Leadership Blount Class of 2008

Karen is from Knoxville where she lives with her husband, Bruce and their 3-year- old son. Karyn is currently a board member with the Blount Hearing and Speech Foundation and has served as the Publicity Chair for Relay for Life for three years. Karyn is also interested in the SlowFood movement, sustainable practices and communities, cycling, food and travel writing.

Ray Barham
Vice President for Operations - Tapoca Division of ALCOA Power Generating, Inc.

Ray lives in Maryville with his three children. He is currently a representative for the Graham County, N.C. Revitalization Action Team and is on the Tennessee Valley Industrial Committee. Ray is also a member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville and is a search and rescue pilot and instructor with the Civil Air Patrol. In 2003, Ray was presented with the Indiana Governor’s Award for Excellence in Pollution Prevention. In his spare time, Ray enjoys camping and water sports.

David Byrum
Senior Manager with Denso Manufacturing

David lives in Maryville with his wife Barbara and his two teenage children. Currently, David is involved with the Maryville City Schools Foundation where he has served as chair and vice chair. David has served on the parish council at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and enjoys golfing, boating and fishing.

Patti Clevenger
8th grade teacher at Maryville Middle School

Patti is originally from East Ridge, Tenn. and now resides in Maryville. She is involved with the Foothills Fall Festival as the Children's Adventure Land coordinator, Blount County United Way, Relay for Life and Fairview Untied Methodist Church. In October of 2006, Patti received the State Department of Education’s Best Practices in Character Education in the State of Tennessee and the City of Maryville Community Enrichment Award. Patti’s hobbies include scuba diving and mission trips.

Susan Cole
Board member of New Hope Children's Advocacy Center

Susan is a native of Mobile, Ala. and currently resides in Maryville. She is a board member of New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center. Susan is also involved with the Blount County Newcomers Club where she has served as president and the first vice president. In her spare time, Susan enjoys antiquing, canning and taking new Blount County residents on road trips to explore this region.

Lance Coleman
Senior Editor,
Blount Today

Lance is originally from Soddy Daisy, Tenn. and currently lives in Maryville. He was recently named editor of Blount Today. Lance is a member of the Soddy Daisy First Presbyterian Church where he has served as elder. He was membership chair of the Chattanooga Press Association and in 2005, received a first place award of excellence from the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists. Lance’s other interests include writing fiction, exercise, hiking and listening to music.

Dodd Crowe
Carpenter's Middle School teacher

Dodd lives in Maryville with his wife, Renda, and their two children. At Liberty Church, Dodd has served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. He also served as an executive board member of BCEA and, in 2005, was recognized for the Top Blount County Team for Relay for Life. Dodd enjoys running, exercising and spending time with his family.

Betsy Cunningham
Director of Human Resources with Blount County Government

Betsy and her husband Charles live in Maryville and have four children. Currently, she is involved with United Way of Blount County and is a Dale Carnegie Instructor. Betsy is also a member of the choir at Fairview United Methodist Church. In 2004, Betsy coordinated the Blount County Government United Way campaign and received the Public Service Award. Betsy’s interests include sports with her children and providing training to special groups on self-esteem for women and assertive communication.

Willa Estell
Pastor of St. Paul AME Zion Church

Willa is a native of Talladega, Ala. In the past, she has been involved with the American Red Cross, Haven House, Home Inc., and BCEAC. Willa has a special interest in religious issues, race relations and in helping African American youths fulfill their purpose in life.

Raymond Finney
Tennessee State Senator

Senator Finney is from Maryville. He and his wife Linda, have four grown children. Senator Finney’s activities include Sunday school teacher and deacon at Restoration International Outreach. He is a former board member of Blount Health Educators and a former department chair of Blount Memorial Hospital Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Senator Finney has been named Legislative Friend of the Environment by Tennessee Conservation Voters. In his spare time, Senator Finney enjoys spending time with his wife of 45 years.

Amanda Baker Gillooly
Personal trainer at the RUSH Fitness Center

Amanda is originally from Clinton, Tenn. and now lives in Maryville with her husband Bo. She is a personal trainer at the Rush Fitness Center and special projects coordinator for Eagle Rock Retreat. Amanda is a worship leader at Calvary Chapel of Knoxville, serves as a Maryville College alumni ambassador and participated in Fairview United Methodist Church’s Concert for the Cure. In 2003, Amanda was recognized as Maryville College’s Most Outstanding Senior and was a member of Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Amanda enjoys art, music, dance and cooking.

