretary), Committee on Committees (Past Chair), member of the National Religious Broadcasters Association and Christian Leadership Alliance. He is a lifetime member of NRA, University of Memphis Alumni Association, WestStar Alumni Association, Kappa Sigma Alumni Association, and the Republican National Committee.
He and his wife, Lalania have been married for 29 years, and they have two children Logan and Colton. Cary counts it an honor and privilege to serve his community.
I am involved with TACL because…the mission is leadership development. It is the best platform for “best practices.” True leadership starts in our communities. TACL is the vehicle that will identify, train, equip, and position future leaders across Tennessee!
STEPHANIE BRACKMAN – Immediate Past Chair
Stephanie Brackman is the Chief Operating Officer of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of Leadership Rutherford. She is a graduate of Leadership Rutherford and Leadership Middle Tennessee.
I believe in creating synergistic opportunities for all leaders in my community. In addition, I am a servant leader because great leadership is about service and being a role model for those you serve.
I am involved with TACL because we all need a place where we are surrounded by others who help us grow in our leadership experience and journey.
VIRGINIA GRIMES – TACL Treasurer
Program Manager/Coordinator of the WestStar Leadership Program, at UT Martin. After being born and raised in Knoxville, Virginia came to West Tennessee in 1990 and became coordinator of UT Martin’s WestStar Leadership Program, a regional program which covers 21 counties in West Tennessee. During her tenure, WestStar has grown to 850 graduates.
She serves on the board as treasurer of the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership (TACL). She is a member of the National Association of Leadership Programs (ALP); Martin Business Association; and Martin Citizen’s Police Academy. Grimes is also a Leadership Weakley County graduate, a past member of the Pilot Club of Martin and a former Girl Scout Troop leader. She has served and continues to serve in many leadership roles at her church, as well as involvement in the community.
“I am involved with TACL because … I believe that leadership positions across the state play an important role in the state’s success and the communities accomplishments. TACL also is a great resource, in having others who do the same professional job that you do accessible to discuss new ideas or challenges they are facing in their own leadership program.”
Judy Renshaw – Executive Director
Newly appointed Executive Director, TACL. Retired as Sr. Vice President, Business & Community Services at the Jackson Chamber after forty years. Her position at the Chamber included being instrumental in the beginning of all the leadership development programs: Leadership Jackson (started in 1979), Leadership University (started in 1999), and Leadership Jackson Alumni Association, (started in 1985), directing all of the programs until her retirement.
Investing in the community is a major part of her personality. She serves on the Board of the Jackson Arts Council, Jackson Arts Council Coalition President; Board of the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Chair of the Services Committee; Chair of Volunteers for the Andrew Jackson Marathon; WestStar-Madison County Coordinator, Planning Team, WestStar Working Women’s Conference; Council of Elders, Northside Church.
I am involved with TACL because… “I have a passion for leadership development and that gives me a desire for all communities to see the transformation that can take place with a local leadership program. Being an inaugural member of TACL has kept me involved since 1997 because I see the tremendous benefit in the resources TACL is providing and the growth that is a result of taking advantage of those resources. TACL can help new programs, struggling programs, programs that want to continue to infuse new elements, strengthen youth programs, as well as help grow alumni associations. We hope you will join us!”
LAUREN SALIBA – WEST TENNESSEE REPRESENTATIVE
Raised in Jackson, I completed my high school education at University School of Jackson in 2003, followed by earning a degree from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2007 and later graduating from Jackson State Community College in 2010. My involvement in the Leadership Jackson program spans almost two decades, starting with my graduation from the Jackson Chamber’s Leadership University program in 2001. I am proud to be a member of the 2017 Leadership Jackson class, having served as the co-chair of Leadership Jackson in 2018. Since 2019, I have been an active member of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Board. I was fortunate to be able to continue participating now as the Director of Leadership Development for the Greater Jackson Chamber, beginning in 2022.
Additionally, I am a graduate of the Leadership Tennessee – NEXT program. I am happily married to Greg Saliba, who is also a member of the Leadership Jackson Class of 2014. Together, we are blessed with two children, Ava Jane and John.
BRANDY GENTRY – EAST TENNESSEE REPRESENTATIVE
Brandy Gentry is the CEO of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce which proudly leads Leadership Monroe. She is a graduate of Leadership Monroe (2012) and East Tennessee Regional Leadership (2016).
Brandy currently serves on three boards in Monroe County. The Downtown Madisonville Association, Habitat for Humanity and Homeless Management. She also serves on Cleveland State Community College advisory board. Servant leadership is a passion of Brandy’s and she is a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award for her outstanding volunteer service in East Tennessee.
