By Jason Luntz
NASHVILLE, TN — The 2024 CEO Roundtable Series, a pivotal two-day event that took place on April 17-18, successfully spotlighted Tennessee’s dynamic leaders and innovators. The event kicked off on Wednesday at the Ascension St. Thomas Sports Park, home of the Tennessee Titans’ practice facilities, setting the stage for discussions heavily focused on the value and impact of public-private partnerships. The event was facilitated by Worthington Advisory, which presents programming and award presentations aimed at advancing these crucial collaborations.
Adolpho Birch III, Senior Vice President and Chief External & League Affairs Officer of the Tennessee Titans and a member of the CEO Roundtable event committee, emphasized the significance of these forums. “The Titans have been active participants in the Roundtable since I joined the club,” he noted. “Meeting and engaging with business leaders who share a common interest in the growth and well-being of the state is invaluable. These interactions, whether through direct dialogues with state leaders like the Governor or through collaborative projects, highlight how crucial public-private partnerships are to the state’s overall prosperity.”
Day two commenced with a breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion, emceed by Johnathan Hutton and Vicki Yates, and featuring Governor Bill Lee as a speaker, highlighting his insights on leadership within the state and the importance of private and public partnerships. Additionally, Jacky Akbari, CEO of Worthington Advisory and the CEO Roundtable Board Chair, moderated an engaging discussion between Governor Lee and award recipient Brad Paisley, offering attendees a unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, creativity, and community engagement.
Vicki Yates also had a notable conversation with John Ingram, CEO of the Year, where they explored his pivotal role in bringing the Nashville SC to the city. They discussed how Ingram’s leadership exemplified the successful fusion of private and public partnerships in sports and community development.
During the breakfast, awards were presented to each of the winners with acknowledgements of their outstanding contributions to the state. It is important to note that while no public officials were involved in the selection process, their support in recognizing the winners highlights the collaborative spirit of the event. An independent selection committee rigorously selected this year’s awardees, ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the awards.
Following the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to a tour of the Governor’s Mansion, further enriching their experience of the event.
Jacky Akbari reflected on the series’ impact, stating, “Each year, the CEO Roundtable not only honors exceptional leadership but also fosters a dialogue that strengthens our state’s foundation through robust public-private partnerships. This year’s discussions and the recognition of our leaders reinforce our commitment to advancing Tennessee’s leadership on all fronts.”
The CEO Roundtable Series continues to serve as a crucial platform for recognizing outstanding contributions to Tennessee’s cultural, business, and technological landscapes. It celebrates the hard-earned successes, encourages collaborative ventures, and offers a glimpse into the innovative strides shaping the vibrant business sector of Tennessee.
For more details on the CEO Roundtable please visit www.ceoroundtable2024.com. For more information about the facilitating organization, Worthington Advisory, visit www.worthingtonadvisory.com.
