FOCUS CLASS 46 April 4 & 5, 2024
Leadership Staff
Kevin Walker, CFO & COO
kwalker@leadershiphsv.org, 256.653.4004
Diana King, Program Director, Flagship
dking@leadershiphsv.org, 256.585.7023
Sam Cooper, Program Director, Management Academy
scooper@leadershiphsv.org, 256.631.9973
Kayla Clark, Program Director Connect, Challenge & Marketing
kclark@leadershiphsv.org, 317.504.7265
Katelyn Sides Baker, Program Director Alumni, Focus & Spark
kbaker@leadershiphsv.org, 256.339.6513
Special thanks to our 2023-2024 COMMUNITY TRUSTEES
FLAGSHIP CONNECT
Dates: August-May
Tuition: $4,850
Contact: Diana King dking@leadershiphsv.org
Annual ten-month program designed for established leaders who typically have 15+ years of demonstrated leadership experience and proven success over significant business operations. Flagship provides in-depth knowledge of our community and facilitates impactful small group projects here in our local area.
FOCUS
Dates: April & November
Tuition: $1,600
Contact: Katelyn Sides Baker kbaker@leadershiphsv.org
An interactive, two-day program designed for individuals who are new to the region, want a refresh on what's happening throughout our community or desire to dig into the Leadership Greater Huntsville experience through a smaller time commitment. Focus introduces participants to the challenges and possibilities our area faces through a fast-paced, immersive experience
SPARK
Dates: August
Tuition: Free
Contact: Katelyn Sides Baker kbaker@leadershiphsv.org
This one-week program is designed for college students who are passionate about community and want to learn how to make a difference Spark is a deep dive into our community over five days where class members will learn about current developments in our area as well as some of the challenges our city is facing.
Dates: August -May
Tuition: $3,750
Contact: Kayla Clark kclark@leadershiphsv.org
Annual ten-month program designed for emerging leaders who are passionate about our community and ready to fully invest Connect provides professional development segments, jam-packed program days, and links groups of participants to nonprofits and organizations that will benefit from their involvement and perspective
Dates: August-May
Tuition: $3,350
Contact: Sam Cooper scooper@leadershiphsv.org
Annual ten-month program designed for leaders who manage significant, high-impact teams Management Academy functions in a classroom setting and exists to enhance the value of even the best managers. By exposing class members to local thought leaders and analyzing results-driven systems, Management Academy serves as the premier business leadership training academy in our area.
CHALLENGE MANAGEMENT ACADEMY
Dates: September-April
Tuition: Free
Contact: Kayla Clark kclark@leadershiphsv.org
A free program designed for our high school leaders from all public, private, and home-schools in Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County, designed to expose them to community challenges and develop future leaders for service in their schools and community. This will be an excused absence.
2023-2024
LEGACY LEVEL MEMBERS LEGACY LEVEL MEMBERS
Shannon Drake, L-25, MA-11
Jim Diehl, F-22, L-26
Charlie Blass, L-23, M-7, F-17
Quisha Bryant, C-14
Tammie Terry, L-23
Sarah Macaluso, MA-11
Paula Cushman, M-1
Linda Akenhead, L-13, M-5
Hank Isenberg, L-28
Diana King, F-36
David King, F-10
Susan Anderson, L-14, F-1
Vincent Boles, L-25
Shannon Neblett, L-33
Zach Griffin, S-2
Acacia Moore, F-40, MA-12
Alice Lessmann, L-32
Lori Light, L-14
Nilmini Thompson, L-34
Sonia Robinson, C-3, L-31
Steven Conway, L-35
Denise Swain, L-34
Mary Occhipinti, L-35
Donna Lamb, L-2
Walter Hough, MA-9, C-23
Chris Halbrooks, MA-11, L-35
Tess Halbrooks, F-41, L-36
Joe Alexander, F-3, L-15, M-4
Pam Alexander, F-11, L-23
Taron Thorpe, L-25
Lauren Battle, C-17
Drew Battle, C-11, MA-6, L-33
James Ross, F-37, L-33
Ashley Engles Ross, F-38
Kristine Harding, L-14
Tim Strait, F-40
Kelli Powers, L-33
Carey Miller, F-29, L-28
Nick Vickerson, MA-11
Joe Yearta, L-29
Melony Yearta, F-42
Lisa Abbott, F-7, L-22
Julian Butler
Kim Caudle Lewis, C-3
Sarah Savage-Jones, L-11
Andrew Jennings, L-27
Bill Colson, L-32
Beth Medley, F-26, L-28
Greg Brown, F-17, L-21
Heather Shonrock, L-35
Mary Ila Ward, L-34
Joanna White, C-22
Kris Ison, L-35, MA-13
Don Bowyer, F-42
Thank you to our Focus 46 Sponsor!
