JACKSON, Tenn., September 4, 2025 — The Greater Jackson Chamber’s flagship leadership development program, Leadership Jackson, is proud to announce the members of its 2025 class. This 13-week experience identifies, motivates, and develops emerging leaders from across the community, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in Jackson and Madison County.
For more than 46 years, Leadership Jackson has educated and inspired leaders to step forward, serve their community, and create a lasting impact.
The Class of 2025 will kick off its journey in early September with a full-day orientation designed to foster connections and outline the program’s expectations. Mike Bryant, First Horizon, will serve as Chair for the 2025 class, with Mari Hakim of TBDN as Vice Chair.
“Leadership Jackson has been an important part of my own journey, and I am honored to serve as Chair this year,” said Bryant. “Our community is stronger when leaders step forward, learn together, and commit to making a difference. I know this class will continue that tradition of impact.”
Throughout the program, participants will meet weekly for sessions on various topics, with a leadership skill-building component incorporated into each. Leaders from key sectors such as health care, criminal justice, economic development, quality of life, education and government will provide an overview of the current state, challenges and future vision for Jackson-Madison County. This comprehensive approach offers participants a broad understanding of how the community functions and encourages them to reflect on how they can make a positive impact, either within their companies or in their broader sphere of influence.
Lauren Saliba, VP of Education and Leadership Development for the Greater Jackson Chamber stated, “Each year, I am inspired by the commitment of our Leadership Jackson participants. The Class of 2025 represents a diverse group of professionals who are eager to grow personally and professionally while serving our community. I look forward to seeing how their experience will shape the future of Jackson.”
Leadership Jackson Class of 2025 Participants
Gary Benton – Jackson Police Department
Whitney Billingsley – City of Jackson Parks & Rec Department
Wesley Brown – Edward Jones
Shea Brown – Leaders Credit Union
Matthew Coffman – Jackson Energy Authority
Jared Counce – Tim Ferguson Plumbing
Michelle Cozine – The University of Memphis, Lambuth
Lindsey Crowder – Aspell
Haley Fortune – Community Foundation of West Tennessee
Walker Gorman – White & Associates Insurance
Greg Hammond – Jackson-Madison County School System
Peter Holmquist – Marsha Blackburn for U.S. Senate
Brian Johnson – Christian Brothers Automotive
Cole Johnson – MG Construction Company
Delita Johnson – Jackson Arts Council
Will King – Grounded Financial Planning
Billy Lones – Jackson Christian School
Amy Mallette – Paris Creative Agency
Andrew Massie – FirstBank
Chandra McCorkle – Habitat for Humanity
AJ Merriweather – AJ Merriweather Construction
LaTrina Mormon – Lifeline Blood Services
Veronica Perry – Union University
Matthew Presson – Madison County
JacQuene Rainey – Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Jackson
Stacey Reeves – Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center
Robert Stacey – Augustine School
Paula Terry – West Tennessee Healthcare
Alexander Thornton – Toyota Motor Manufacturing TN
Scott Thorson – Dream Center of Jackson
Chad Webster – Gerdau
Jodie Wood – CRS CPA
Taylor Young – Jackson State Community College
About the Greater Jackson Chamber:
The Greater Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,350 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region.
About Leadership Jackson:
The Leadership Jackson program was created by the Greater Jackson Chamber in 1979 to be intentional and proactive about creating informed and engaged leaders for the future of our community. It is the third oldest leadership development program in the State of Tennessee.
