Jen Andrews ’06
CEO, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Memphis is fortunate to be home to one of the largest urban parks in the country in Shelby Farms Park. Jen Andrews and her team at the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy have proven able hands at maintaining this vital community assett, investing $70 million in improvements, tripling the visitor count, and securing a conservation easement to protect the park.
“Public parks are our common ground—places we all come together as equals across all boundaries. The work we do in our public spaces is a reflection of values, and Memphis deserves great parks.”
Chenise D. Anthony ’11
Executive Director, Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis
As executive director of The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis, Chenise Anthony is dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable housing for all through education, research, and advocacy.
“We firmly believe that housing choice, access to housing, and inclusive communities are fundamental human rights and work to ensure fair and equitable housing opportunities in the Memphis Metropolitan Area, our region, and nationally.”
Susan Satar Boti Bi ’04
Program Advisor, Memphis Shelby County Schools
Susan Satar Boti Bi’s career in education has spanned everything from the classroom to the principal’s office. She currently serves in an administrative role as program advisor for Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
“My hope is that being an educator in our community has had a ripple effect in Memphis, inspiring our young people to want to make a difference in our city and our world. It is impossible for me to be out and about in the city without running into my former kiddos. I love seeing them as they grow and mature, finding their way in this world!”
Joy Richmond Bowen ’97
Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Pinnacle Financial Partners acts as one of the largest financial institutions operating in Memphis, and Joy Bowen helps ensure the organization utilizes its resources to make Memphis a better place.
“I have the pleasure of professionally working for an organization that is committed to Memphis and the betterment of its people through the engagement of financial services and education. Memphis has a lot of both short term and extended needs, but it also has an enormous amount of opportunity for everyone to serve.”
Autumn Cartmill Chastain ’98
CEO, Thistle and Bee
At Thistle and Bee, Autumn Chastain is dedicated to empowering women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. As an attorney with over two decades of experience in child welfare and anti-trafficking, she brings a trauma-informed, systems-aware approach to every initiative she leads.
“Rhodes ignited a passion for community, inspiring me to make a meaningful impact in Memphis. I'm driven by a belief in healing through dignity, not charity—creating spaces where survivors are empowered, not just safe, and real change can take root creating generational change.”
Darrell Cobbins ’97
President/Principal Broker, Universal Commercial Real Estate
Having grown up observing his grandfather’s real estate business, Darell Cobbins decided to blaze his own trail in the industry. In 2007 he founded Universal Commercial Real Estate, the first black-owned commercial real estate firm in Memphis.
At Rhodes, Cobbins recalls that “the instructor-student relationship felt like I was being poured into and expected to do something with it,” and now strives to be a “bridge builder of relationships and connections.” Since being selected by then-governor Bill Haslam in 2017, Cobbins has also represented the 9th Congressional District on the Tennesese State Board of Education. He is a member of the Rhodes Board of Trustees.
W.J. Michael Cody ’58 (1936-2024)
Attorney, Burch, Porter & Johnson; former Tennessee Attorney General
Mike Cody had a tremendous impact on Memphis during his six-decade career in law, government, and politics. He joined Burch, Porter & Johnson in 1961 and was part of a legal team that represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his effort to have a second march in support of striking sanitation workers. Soon after King's assassination, Cody started Memphis Area Legal Services to give assistance to people unable to afford a lawyer.
Cody went on to serve on the Memphis City Council and was the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from 1977-1981; he became the Attorney General of Tennessee in 1984, arguing four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court during those years. His work for racial reconciliation in the city and the way he helped people on opposite sides come to a consensus created a lasting legacy in Memphis
Ashley Coffield ’92
CEO, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi
Ashley Coffield has spent her career in the public health sector, serving as the Washington, D.C.-based Partnership for Prevention’s project director in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before work brought her back to Memphis. As the head of the Tennessee and North Mississippi branch of Planned Parenthood, she is focused on providing high-quality reproductive health care to the Mid-South Region.