Focus 46 Program Volunteers
Program Volunteer Lead
Lisa Abbott, F-7, L-22
Senior VP, Market Executive
Cadence Bank
lisa abbott@cadencebank com
256 319 2501
LGH Staff Member
Katelyn Sides Baker, C-19
Alumni, Focus & Spark Program Director
Leadership Greater Huntsville kbaker@leadershiphsv org
256 339 6513
Program Support Volunteer
Dr. Symmetris Gohanna, F-41, L-36
English Instructor/Composition Chair/ QEP Director
Calhoun Community College
symmetris gohanna@calhoun edu
256 655 6155
Program Support Volunteer
Diana King, F-36 Flagship Program Director
Leadership Greater Huntsville dking@leadershiphsv org
256 585 7023
Program Support Volunteer
Andrew Jennings, L-27 Chief Commercial Officer
Transcend andrew.jennings@transcendculture.co 256.690.2379
Program Support Volunteer
Kristen Pepper, C-20 Public Affairs Specialist/Protocol
NASA/MSFC
kristen f pepper@nasa gov
256 874 0583
FOCUS CLASS 46 DIRECTORY
ohnson ohnson
neering Manager | Trideum Corporation
a Tuskegee University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, is currently pursuing a gement with a focus on Talent Development and Growth At Trideum Corporation, she serves as a ing Manager, where she has excelled in leading various activities and contributing to the company ' s dedicated to driving operational excellence, providing reliable solutions, and fostering talent he actively engages in community events such as the Back-to-School Drive and the Homelessness demonstrating her commitment to education and addressing homelessness Angelle prioritizes m partnerships by closely collaborating with customers to understand their needs, working with team re project success, and engaging with community leaders to support local initiatives She is cultivating tomorrow's talent today through mentorship and community outreach
obinson obinson
, Institutional Programs | Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
mic leader guiding organizations and teams, steering the development and expansion of ms that champion accessibility, resource availability, and opportunities across diverse sectors A duate of the Broad Residency in Urban Education, she holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in ering from the University of Tennessee A proud alumna of Lee High School and native of e recently returned to the area after 20 years, now residing in the greater Huntsville area with and mini-goldendoodle, Tyrone Her deep-rooted connection to the community fuels her everaging her educational background and leadership prowess, aiming to drive positive change munities both professionally and personally
Britton Twyman Britton Twyman
Director of Finance | CFD Research
Britton Twyman is the Director of Finance at CFD Research, where he leads and is responsible for the Finance and Accounting team, administering CFD Research’s ESOP Plan, as well as maintaining the accounting system workflows to ensure efficiency He also played an integral role in CFD Research’s 100% ESOP transaction in 2023 He serves as the Vice President –Programming for The ESOP Association’s Southeast Chapter Britton has over a decade of experience in accounting and finance with a niche in government contracting and ESOPs He has also worked closely with C-Suite Executives to forecast, manage budgets, and lead multiple compliance efforts Britton has administered multiple ESOP plans, their repurchase obligations, and ESOP communication committees Britton has his Executive Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Carson-Newman University When Britton is not at work, he is spending time with his wife, Aislinn, and their three children He and his family are members of Willowbrook Baptist Church – Madison, where he and his wife regularly teach in the children’s ministry
Deborah Carter Deborah Carter
Director, IT Digital Transformation
As an Air Force veteran and “brat” Deborah has lived in thirteen states and three countries but fell in love with Huntsville while traveling on business and so she and her family moved to Alabama in 2017 Deborah continues her service by advocating for veterans and their causes She led discussions and speaking engagements with Student Veterans of America (SVA), transition panels with Still Serving Veterans (SSV), and mentored veterans through American Corporate Partners (ACP) She also supports volunteer activities and donations to Disabled American Veterans Recently, Deborah and her husband completed the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency (CERT) program to contribute to community resilience during emergencies Additionally, she addresses food insecurity concerns by supporting organizations like the Downtown Rescue Mission and Food Bank of North Alabama
Garett May Garett May
Chief Operating Officer | Crestwood Medical Center
