Courtney Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee with her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Special Education. She has been a life-long equestrian competing in Hunter/Jumper competitions since the age of 9. Courtney has also worked alongside Bill Wilkerson at Vanderbilt University and Saddle Up! in Nashville to combine equine-assisted services with speech and language goals. Courtney has over 28 years of teaching experience in a variety of school settings. Courtney serves on the Board of Directors for several local nonprofits and is an active supporter of the Memphis community. 

Kim Jordan graduated from University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance. She is an active supporter of Memphis University School, Youth Villages and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kim and her family have lived in Memphis since 2007, and contributes her time and committment to multiple civic and nonprofit organizations in the greater Memphis area.

Charles attended the University of Memphis where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He also attended the University of Virginia Graduate School of Banking. He is the Chairman of the First Horizon Foundation and is active in community leadership and development, serving on boards including the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, Mid-South Minority Business Council, University of Memphis Board of Visitors, University of Memphis Investment Committee, United Way of the Mid-South, American Heart Association, LeBonheur Children's Medical Center Foundation, Memphis Symphony Orchestra Society and the South Region Chamber of Commerce. 

Lee is a native of Cordele, Georgia and attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and the University of Georgia, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources. Lee is responsible for overall strategy and leadership for International Paper’s fiber supply organization, and provides oversight and strategic planning support for International Paper’s global fiber supply organization. Lee is an Officer of the Forest Resource Association and a member of their Executive Board and American Forest and Paper Association’s Wood Fiber Resource Committee. A 30-year veteran in the industry, he has held numerous operations, technical, and leadership positions during his career and has worked and lived across the South. 

Leslie earned her Ed.S. from The George Washington University and holds an M.P.A. and B.S. from Georgia Southern University. She is a retired research administration professional who served as Vice President of Research Administration at the J. Craig Venter Institute, a nonprofit genetic research center whose scientists helped sequence the human genome. Leslie held previous leadership roles at The George Washington University Medical Center and Savannah State University overseeing grant development, funding and administration. A dedicated advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, Leslie has worked extensively with the National Down Syndrome Society to support advocacy initiatives. She and her husband, Michael, served as Honorary Chairs of the 2024 Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party, and their son, Michael Jr., has been a longtime Southern Reins participant while their daughter, Samantha, volunteers with the program.

Bubba is graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Business. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of LSI Graphics, a leading provider of visual communication solutions based in Bartlett, Tennessee. Bubba has a strong background in community service, including a four-year tenure on the board of Make-A-Wish Mid-South, where he also chaired their annual golf tournament. An avid golfer, Bubba enjoys the outdoors and traveling with family and friends.

A dedicated supporter of the nonprofit community, Bubba has been a strong supporter of Southern Reins since its inception. 

Mitch earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University and was recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus in 2012. As the CEO of West Cancer Center & Research Institute, he has over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare. Prior to joining West in 2019, he served as CEO of HealthChoice, LLC, focusing on improving community health and patient care. He currently serves on the board of Memphis Light, Gas, and Water and the Finance Committee for Church Health Center. He previously chaired the boards of Christian Brothers University, the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers, and the University Club of Memphis, and served as a member of United Healthcare’s Executive Advisory Council, Qsource Board, and Cigna’s National Health Care Advisory Council. Mitch was also appointed to the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

Cliff is a graduate of Memphis University School and attended the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. He is an owner of Standard Construction Company with operations in Memphis, West Tennessee and North Mississippi. Cliff is the former President of the Tennessee Road Builders Association and has held notable leadership positions, including serving on the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Additionally, he dedicates his time to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Memphis, Christ Methodist Day School, Enterprise National Bank, and Cadence National Bank.

Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Memphis and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Vanderbilt University, where he remains active with Vanderbilt’s Alumni Board and the University of Memphis business school. He is an active supporter of New Memphis Institute, Carnival Memphis, and The University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business Executive Board, and previously served as a meber of the Board of Directors with Memphis Botanic Garden, the Vanderbilt Graduate School of Business, the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee and the Memphis Zoo.

Kent attended the University of Toledo and has been involved in the food manufacturing industry for nearly 40 years. During his career he has learned to embrace the opportunity to connect with people at all levels, from the production floor to the boardroom, to accomplish great things together. Kent became involved with Southern Reins through his role at Monogram Foods where he is an avid supporter of theirr Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation. Kent and his wife, Tammy, generously dedicate their time and resources to support a variety of family-focused charitable organizations.

Lance is a graduate of the University of Missouri and serves on the U.S. Chamber Foundation Advisory Board. He currently serves as the CEO of FedEx Freight, and was previously the Senior Vice President for U.S. Operations at FedEx Freight from 2018 to 2020. Lance has been with FedEx Freight since 1992 where he previously served as the Vice President of Operations for the Midwest Region and as Managing Director for several districts.

Kristin holds an Masters of Business Administration from Duke University and a Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University. She has over 20 years of strategic planning, business development, and marketing expertise. Kristin has led efforts across various divisions, focusing on market analysis, process optimization, and business strategy. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Dixon Gallery & Gardens and the Memphis Urban Arts Commission, as well as the Fuqua School of Business Alumni Board. Kristin is also the owner of Yimmi Stables in Oxford, and has a life-long passion for horses and the healing power they provide.