Category: I am Jackson

What is your hometown? 

I have been a Jacksonian since birth!

What is your profession and what led you to choose it?
Since I was 15, I’ve had the privilege of working at Roberts Jewelers, where Joe and Flo Cohen became like family to me. From the very beginning, they instilled in me the profound impact we have as jewelry sales associates in helping people celebrate life’s most important milestones. Now, as CEO, I’m honored to carry on their legacy and remain committed to serving our community in the same meaningful way.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time and efforts to give back? 

It is my passion to give back to the community, so here are a few organizations I have worked closely with: Friends of Heart Co-Chair with Bob Arrington, Jackson Symphony, Carl Perkins Center for Child Abuse, and Jackson Little League in the 1990s to name a few.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

Some of my favorite things about Jackson are how committed we are as a community to outreach and the close-knit community of friends and family that I have forged here.

Three words that best describe you. 

Generous, Caring and Tenacious

What is the last thing you Googled?
Thanksgiving recipes.

What is your favorite place for dining?
Some of my favorite restaurants include FlatIron Grille, Picasso, and The Blacksmith.

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

Starbucks Coffee.

Finish this statement. I AM JACKSON because… 
I am Jackson because I have aimed to improve both myself and the West Tennessee community.

What is your hometown? 

I am a third generation Jacksonian, and I have lived here all my life other than when I was in college, the military, and law school.

Where else have you lived?

I lived for four years in Lexington, Virginia, while attending Washington & Lee University. Upon graduation I was drafted into the United States Army four months before the draft ended, and I was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I served two years in the military and one week after discharge I began law school at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville.

What is your profession?

I was a practicing attorney for 41 years until I retired in August, 2018. I chose a legal career because it was both interesting and challenging.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

I have volunteered and served on numerous nonprofit boards and organizations in Jackson over the years, but I have been honored to have been the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greater Jackson Chamber, the United Way of West Tennessee, the Jackson Rotary Club, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women, the STAR Center, the Jackson Arts Council, and The Jackson Symphony.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

The opportunities to give back by being a part of the many organizations and nonprofits here whether your passion is music, the theater, the ballet, feeding the hungry, working with young people, helping people recovering from addiction, working with victims of abuse, or helping people with disabilities.

Three words that best describe you. 

Dependable, Blessed, Grateful 

Favorite place for going out in Jackson?

I guess my favorite thing to do in Jackson, or at least what I do most often, is attend all the dinner events that nonprofit organizations ask me to buy tables for to help support their missions.

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

My daily walk. The last day that I did not walk for at least thirty minutes was Thanksgiving Day of 2006. I have been truly blessed to have been healthy enough to walk every day for the last eighteen years

Finish this statement. I AM JACKSON because… 
I am Jackson because Jackson is my home and always has been. I was born here. My parents and all of my grandparents are buried here. I spent my formative years here, my professional career here, and now my retirement years here. Jackson has changed so much and it has changed for the better. Many people choose to relocate to Jackson because of everything it has to offer. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, and I firmly believe that Jackson’s best days are still ahead. 

What is your hometown? 

Originally from Los Angeles, California, I relocated to Jackson to care for my terminally ill mother. Amidst this challenging period, fate intervened in the most beautiful way. At Picasso, where I was working, a remarkable woman (Lindsay) handed her application to me. From that moment, my life changed forever, and we’ve now been married 16 years. Three children later and Jackson with all its charm has since become my cherished home.

What is your profession?

I’m a restaurateur but consider myself a customer service expert; and have been in the food industry for 26 years. Within those 26 years I’ve been a butcher, bartender, and restaurateur. Naturally I gravitated to the service industry.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

I’ve served on the school board for St.Mary’s along with running St. Mary’s Crawfish and Mardi Gras fundraisers with help from friends three times. I also helped run “Chicken’s Kickin’ Cancer”event for one of my best friends, and I have helped coach my son’s sports along with a list of other fundraisers.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

The opportunity in Jackson is amazing. Our town is growing at such an amazing clip. If you’re willing to work hard and do the right things for the right reasons you will be rewarded for your hard work in our town.

Three words that best describe you. 

Passionate, caring, loyal

Favorite place for going out in Jackson?

Going out to other locally owned restaurants.

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

Checking in on the Rams or reading the “Wall Street Journal.”

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

After living for the last 21 years and being in business for the last 20 years I’m proud to run Jackson’s version of “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares. I firmly believe in the trajectory of our town, and the opportunity that Jackson offers is rare — to be on the cusp of extraordinary growth and opportunity. I’m proud to be a Jacksonian and rabid Rams fan.

What is your hometown?