Garett is a native of Clinton, Mississippi, moving to Huntsville in 2023 After earning an MBA and JD from Mississippi College, Garett entered healthcare administration Garett has served in various roles within the Merit Health system in Mississippi, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Merit Health Natchez With over ten years of experience in healthcare administration, Garett relocated to the Huntsville area to serve as the Chief Operating Officer at Crestwood Medical Center Garett currently lives in Owens Cross Roads with his wife LeeAnn They have two daughters, Gracen and Caroline In his free time, Garett enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing golf
enn Medina enn Medina
Flight Controller (Mission Operations Integration) | NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and raised in South Florida, Glenn watched rocket launches from his driveway This quickly ignited his on for the aerospace field, and after earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Aerospace neering, he moved to Huntsville, Alabama Presently, he is training to work as a flight controller for A Outside of engineering, one of his passions is serving the community and networking In his first year he has already worked on numerous outreach events through his work at NASA and his role as a Raptor ation Ambassador. Both gigs revolve around teaching the Huntsville and greater community about rtunities to better oneself and the city and space around us
HR Willingham HR Willingham
Lead Associate | Booz Allen Hamilton
Colonel (Retired) Herbert R “HR” Willingham was born and raised in Atlanta, GA While in college he enlisted in the U S Army Reserves and after graduation began his 30-plus year active duty military service He earned his commission as a logistics officer through Officer Candidate School and served in leadership and staff assignments as a logistics officer at locations throughout the US and overseas, including combat deployments He culminated his military service at the Pentagon HR is married to Mrs Sonji Willingham and they have two adult sons (Christopher and Corey) He now works for Booz Allen Hamilton and is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc , an organization that provides service to the community HR possesses a Bachelor’s in Business, a Master’s in Business, a Master’s in Military Operational Art and Science, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies
ke Hood ke Hood
nior Program Manager | Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)
r 28 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, Jake and his family settled in Huntsville in the mer of 2023 Participating in the Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, Jake began at i3 as an uctional Systems Designer in May, 2023 and accepted a position as a Senior Program Manager in August nd his wife, Tracy, have two children and enjoy outdoor activities, traveling, and chauffeuring to sporting nts They are excited about putting down roots in the Rocket City
fff f Olson Olson
esident | CT Business Solutions
has been involved in business networking since July 2001 learning as much as possible to ance business and pass that information on to future networkers through volunteering for groups d events where networking is important to people's success Knowledgeable in the field of mputer networking and services he, and his team, have protected businesses, and individuals, ough safe practices
ustin stin Scharber Scharber
Director, Deputy Division Chief, Aerospace & Defense Solutions Division | CFD Research
tin Scharber joined CFD Research in 2018 and serves as Sr Director, Deputy Division Chief of the Aerospace & ense Solutions Division Justin earned a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UA Huntsville and MS in Program Management from the Naval Postgraduate School Prior to joining CFD Research, Justin ked for the Department of Defense as a Deputy PM for the NexGen Tactical UAS at AMRDEC, and Account nager and Flight Test Engineer with Redstone Test Center A strong believer in servant leadership, he tinually seeks opportunities to mentor and remove obstacles for his teams Justin is a native of Tennessee, but w calls Madison City home with his wife and 3 daughters He volunteers at Serve days with his church by ping families and community centers in need Justin enjoys golf and woodworking in his spare time
ustin stin King King
ilding Technician | COPT Defense Properties
Justin King is an HVAC professional with 14 years of experience leading teams through complex projects. His career has taken him through all aspects of the industry including residential, commercial, installation, service, and project management Aside from his professional role, he dedicates time to teaching and training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, raising his children, and contributing to his homestead community
Lacey Lacey Spear Spear
enior Content Producer | Rushing Waters Media (Hville Blast)
acey Spear is passionate about all things Huntsville. As the Senior Content Producer at Hville Blast, she oves connecting with local businesses and promoting their unique goals. She also volunteers with the ed Cross, where she specializes in Hispanic community outreach One of her favorite hobbies is howing her out-of-town friends all her favorite spots in the Rocket City
Mandy Mandy Moss Moss
mer Analyst to be a homemaker/volunteer