“I am involved with TACL because I believe that in order to be a good leader I need to be constantly learning, networking, and educating myself on all things leadership. The leadership classes I have been fortunate to be involved with were truly priceless and have left me with knowledge and lifelong friendships. They have made me a better person, and I want those opportunities for others.”
KARA WILLIAMS – MIDDLE TN REPRESENTATIVE
Kara Williams is currently the Director of the Chamber of Commerce for the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance. She is starting her 13th year in that role. Kara is a graduate of Leadership Maury and a past President and Graduate School grad for her Rotary Club. She coordinates the Leadership Maury, Youth Leadership Maury and Meet Maury programs.
Kara is currently a Board member of the Columbia Rotary Club and serves as Secretary of Thrift Love, a local non-profit that provides employment for persons with disabilities through a wonderful Thrift Store. She also is very active in her church. She serves on several committees but says her best “job” is helping in the church nursery. Kara is also the immediate past President of United Way of Maury County. She served on that board 6+ years because she believes in the mission to help others in her community through the many non-profit agencies.
“I am involved in TACL because…. It is the people! It is always about people and the resources and knowledge they share. From my first conference 12+ years ago, my TACL friends have provided guidance and wisdom that has been invaluable. I have met so many other community leadership people who have inspired me, shared a great idea, or just been there to answer a phone call. It is truly an amazing group of people that are friends and advisors for life. No one else does what you do in your community so this is the best group to help you grow and learn in your role.”
COURTNEY HUTCHESON – EAST TENNESSEE REPRESENTATIVE
Courtney Hutcheson is the Program Director of Youth Leadership Knoxville and Alumni Engagement. As YLK director she plans, coordinates and facilitates class sessions for high school juniors across the county. They have 54 students that represent 21 high schools including public, private and homeschool. The program is in its 3rd year of a partnership with Pellissippi State Community College, where the students who participate in YLK, gain 3 hours college credit. As for Alumni Engagement, they plan a number of events throughout the year for their Alumni to gather and engage with each other. These events range from an annual homecoming, to behind the scenes events, to Power Lunches, to potlucks – the goal is to try to offer something for everyone.
Courtney serves her community on the steering committee for Knoxville’s inaugural Young Professional Summit and has continued to serve on the committee for a number of years. She has served on the Go Red Big Hearts Crew for the American Heart Association. Served as a mentor for tnAchieves students. But her real passion is staying connected with students who have gone through their YLK program and helping them with their future plans, whether it be a job or college reference, or helping them identify volunteer or internship opportunities – “I so much enjoy watching them grow as leaders,” she shared.
“I am involved with TACL to connect with other community leadership programs, to share best practices and help myself and others grow in their leadership development journey, to improve the effectiveness of leadership programs across the state. I believe we are best when we work together.”
ROBERT ‘BOB’ SMITH – DIRECTOR EMERITUS – MIDDLE TN
Bob Smith is still motivated to help people realize their leadership capacity after being inspired by his first experience as a member of the 1982 Leadership Kansas class (their best class ever). He has currently created a senior-level executive development program for the University of Tennessee System and a similar program for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Each program consists of a year-long leadership experience that includes six onsite academy sessions hosted around the state, a personal executive coach, mentors, and a wealth of reading and experiential learnings.
In the mid 1990’s Bob helped establish more than twenty community leadership programs in Tennessee and Kentucky including Leadership Middle Tennessee. He is a founder of WestStar, a regional leadership development program serving 21 counties in West Tennessee, and a founder of TACL. Bob has also served as chair of the Leadership Kansas Trustees and Leadership Pittsburgh Trustees. He was honored by TACL in 2017 as Director Emeritus. Bob lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife Ramona of 52 years.
I am involved with TACL because… ”TACL inspires me because of the unselfish sharing among the members to raise the quality of community leadership programs everywhere in Tennessee.”
Jack Matthis – WEST TENNESSEE REPRESENTATIVE
Jack Matthis is a Partner with Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, a regional accounting firm with offices throughout TN, KY, and MS.
Jack is a graduate of Leadership Jackson (2003) and WestStar Leadership (2013). He has served in various leadership positions for the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association, WestStar Alumni Council, and WestStar Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership (TACL) Board where he was a past Chair, the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Board, and Hands Up! Preschool Board. Jack has volunteered with numerous non-profit organizations through the years and enjoys giving back to his community whenever possible. He also serves on the Advisory Committee for South Gibson County High School. Jack is a certified Level II COPE Instructor and aids in leading Leadership Teams at Camp Mack Morris in Camden, TN. He also serves on the Boys Scouts of America COPE committee.
I am involved with TACL because … “I believe that leadership development is one of the most valuable and rewarding opportunities we have. Instilling a sense of community trusteeship in our future leaders is so important and will lead to even better communities in which we live. TACL is a resource for program directors, board members, leadership program alumni and volunteers who want to see their communities tackle challenges, produce the right kind of leaders, and thrive.”