“Planned Parenthood helped me when I was at Rhodes, and I was deeply grateful. Working in the field of reproductive health care at this challenging time is my way of giving back.”
Deborah Legg Craddock ’80
Retired, President of Trading, Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.
After retiring as Partner at Southeastern Asset Management, Deborah Craddock has spent her time helping uplift Memphis organizations, including MIFA, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and Ballet Memphis. She currently advances the Rhodes Vision through her role as chair on the Board of Trustees, the first woman to serve in the position.
“Through my work with the Rhodes Board, I hope we have been able to expose Memphis to truly talented students, faculty and staff through their engagement and service within the Memphis community.”
Cameron Crawford ’19
Performer/Choreographer
Gracing the stage all over town, Ostrander Award-winning performer and choreographer Cameron Crawford has honed her craft in the performing arts at Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, and many other local theaters.
"As a performer, I love seeing how the stories we tell can impact an audience member. Speaking with total strangers after a show, I hear how our performance may have made them laugh or cry, moved by new experiences or reminded of fond memories. I am motivated by the work itself and putting on the best performance possible. I love music, dance, and theatre down to my core, and I want to help others love it just as much as I do.”
Lewis R. Donelson, III ’38 (1917-2018)
Founder & Attorney, Baker Donelson
Lewis R. Donelson, III co-founded the law firm Donelson & Adams in 1954. The firm grew steadily through the years, merging with several smaller firms, including that of Senator Howard Baker. Baker Donelson, as it is now known, is a top national law firm with more than 750 attorneys and advisors in 23 offices in 10 states.
Donelson believed deeply in the value of education for everyone. In 1988, he represented a group of 77 rural schools in a suit to force the State of Tennessee to adequately fund public schools in poorer districts. Donelson was presented with Rhodes’ first Distinguished Alumni Award in 1983.
Ethan Ferguson '22
President, Cinilope LLC
Ethan Ferguson’s passion for emerging tech led to his founding of Cinilope, where he leads international teams in AI-driven automation, 3D visualization, and drone technology.
“I’m driven to harness emerging tech—AI, drones, 3D scanning—to empower Memphis: modernize businesses, preserve heritage, strengthen neighborhoods, inspire youth, and build a resilient, connected future.”
Kristin Fox-Trautman ’98
Executive Director, Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South
As executive director of Samaritan, Kristin Fox-Trautman works to increase access to affordable, high-quality mental health counseling for those who need it most. “I’m motivated to do this work because one in five adults suffers from a mental health challenge at any given time, and suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24.”
Fox-Trautman is also the founder of the Inspire Community Café, a restaurant and collaborative workspace that advocates for social justice and dedicates its profits toward nonprofit organizations.
Sally Jones Heinz ’81
President and CEO, MIFA
MIFA was founded in September 1968 in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, drawing together an interracial, multicultural group of faith and community leaders to tackle poverty, hunger, and racism in Memphis. Today, MIFA supports the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis through high-impact programs that reach 30,000 people in Memphis and Shelby County each year.
“I believe all of us have the right to basic human needs. Only when those needs are met can an individual, a family, and a community thrive.”
Melanie Taylor Jefferson ’83
Chancellor, State of Tennessee
The first female Chancellor in Shelby County, Tennessee, Melanie Taylor Jefferson’s 30-plus years on the bench has seen her preside over many cases that have a profound impact on citizens, ranging from adoptions, to taxes and personal property, to gun referendums.
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as a Chancellor (judge) because I bring experience, knowledge and integrity to the bench along with a sense of fairness.”
Marion Keisker ’38 (1917-1989)
Producer, Sun Records
Marion Keisker MacInnes was a radio show host, station manager, U.S. Air Force officer, and assistant to Sam Phillips at Sun Records. She is best known for being the first person to record Elvis Presley.