journey in the Information Technology profession, crafting software and Alabama in Huntsville Over the years, she transitioned between roles as an epartment manager After dedicating eight years to her career, Lisa shifted her and contributing to non-profit and religious entities Within church various leadership roles including teaching, directing Sunday School and predination, and spearheading development and fundraising efforts Her passion ontributing to the welfare of the community
Aerospace Systems Engineer | NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Mandy Moss is an aerospace systems engineer at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, working in the Integrated System Health Management and Automation branch of Vehicle Management for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket program She moved to Huntsville from Merritt Island, Florida in March of 2020 Outside of work, Mandy is involved in the Huntsville Ultimate Club community, where she occasionally volunteers to be a team captain for recreational leagues She is also a new volunteer at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Spanish youth group
Michael Cahoon Michael Cahoon elf Employed / Retired
ichael Cahoon is a business-focused Chief Information Officer (CIO) known for delivering technology solutions designed drive business results He has over 36 years of experience in a portfolio company serving multiple industries primarily in e manufacturing of specialty chemicals, materials, and wood panels for US housing As CIO, he was responsible for anaging global business systems across multiple business units Michael served as CIO for AVEX Electronics, Huber ngineered Materials, CP Kelco, and the J M Huber corporate enterprise, he also served as Vice President of Supply hain Michael has demonstrated his commitment to community service through his involvement with numerous nonofit organizations, spanning churches, schools, and neighborhood homeowners’ associations His contributions have een diverse, encompassing roles such as treasurer, finance & personnel committee chairman, choir president, and hairman of the deacons within several churches across Alabama and Georgia Most notably, he recently held the position board chair at Dominion Christian Schools
Nikkia Dollar Nikkia Dollar Associate Broker & Business Coach
Nikkia Dollar, North Carolina native, Greater Huntsville transplant by way of Military transfer with her husband of 20 years with their 3 daughters and special needs niece and 2 dogs, in 2011 The second youngest child of 5 siblings, with the youngest being her twin The mother of a set of twins entering college in the fall of 2024, she is passionate about giving back to the Greater Huntsville community, A regular volunteer with House of the Harvest Ministries in Harvest, AL, she is excited about being able to participate in FOCUS 46 and meeting other professionals who are looking to contribute to helping the community grow and serve others
Ryan Cameron Ryan Cameron
Vice President PDS, Alabama Market Lead | JLL
Ryan's career in real estate spans over two decades within the industry delivering programs for highly regarded clients that help shape the future of real estate for a better world Serving and contributing positively to others is at the core of his ambitions Family and community are always the priority Ryan has been active for years leading professional organizations, serving through church outreach programs, and mentoring youth by coaching sports His family is excited to join the Huntsville community!
Stephen Ingalls Stephen Ingalls
CEO/President | Catalyzer, Inc.
Stephen A Ingalls is a retired U S Army aviation officer and has led Catalyzer, a leadership development consultancy, since 2015 His work with Catalyzer involves strategic leadership, business development, program development, and delivery for organizations across the United States Steve regularly supports LGH's Management Academy on subjects ranging from relationship management to decision-making to culture/ethics Leaving active duty in 2004, Mr Ingalls transitioned his uniformed experience to business, supporting manufacturing and project management functions at a Kansas City-based architectural millwork firm, serving as the Associate Director for Administration at a National Science Foundation research center on climate change, and finally working for multiple federal contracting organizations as a Program Manager and Director of Business Development before assuming a full-time role at Catalyzer in late-2017 His greatest joys are his marriage to Cara, mentoring his children through adulthood, and serving gleefully as Elijah’s, Adalynn’s, Silas’, and Judah’s grandfather
Whitney Whitney Lott Lott
Associate Attorney | Bradley Arant Boult Cummings
Whitney is a local attorney who is a member of many professional organizations including the Huntsville Bar Association and North Alabama Chapter of the Federal Bar Association She also uses her time to participate in local civic organizations such as the Huntsville Hospital Foundation's Development Council and the Junior League of Huntsville