VOL. 128 | NO. 104 | Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Memphis Newsmakers
Fisher Named Director Of Economic Development
By Kate Simone
Gwyn Fisher has been named the greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In her new role, Fisher will work with companies, municipalities and stakeholders in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties to create jobs, attract new businesses and expand existing businesses.
Education and/or work experience: Bachelor of Arts, Scripps College; Juris Doctor, University of Memphis. Fisher joined ECD from FedEx Express; she previously served as executive director of MPACT Memphis and is the founder of Revolution Strategy.
Family: Child-like pug named MoMo
Favorite quote: “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” – Thomas A. Edison
Favorite movie: National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”
The sports team(s) you root for: GRIZZLIES!!!
What’s playing on your stereo right now? Rolling Stones
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Running, gardening, exploring Memphis.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could play piano. Music is the purest form of human expression. Watching someone play – they seem both meditative and inspired at the same time.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My mother, Wendy Shea, has had the greatest influence on me. She taught me that there is no substitute for hard work, and she inspires me to be brave and to push beyond my limits.
When and how did you become involved with the Department of Economic and Community Development? ECD opened its Memphis regional jobs base camp two years ago, and I have been privileged to work with them on several projects over the years. I was appointed Greater Memphis regional director in April, and it’s been an amazing journey so far.
What are your goals in your new position? Simple – to create high-quality jobs for Tennesseans. There are, of course, many other components to the position, but at the end of the day, I create jobs.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? I don’t have a single event or job that I consider my greatest accomplishment. Each day I try to learn something new, make a stranger smile and make the world just a little bit better than before. If I can do these things, I know I have accomplished something.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Be brave. Be courageous. Life will not judge you based on your failures, but on how you respond to those failures.
Cendy Dodd has joined Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc. as chief financial officer. Dodd, a certified public accountant, most recently served for six years as finance director for the city of Franklin, Ky. She also previously worked as a division controller for North American Automotive Cable Division.
Trezevant has added three members to its board of directors: Dr. James Calandruccio, orthopedic surgeon, Campbell Clinic; Merilyn Mangum, chief accounting officer and executive vice president, Peabody Hotel Group; and Deborah Schadt.
Courtney Leyes Tomlinson has joined Fisher & Phillips LLP as an associate attorney. Tomlinson, who previously practiced labor and employment law at Jones Walker LLP, focuses her practice in discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases.
Carrie Hunsicker has joined A2H Inc. as an architectural and interior designer. Hunsicker has more than eight years’ experience in design, specializing in health care, education and government projects.
Christian Brothers University’s Alpha Delta chapter of Epsilon Mu Eta, the national honor society for engineering management, has inducted seven members: graduate engineering students Robert L. Bell II, Manuel De Tuya, Rizgar A. Jan and Robbie Webb; adjunct professors Rita Engler and Charles McCain; and Civil & Environmental Engineering chair Gene McGinnis.
Lottie Minor has been named director of the National College of Business & Technology’s Bartlett campus. Minor, who has 20 years’ experience in higher education, will serve as the college’s chief academic and administrative officer, as well as its principal community representative.
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has selected the winners of the 2013 Mei-Ann Chen Music Educator Award. Susan Van Dyck of Campus School and Terry Starr of Bruce Elementary School are part of the Memphis City Schools’ Orff program. Paula Turner is director of orchestras at Colonial Middle School.
Lindsey Gentry has joined Renaissance Group as a designer. In her new role, Gentry will provide interior design services within clients’ newly designed spaces.