Joyce Green
General Operations Manager with G&W Properties

Joyce lives in Maryville with her husband Steve and two children. Currently Joyce is involved in fund raising with Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, United Way of Blount County and the Blount Memorial Hospital Foundation. Joyce is also a sustaining member of the Junior Service League of Maryville and enjoys gardening, antique hunting and collecting.

John Greiner
Plant Manager at Sanford Brands

John is originally from Augusta, Ga. and now lives in Knoxville with his wife Megan and two young children. John has served as a church small group leader, United Way contribution chair and as coach of various sports teams. John’s hobbies include spending time with his family, golf, biking and construction and remodeling projects.

Jane Groff
Events Coordinator with the City of Maryville

Jane lives in Seymour and serves as a volunteer instructor with ESOL. She is a member of Sevier County’s Leadership Tomorrow. Jane enjoys freelance event and wedding planning. In 2005, as an employee of Dollywood, she received the Servant Leadership Award, voted on by her fellow employees. Jane enjoys travel, art, music, international business and nature.

Brett Hall
Community Policing Officer with the City of Maryville

Brett lives in Maryville with his wife DeeAnna and young child. He serves on the United Way Emergency Service Luncheon planning committee, is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, is a Drug Abuse Resistance Education Instructor and serves on the fund raising committee of Boy Scouts of America. In his spare time, Brett enjoys riding motorcycles, outdoor activities and watching UT sporting events.

Richard Hall
Assistant Administrator at Blount Memorial Hospital

Richard lives in Friendsville with his wife Natalie and two sons. He serves as the chief nursing officer at Baptist Memorial Hospital and is a volunteer with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2002, Richard received the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Achievement Award and in 2004 was appointed to the Blount County Board of Health. Richard enjoys UT football, cooking, swimming and gardening.

Phyllis Moyers Handly
Retired from Proffitt’s

Phyllis lives in Maryville with her husband Herb. Currently she serves as board member and secretary of the Blount Chamber Foundation and is a member of the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center guild steering committee. Phyllis has participated in Experience Your Smokies and has served with the United Way of Blount County. As an employee of Proffitt’s, Phyllis received the Executive Partnership Award and the Dedicated Service Award. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Edward Harper
Senior Services Coordinator at Blount Memorial Hospital

Edward is originally from Troy, N.C., and now lives in Maryville with his wife Ruth and two daughters. Edward is involved with the American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Association, April Foolies and Little River Watershed Association. Twice, he received the Blount Memorial Emotional Health and Recovery Employee of the Month and has served as the Foothills Memory Walk Chair. In his spare time, Edward enjoys performing music, scuba diving and target shooting.

Michael Hearon
Vice President of Operations for Mountain National Bank - Blount County

Michael lives in Walland, and serves on various committees at Maryville Church of Christ. He is a volunteer with Boy Scouts Pack 388 and is involved with the Blount County Chamber, United Way and Boys and Girls Club. While an employee of AmSouth Bank, Michael was awarded the Chairman’s Club Award and the Circle of Excellence Award. When not spending time with his wife Evelyn and two children, Michael enjoys sports and hiking.

Shannon Hepp
Vice President of Investor Relations and Planning at Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

Shannon lives in Maryville with her husband Andy and 2-year-old child and is employed by Ruby Tuesday, Inc. as the vice president of investor relations and planning. Shannon is an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and currently serves as the finance chair of the Blount County Education Foundation. Shannon is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Tennessee Society of CPAs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, church activities, running and hiking.

Jennifer Hunt
Director of Human Resources at Maryville College

Jennifer is originally from Gettysburg, Pa., and lives in Maryville with her husband Dave and 6-year-old daughter. She is the director of human resources at Maryville College and is active with the United Way, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and the HR Focus Group of the Blount County Chamber. Jennifer enjoys reading, walking, boating, scrapbooking and volunteering at Fort Craig School.

Barbara Hatley Jenkins
Executive Director of Maryville City Schools Foundation

Barbara lives in Maryville with her husband Donald and two teenage children. Currently, she serves as an elder at New Providence Presbyterian Church and has served on the youth council and the capital campaign. Barbara is involved in fund raising for the Maryville High School volleyball team. Her hobbies include gardening, yoga, walking and volleyball.

Steve Johnson
Assistant Vice President with SunTrust Bank

Steve, and his wife Christina, live in Maryville with their three children. He is involved with First Baptist Church of Maryville as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. Currently, Steve serves as a youth sports coach and as a board member for Habitat for Humanity. In 2005, he received the Leadership Development Award from Eckerd College in Florida. Steve’s interests include coaching his sons in sports, supporting his daughter’s cheerleading and dance interests, golf and tennis.

Sandy King
Metal Buyer for Alcoa, Inc.