Susan Carlisle – Ex-Officio
Susan serves as treasurer for the board of directors of Gattis Leadership. Gattis Leadership is a regional leadership program consisting of 13 counties in Middle Tennessee. Martin Methodist College is the charter institution and the facilitator for Gattis Leadership. Susan currently works as director of publications and website development for MMC and she is actively involved with Gattis by volunteering as their acting director. “At Gattis we seek to identify leaders who will cooperate with leaders across the region by building connections and serving the communities of Middle Tennessee and the State of Tennessee.”
To support my own community and others, Susan donates her talent in graphic design. One of her recent projects was to donate the design of a streetscape billboard on 2nd Street in downtown Pulaski. The sign was a project of last year’s Giles Leadership class. The project was funded by a grant obtained by the class.
I am involved with TACL because…” I see the benefits and have been a member of TACL for many years, currently serving on their board of directors. I continue to be involved in TACL because it is comprised of leaders who care deeply about helping their state and local communities succeed. This success starts and is driven by leadership and networking. Both these components are TACL’s strongest assets. “
TASHA HOLMES – WEST TENNESSEE REPRESENTATIVE
Tasha Holmes is Executive Director of Leadership Collierville (Adult and Youth Classes). This year Leadership Collierville was excited to have 21 Adults and 49 Youth in the Class of 2022. Each year, the classes commit to a project to leave the town a gift. The class is collaborating with Lowes to create an art mural to honor the injured Collierville Kroger employees & patrons. Their top tier goal is to engage alum, alum families and community through service and giving; and last fiscal year, they completed 267 service hours and a 56% increase in Alumni Giving. Leadership Collierville attributes many of its programming wins to its collaboration with TACL and TACL Leadership. Tasha is a graduate of New Memphis Leadership Institute, Graduate of Nexus Leaders, and Leadership Collierville
Tasha’s goal has always been to find an opportunity to serve in which she gets nothing in return beyond serving. She believes deeply in giving not only a hand but her soul to making her community better because she was there and hopes to create classes of leaders to do the same. She also serves on the Collierville High PTA.
“I am involved with TACL because …. I know that it’s the best organization in the state preparing community leaders to expand and deliver great programming. TACL is also a melting pot of diverse leaders who bring camaraderie, new ideas and for a new leader a belief that leading and making a big difference year after year is possible.”
Armand J Hebert III
Owner of Hebert Consulting and Couples Blueprint. Hebert Consulting is a Leadership development, training company, with a focus on new hire consulting and team designing all over the word. Armand is a certified DISC, Harvard Motivator and Hartman Values Practitioner. He also has certification as a Leadership Workshop Facilitator and earned his Coaching Certification from Referral Institute.
He is a graduate and Co-Facilitator of Henry County Leadership. A Founding Member of the McKenzie TN Chamber of Commerce and a member of McKenzie Rotary. He volunteers as a coach with the Bethel University’s women’s soccer team. Where he works with coaches and 30+ team members from all corners of the world as a Behavioral Styles and leadership development coach.
I’m involved in TACL because, “I believe that we need great leaders in the world. We need to make sure in our development of these leaders all the resources and examples of great leadership are available across Tennessee.”
TRISH BOULDIN
Current Leadership Position and Leadership Programs Graduated: Professionally – Marketing Representative and Community Liaison for Team Gatlin of Leading Edge Real Estate Group. Graduate of Leadership Lincoln Class of 2020, Served as Board Member for 2020/2021, Currently Serving as President for Leadership Lincoln Board of Directors, and in 2023 will be serving as Secretary for Leadership Lincoln Board of Directors.
Community Activities Involved in: Board Member for Fayetteville Main Street Board of Directors, Women’s Leadership for Women’s Ministry of Hope Assembly in Fayetteville, current student of Global University/Berean School of the Bible in the Credentialed/Licensed Pastoral Program, Assistant to Soccer Director for South Lincoln Sports Complex in Fayetteville, engaged in public speaking opportunities to promote leadership and faith.
I am involved with TACL because…. “I believe that servant leadership is vital to strengthening and uniting our communities. As a transplant to Tennessee I have been blessed to see firsthand the true “volunteer” spirit that shines thru the leadership in our state. From small town USA, to rural areas, up to our larger metro areas, the unification of leaders under TACL is a wonderful thing! I am excited to be a part of TACL this year and the new relationships and opportunities to serve that it will bring. Learning and drawing from one another is such an asset and the true strength of TACL seems to come from the camaraderie it shares! “
AMY GOODE
Currently serves as Director of Community Engagement at Leadership Tennessee
Amy is involved in Nurture the Next and serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors.
“I am involved with TACL because…“TACL creates a network of professionals to share best practices and advance the work of community leadership across all 95 counties.”