Keisker took an active role in the burgeoning feminist movement, becaming a co-founder and early president of the city’s chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Like its counterparts across the country, Memphis’ NOW branch advocated for women’s rights to access, equality, and protection.
Lauren Kennedy ’08
Owner and Director, Sheet Cake Gallery
Sheet Cake Gallery owner Lauren Kennedy works to showcase and uplift artists operating mainly in Memphis and the Mid- South area, with a special focus on women, queer artists, and artists of color.
Her work in the public art sector is for the reward of “seeing people’s world expand through encountering art, and artists getting paid!”
Derek King ’10
Principal, Craigmont High School/Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Through his role as principal at Craigmont High School, Derek King focuses on rigorous and intense instruction, connecting with community partners, and establishing relationships with alumni.
“The responsibility of preparing young adults for the world is a challenging pressure I embrace daily. Our mission and vision are to work every day to create options so we can lead, compete, and win in Memphis and beyond.”
David Less ’74
Independent Writer/Producer
Having written about and researched music for over 45 years, David Less’s work has been published in Rolling Stone, Down Beat, Blues Revue, the Library of Congress website, and many other publications, and includes vital contributions to the Rock N’ Soul Museum, the Blues Foundation, and other local organizations. He was recently recognized with a brass note on Beale Street.
“The music made in Memphis during the mid-twentieth century created a bridge between the races and changed the world. It’s important for our new generations to understand that so then they might have a better sense of place.”
Hershel Saul Lipow ’72
Retired, U.S. Department of the Treasury
A steadfast commitment to community preservation saw a career that culminated in a role at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Hershel Saul Lipow spent decades in Memphis after Rhodes and played a part in the redevelopment Downtown Memphis and Beale Street, and helped create Memphis Heritage, Leadership Memphis, and the Center for Neighborhoods.
“As a Rhodes intern, I saw first-hand the challenges of rebuilding neighborhoods and communities. My goal after graduation was to inspire others to support community revitalization and preservation.”
David Lusk ’87
Owner, David Lusk Gallery
David Lusk opened his gallery 30 years ago to promote contemporary art. He works with local and national artists and connects with media, organizations, museums, and collectors to showcase the abundance of creativity in the field.
“What I really like seeing is what artist's make. And seeing somebody respond to an artist's work is extremely satisfying and exciting for me.”
Eric Mathews '02
Co-founder and CEO, Start Co.
Start Co., founded in 2008, has helped launch and scaled hundreds of startups and social impact ventures that generate jobs and investment in Memphis. Mathews also serves as entrepreneur-in-residence at Rhodes.
“Whether it’s supporting underrepresented founders, partnering with the city on innovation strategy, or mentoring students at Rhodes College, my focus has always been on unlocking potential right here in Memphis.”
Johnny Moore ’88
Tennessee Regional President, Truist Bank
One of the biggest names in Memphis banking, Johnny Moore has spent three decades working at recognizable Mid-South financial institutions through Truist Financial, SunTrust Bank (now Truist), and the National Bank of Commerce. He formerly served as Market President for the Memphis Region.
He has stayed connected to Rhodes through his service on the Board of Trustees. Moore received the BSA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003.
Joseph McKinney '05
Lead Counsel, FedEx Corporation
An experienced in-house counsel, Joseph McKinney works collaboratively with business partners, management, and external stakeholders and vendors at his Fortune 500 company.
“Whether it is serving as a diversity, equity and inclusion representative at work, or on the DEI committees of the Memphis Bar Association or TN Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, or on the Board of Directors for Memphis Merit Academy Charter School, I strive to advocate for the needs of marginalized and underrepresented students. Everyone deserves a fair and equitable chance to succeed.”
Herman Morris Jr. ’73
Owner, The Morris Law Firm PLLP
With nearly 40 years of legal experience, Herman Morris Jr. has made his name tackling a wide range of legal specialties. Morris’ career in Memphis has seen him take on rles as CEO, president, and chief counsel for the Memphis Light, Gas & Water public utility and serve as City Attorney for the City of Memphis.