Sandy is originally from Atlanta, Ga. and now lives in Maryville with her husband Victor and two grown children. She is involved with the Institute of Scrap Recycling, the Metal Control Association, the Knox Logistic Council and serves as a board member at St. Paul AME Zion Church. Sandy’s hobbies include fishing, traveling and social and government affairs.

Jimmy Long
Assistant Chief with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office

Jimmy lives in Maryville with his wife Mitzi and three children. He currently serves as a board member with the American Red Cross, Command Chief Master Sergeant with the Tennessee Air National Guard and as deacon and Sunday school teacher at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys golf and landscaping.

Angie Luckie
Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Maryville

Angie is originally from Lynn Haven, Fla. and now lives in Knoxville. She is currently involved with Habitat for Humanity, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, United Way and Special Olympics. In her spare time, Angie enjoys travel, hiking, biking, reading, theater and sports.

Michael Maslona
Supervisory Park Ranger with the National Park Service

Michael lives in Maryville with wife Tracy and 6-year-old. He currently serves on the Blount County Convention and Tourist Bureau and works with the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center and Sevier County Schools to plan and present educational programs on the park. Michael received the Special Achievement Award and the Special Act Award by the National Park Service. His hobbies include hiking, biking, exercise and spending time with his family.

Lynne Musick
Director of Business Development for Joseph Construction Company

Lynn is originally from Paris, Texas, lives in Maryville with her husband Steve and their two children. Lynne is actively involved on the Youth Council and Facilities Team at New Providence Presbyterian Church and is also active with Habitat for Humanity, Haven House and the Optimist Club of Knoxville. Lynne enjoys hiking, biking, gardening and activities with her children.

Tara Rasher
Service Assurance Agent with FedEx

Tara lives in Maryville with her husband Michael and two children. She is involved with Maryville Kiwanis Club, United Way and serves on several committees at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Tara has also served on the board of the Little River Watershed Association. In her spare time she enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, playing golf and riding her Harley-Davidson.

Karen Pope Stiles
President of River’s Advertising, Inc.

Karen lives in Lenoir City with her husband Jim and 4-year-old daughter. She is currently involved with the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South. In 2007, Karen served as the chair of the Blount Memorial Foundation Valentine Gala and has served as a board member for the United Way of Blount County. In 2003, Karen was inducted into the ETSU Department of Communications and Advertising Hall of Fame. Karen enjoys yoga, boating and travel.

Amanda Stone
Broker with Realty III, Inc.

Amanda lives in Maryville with her husband Michael. She is involved with the Junior Service League of Blount County, the Knox Area Association of Realtors, Habitat for Humanity and the Women’s Council of Realtors. In 2006, Amanda received Realtor of the Year in Tennessee and the Excellence in Service Award from the Women’s Council of Realtors. Amanda’s hobbies include traveling, yoga, kick boxing and gardening.

Debbie Sudhoff
Business Loan Officer with ORNL Federal Credit Union

Debbie lives in Maryville with her husband Mike and two children. She is active in the Blount County Chamber and First United Methodist Church of Alcoa. In 2006, Debbie was chosen as the Blount Chamber Ambassador of the Year. She enjoys spending time with her children, scuba diving, snow skiing, playing hand bells and relaxing on the beach.

Russ Thomas
Business Development/Public Relations with Hickory Construction

Russ lives in Maryville with his wife Lisa and three children. He has been active in the Blount County Boys and Girls Club, Maryville Kiwanis, Maryville College Alumni Board and Cherokee Baseball Academy. Russ enjoys flying, exercising, golf and coaching.

Shanna Viega
Marketing Communication and Public Relations Manager for Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc.

Shanna has been involved with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation. She received the Award of Excellence from the Knoxville Chapter of Public Relations Society of America and was recognized as Ambassador of the Quarter by the Farragut/West Knox Chamber. Shanna enjoys hiking, camping, reading and playing tennis.

Rob Walker
Co-owner of Big Springs Properties, LLC

Rob lives in Friendsville with his wife Michelle and two children. Currently, he serves as chair of the Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals, secretary of the Blount Greenback Farmers’ Cooperative and as secretary of the Big Springs Cemetery Association. In 2006, Rob received the Conservation Cooperator of the Year. In his spare time, Rob enjoys hunting, golf, skiing and horseback riding.

Clint Wight
Family Medicine Physician with Blount Memorial Family Care Centers

Clint lives in Maryville with his wife Heather and 7-month-old daughter. He has volunteered at the Good Samaritan Clinic and has worked with Relay for Life. Clint also works to educate several community groups on medical topics and has served as chief resident of Bayfront Family Medicine in 2004. Clint enjoys music, arts and sports.