I am proud to have been raised in the small Southern town of Trenton. Nothing is better than the charm and warmth of the people in small-town America. A high school teacher led me to Lambuth University where I majored in history and political science in 1988. I planned to attend law school at Ole Miss, but my family helped me find my true passion. The last two generations were in the clothing manufacturing and retail business. I cultivated my skills at our anchor store and subsequently opened my own store in Jackson in 1994. Jackson has been so supportive as I proudly still run this store today. In August we celebrated 30 years in the same location.

My wife, Stacey, and I live just outside of Humboldt. We have a spunky golden retriever named Wren. I could talk for a long time about both of my blondes!

What is your profession?

I own and operate 310 Rosemont. My love of fashion and the desire to be in a field that had me interacting with the public pushed me towards this business. I believe the Lord had a direction for me, and I thank Him daily for the gifts he has given me. I count Stacey as the greatest of these.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

Hands down, the people. Stacey and I have been blessed with some great friends. I have lived a lot, and there have been many changes in my life. The one thing that is constant is our close group of friends that I call family. Also, the shopping! At 310 Rosemont, we love having satisfied customers, but it is the relationship that I feel brings people back. We love chatting and sharing some laughs, but at the end of the day, we hope it is the friendship that keeps people coming back.

Three words that best describe you.

Loyal. Giving. Blessed.

Favorite place going out?

Stacey and I enjoy eating at Rock’n Dough. We love meeting our friends Jerry and Heather Corley there. The nostalgia of downtown reminds us of a simpler time.

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

Caffeine! My morning cup of joe is the best!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

Jackson is a representation of who I want to be. It is a city that opens its doors to people from other places and embraces them as one of their own. I hope that is how I have lived my life. No matter where I am, the people and the experience make or break the deal. I am a product of my family, and I hope to maintain the small-town feel that I experienced all those years ago when I stepped onto the campus of Lambuth University.

What is your hometown? 

I was born in California while my dad was in the Air Force. We moved to Jackson when I was ten years old and have lived here since. My wife Piper is a Jackson native, and we have raised our five children here. Jackson is home.

What is your profession?

I currently serve as the Chief Physician Executive for West Tennessee Healthcare. I chose medicine because of my love of science, the opportunity to build relationships with patients and colleagues as well as the opportunity to serve others. Having practiced family medicine and emergency medicine for over 30 years in Jackson has prepared me well for my current role. As the Chief Physician Executive, I have the opportunity to work with doctors and hospitals throughout West Tennessee to assist them in providing high-quality healthcare for our patients.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

I have had the opportunity to serve as a doctor on multiple medical mission trips to Nicaragua and Haiti through my church, Fellowship Bible Church. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

Piper and I love the renewal of Downtown Jackson! We enjoy breakfast at Jackson’s Kitchen + Catering, concerts at the AMP, swimming at The Lift, and of course the Farmers’ Market. I enjoy the outdoors for hiking and biking. Our dog Beau loves going for long walks at Middle Fork River Bottoms State Park. We are fans of the Jackson Symphony. 

Three words that best describe you. 

Integrity. Consistency. Relational.

What is the last thing you Googled?

The last thing I googled was information about fly rods.

Favorite place for going out?

Because my kids are active in sports, we enjoy a lot of time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex with baseball and softball tournaments for my twins. My oldest daughter and I also enjoy tennis and appreciate the Jackson Tennis Complex for some fun family matches. With three hungry teenagers, food is always on the agenda! I enjoy taking them to local restaurants such as Picasso, Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Rafferty’s (Who doesn’t love those chicken strips and sauce?!). 

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

I can’t go a day without coffee. (4-5 cups per day).

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I am a product of the genuinely kind people who live here. Jackson has given me the opportunity to practice medicine that I never imagined possible. Hopefully I am making a positive impact on a community that I love. 

What is your hometown? 

I’m a born and raised Jackson native. I’ve been here for 34 years and have loved it! 

Where else have you lived?

I spent four years in school at The University of Mississippi. 

What is your profession?

I’m the President of the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village, Jackson’s landmark restaurant and tourism attraction. I was born into it and am the third generation owner. 

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back? 

Although I haven’t specifically volunteered much, my work allows me to have an impact through our various catered special events, such as: WRAP’s Denim and Pearl’s, RIFA Canstruction, Birth Choice, West TN Down Syndrome Association summer concert, “Country Music Lends Down A Hand,” the #731Day Water Balloon Fight with Town and Country Realtors, the Clark Shaw Memorial Prayer Walk, and Casey Jones Village Festival.  

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

I love that Jackson has wonderful people who are hungry for future opportunities to make our city even better.

Three words that best describe you. 

I’m going to cheat a little on this, but mine would be “What if we…” because that encapsulates so much of my mind. I’m always thinking and dreaming and working with my team about how to make the Old Country Store and Casey Jones Village even better.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Backyard inflatable pools for my family to enjoy this summer.

Favorite place for going out?

Well of course the Old Country Store! But we love to support other local restaurants too. 