“My goal through my work has been to aid, abet, encourage, and assist the voices of our community and city to be heard by everyone.”
John Nichols ’10
Interim CEO, Literacy Mid-South
Celebrating its 50th year as a leading literacy provider, Literacy Mid-South continues to provide literacy resources and skill-building opportunities under John Nichols’ stewardship, with a focus on four key programs to further their goal.
“The benefits of our work have far-reaching, multi-sector positive impacts for all Memphians, while respecting the dignity and skills of all the learners we serve.”
Samantha Ouyang ’16
Doctor, Pediatrics East, Inc.
A practicing pediatrician, Dr. Samatha Ouyang serves her community through compassionate care and preventative health education at Pediatrics East.
“I continue to advocate for the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence—both in the clinic and the community. I'm driven by a passion to help children thrive by providing compassionate care, building strong relationships, and empowering families through education and preventive pediatric medicine.”
Mike Palazzolo ’86
Mayor, City of Germantown
Since 1996, Mike Palazzolo has made public service his main commitment, working on countless regional projects, programs, and movements to advance the common good of his regional residents. He continues that mission as Mayor of Germantown.
“The desire to serve was fostered by course-work, mentoring by professors & instructors and the example of servant leadership demonstrated from my college classmates and members of the Rhodes Community.”
Leslie Jawayne Reddick ’82
Performing Arts Teacher/Director, Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School
The veteran director has been coordinating shows for almost three decades, educating students on the finer points of stagecraft and shepherding them to greater heights. Currently, she teaches middle school students at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School.
“Now with all my current and future students, I want to ‘pay-it-forward’ what my mentors gave to me: the compassion, discipline, professionalism, and freedom to completely become the artist I was meant to be.”
Vaniel Simmons ’24
Project Coordinator, Community Alliance for the Homeless
Vaniel Simmons works with the criminal justice system and young adults aged 18-24 through the Housing Justice Peer Network, a program that connects Memphians to experts in criminal justice reform and analyzes the role that homelessness plays.
“I have always had a passion for helping others, and I knew that's what I wanted to do as my career. In my role at CAFTH, I am able to mentor and empower my peers to do incredible work.”
Coby Vernon Smith ’68
Founder and Organizer, The Invaders
Coby Vernon Smith was a key player in the Memphis Civil Rights Movement, founding and organizing The Invaders group, which marched which the Memphis sanitation workers and taught Black history classes around the city, among many other contributions.
“I am motivated to use my talents to inform, educate, plan, organize, and share in creating solutions to problems in our society and community. I implore our students to stay engaged and continue my mission to achieve societal change.”
Traci Blair Strickland ’91
SVP of Marketing and Customer Experience, Paragon Bank
Her role at Paragon Bank has allowed Traci Blair Strickland to juggle her marketing efforts with community engagement work and help Paragon employees find volunteer opportunities.
“I first was motivated by watching my mom’s example of service. Now, I’m motivated because I truly love Memphis. I love serving where I can build relationships, be present and build trust with others.”
Michael Thompson ’00
Deputy Director of Administration & Finance/Budget Director, Shelby County Government
Through his role as Deputy Director of Administration & Finance (Budget Director), Michael Thompson’s responsibilities include direct oversight and management of Shelby County's $1.6 billion-dollar operating budget that provides services to all the citizens of Shelby County.
“Memphis is my home, and very dear to my heart. And like Memphis, Rhodes is near and dear to my heart.”
Stephen C. Threlkeld ’86
Medical Director of Infectious Disease, Baptist Memorial Healthcare
Dr. Threlkeld has dedicated his career to battling infectious diseases and educating new doctors in Memphis, and helped formulate a strategy for both Memphis and Rhodes to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our institution has worked hard to educate the community on healthcare – related issues. This is particularly important in our current society given the lack of trust in healthcare in general, and given the great deal of misinformation that we have seen in recent years.”
