Nashville, TN – Kicking off the prestigious CEO Roundtable Series for 2024, Tennessee’s brightest in business and innovation are set to be honored in an event that’s as much about celebration as it is about forward momentum. This landmark event not only serves as a collaborative platform but also as a showcase for the transformative power of strategic public-private partnerships across the state.
Featuring Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and facilitated by Worthington Advisory, the CEO Roundtable 2024 stands as a testament to the leadership and vision propelling the Volunteer State forward. This premier event serves as a hub for meaningful conversation and connection, offering attendees the opportunity to mingle with industry leaders and visionaries. It’s a space to celebrate hard-earned successes, spark collaborative ventures, and get a glimpse of the innovative strides shaping Tennessee’s vibrant business sector.
The upcoming CEO Roundtable 2024 event is poised to spotlight the accomplishments of Tennessee’s most innovative and influential leaders. This exclusive gathering, details of which are reserved for participants, will highlight the following Tennesseans:
• Tennessean of the Year – Music: Brad Paisley. “From his early days as a music business student at Belmont University to his rise as a global superstar, Brad Paisley has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft and to making a positive difference in the world…We at Belmont are thrilled to see Brad’s contributions celebrated,” praises Belmont President Dr. Gregory Jones.
• Innovator of the Year: Bob Higgins. “Bob Higgins has been all about Barge Solutions as a business and the Nashville region as a community. Upon his arrival at Barge, he evolved the company culture through collaborative leadership resulting in exponential growth of the firm…He is a go-to guy in this region,” says Ralph Schulz, Nashville Chamber President.
• CEO of the Year: John Ingram. Reflecting on Ingram’s character, Michael A. Carter Sr. shares, “When I think of John Ingram, two of my favorite quotes come to mind that encapsulate and epitomize my dear friend. ‘The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward,’ by Carol Ryrie Brink, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'”
Also being recognized are:
• Changemaker Award: Dr. Adrienne Battle, for her exceptional leadership in education and commitment to improving student outcomes in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
• Tennessean of the Year – Business: FedEx/The Fred Smith Family, honored for their significant impact on Tennessee’s business landscape and community well-being.
• 2024 Tri Star Award: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, celebrated by Ron Harris and April Lomax for their dedication to community health.
Jacky Akbari, Board Chair of The CEO Roundtable, frames the organization’s core values with clarity: “The CEO Roundtable is a regional business leadership collaborative, fostering strategic public-private partnerships for greater engagement and outcomes,” she continued, “As we honor the 2024 leaders, we share not only inspiring stories but also a trajectory of innovation to influence our state.
The CEO Roundtable Series echoes this sentiment, proudly commending these trailblazers for their unwavering dedication to excellence and their influential roles in guiding Tennessee toward a more innovative and brighter future.
For more details, visit www.ceoroundtable2024.com.