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

Talking to my family, especially my amazing daughter, Grace Anne, and a tall glass of sweet tea. 

Finish this statement: I AM JACKSON because…

Other Jacksonians in my generation and I are a bridge: remembering what we loved about growing up in this town and helping transform it into a place our kids and grandkids will be proud of. I am part of the Jackson that was, the Jackson that is now, and the Jackson we will create together. 

What is your hometown? 

I grew up in Middleton, TN, and moved to Jackson in 1992 to attend Union University for both my undergraduate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and graduate degrees (Masters in Business Administration).  l have enjoyed living in the Jackson area for over 30 years (yikes!)

What is your profession?

I am currently the Chief Operating Officer for West Tennessee Healthcare and have a passion for working hard to ensure we have the highest quality healthcare in Jackson, as well as in communities across West Tennessee. I began my career as an RN in the Surgical ICU at our Jackson Madison Hospital in 1996, serving in several roles over the years. I have served as a Director of the Surgical ICU, an Administrator of our Camden Hospital, and the Chief Nursing Officer for the Jackson hospital prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer for the healthcare system in 2019.  In my current role as COO, I am passionate about caring for people across this entire region and ensuring ease of access to healthcare for everyone. We work to care for patients in our rural communities, close to their homes, with access to the tertiary care hospital in Jackson for any specialized care that a patient might need (if not offered in their own community). Our healthcare system is so very blessed with amazing teams and medical providers across the region who care for over 600,000 people in West Tennessee. To ensure that our healthcare system can fulfill that mission, I am focused on supporting and caring for the teams of great people who provide care to patients in both direct and indirect ways.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I currently participate in the Jackson Rotary Club and I serve on the West Tennessee YMCA Board, and our Greater Jackson Chamber Board. 

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson? 

My favorite thing about Jackson is the “hometown feeling” we have as well as the amenities and fun family activities that equal those in a larger community.  I truly enjoy raising my children in the Jackson area. They are teenagers who are very active in church, school, and sports activities.

Three words that best describe you. 

Sports Mom, Fiercely Competitive, Always up for some Fun

What is the last thing you Googled?

Beachfront accommodations in Destin…. I love the beach!

Favorite place for going out?

Because my kids are active in sports, we enjoy a lot of time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex with baseball and softball tournaments for my twins. My oldest daughter and I also enjoy tennis and appreciate the Jackson Tennis Complex for some fun family matches. With three hungry teenagers, food is always on the agenda! I enjoy taking them to local restaurants such as Picasso, Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Rafferty’s (Who doesn’t love those chicken strips and sauce?!). 

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

As a busy working mom, I can’t go without my coffee!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because… 

I AM JACKSON because… I believe in Jackson and the surrounding area, and I am excited to see continued growth in our community.  I am blessed to be in a professional role that allows me to not only enjoy living in this community, but also to serve in ways to help improve it.   To see Jackson and the surrounding areas thrive throughout the years, and to help make sure this growth and development continues is a beautiful thing!

What is your hometown?

I was born in McLemoresville, TN, and raised in Atwood. I came to Jackson to pursue a career in photography. I’ve been in Jackson for 19 years.

What is your profession?

I’m a professional photographer at my core, but over the years my brand has evolved into some event planning and production.

Where have you volunteered or contributed your time in efforts to give back?

Over the years I’ve served on numerous boards and volunteered for several nonprofits and in 2016 was named the youngest recipient of the Foundation’s Jackson Award for volunteer service. My current involvement and volunteer efforts are focused on The Community Foundation of West Tennessee where I am a trustee, Jackson Pride where I am a founding member, The Ned advisory board, Hidden Tracks advisory board, Our Jackson Home/Porchfest advisory board, and Miss Tennessee Volunteer board of directors.

What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?

My entire adult life has been spent in Jackson. The friendships that I’ve built and nurtured and the people who have helped me grow professionally are what make Jackson special to me. Jackson is unique because there are so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the things that affect you personally or the community as a whole.

Three words that best describe you.

Loyal. Creative. Grateful.

What is the last thing you Googled?

Belgian Loafers (always shopping)

Favorite place for going out?

Lord knows I love to go out to eat, whether it’s Los Portales for dinner or Bonwood (out South) for breakfast, but my all time favorite place to dine would be my home, because I love to entertain. It could be a group of 30 or 1 friend having coffee and conversation on the couch.

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

Music…all day every day. I get the most inspired by music. All kinds.

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

I AM JACKSON because this is where I’ve made my home, my business, and where I’ve invested my time in doing the work to promote positive change. I AM JACKSON because anytime I travel I make it a point to talk about Jackson and how much I love it here. I sometimes feel like an ambassador of Jackson! Maybe I am?

This article is from VIP Magazine, a premier publication for events and local coverage throughout Jackson and West Tennessee.