What is your hometown?

My hometown is Bradford, Tennessee. I was born and raised in Gibson County. I first came to Jackson to attend Union University in the 1980s. That’s where I met my husband, Kent. We married, moved to Nashville in 1987, and then came back to Jackson in 1993. We’ve been here ever since.

What is your profession?

This is actually my second career. My first was in education I spent 32 years working in public schools and at the university level. I loved that. Now I’m the CEO of the Jackson Symphony, and I absolutely love it. I’ve always been passionate about the arts and about building community through them. The arts really enrich quality of life, and I feel honored to lead this organization.

How long have you been with the Jackson Symphony?

I started in November of 2018, so I’m now in my seventh year. In that time, the Symphony has doubled in size, and we’re excited about how our reach continues to grow as Jackson and West Tennessee expand.

Where have you volunteered in efforts to give back?

Right now, much of my time goes into the Symphony and working with the Symphony League. In the past, I’ve focused a lot on education and nonprofits. Kent and I have supported many local organizations, both need-based and quality-of-life. That includes RIFA, Area Relief, the Carl Perkins Center, Go Red for Women, Runway for a Cure, the Jackson Arts Council, the theater, and more. We’ve also been active members of First Baptist Church in Jackson since 1993.

I think of giving in two categories: need-based and quality-of-life. Need-based organizations meet immediate needs like RIFA or Area Relief. Quality-of-life giving supports the arts, theater, ballet, or Symphony - things that make a community richer. Both are important. We’ve tried to balance our support across both areas.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

I love how supportive Jackson is of nonprofits. People here find causes that connect with them and really get behind them. We’ve found a wonderful church, dear friends, and a strong community where we raised our children. I also love that Jackson still feels like a small town you run into people you know everywhere, and it feels personal and close-knit.

Three words that describe you.

Loyal, energetic, and faithful. Once I dedicate myself to something, I’m all in.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Jackson?

Go to the Symphony.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Red lipstick.

I am Jackson because…

Because I don’t just live here, I have a passion for seeing Jackson become the very best it can be.