Priya Tummalapalli ’22
Regional Liaison- Africa and South Asia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC
While Priya Tummalapalli’s work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital casts a global eye, she still makes plenty of time to support local Memphis organizations in the city she grew up in. At St. Jude, her focus is to support foundation-level advancement in Africa and South Asia.
“My community, Rhodes, and faith called me to act, to be the one who commits to good acts. The Clarence Day Scholars Program prepared me well for my work, and I'm grateful to our alumni and Day's generosity.”
Benjamin Rush Waller ’83
Chief Medical Officer, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
As the first pediatric interventional cardiologist in Memphis, Rush Waller his career to patients with congenital heart disease.
“There are many professors and friends at Rhodes who inspired me to do this work, and I continue to be motivated to serve the community of Memphis by both my Christian faith and my heritage as a Memphian to keep this city strong.”
Hallie McNeill Ward '96
McNeill Commercial Real Estate
Serving on the Rhodes Board of Trustees, membership at the Le Bonheur Club, and involvement in the Union League of Memphis are just a few of the many ways Hallie McNeill Ward has made her mark in the community alongside a career in commercial real estate.
“My parents are civic minded and led by example for myself and my siblings. They taught us to give back. God calls us to serve others and imitate his generosity in all we do.”
Dorothy Sanders Wells ’82
Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
After transitioning from employment benefits law (at FedEx and Waring Cox) to ministry, Dorothy Sanders Wells’ service saw her consecrated as the first woman and African American bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.
“I believe that my years in Memphis are marked by my commitment to serving the underserved, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue among ecumenical and interfaith groups. The foundation I received at Rhodes helped me understand my call to make the world a better place.”
Russ Wigginton ’88
President, National Civil Rights Museum
During a long Rhodes career, Dr. Russ Wigginton held many positions: professor in the history department, vice president for student life, and dean of students, among other administrative roles. In 2021, he was called on to serve as president of the National Civil Rights Museum. Wigginton was the recipient of the Rhodes BSA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001, the Distinguished Service Medal in 2019, and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.
“Working at the National Civil Rights Museum provides a platform by which to lift up the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as highlight the courageous work of everyday people who refused to not accept injustice.”
Matthew Womack ’09
Operations & Finance Director, Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County takes in between 800 to 1,000 injured and displaced dogs and cats every year, and Matthew Womack has made it his mission to make sure each one finds a new home.
“We have an amazing staff that are passionate, caring, and work every day to overcome challenges while providing a better life to both people and animals. It is truly inspiring.”
Jeff Wright ’85
President, Memphis Lung Physician’s BMG
The Director of Critical Care at Baptist Memphis, Jeff Wright leads efforts to deliver leading edge critical care, develop clinical research pathways, and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“I love working with a diverse group who are interested in making the lives better for their patients. It's also a privilege to work in a field where I can learn something new every day.”
Jocelyn Dan Wurzburg ’62
Mediator and Attorney, Community Justice and Medication Center
As the city’s first professional mediator, Jocelyn Wurzburg is known as a pioneering figure for law practice and mediation in Memphis.
“Mediation empowers disputants to solve their problem, rather than a third party telling them what to do. Rhodes gave me a ‘wider view’ to be open to civil, women's, and human rights and DEI perspectives through my career.”
John Zeanah ’03
Chief of Development and Infrastructure, City of Memphis
As the City of Memphis’ Chief of Development and Infrastructure, John Zeanah puts his decade-plus of planning and development experience to use by accelerating infrastructure and housing projects, streamlining the permitting process, and ensuring Memphis’ long-term growth.
“Memphis deserves a future shaped by deliberate vision rather than circumstance. I'm driven by the belief that thoughtful planning can create communities where all Memphians can thrive.”
