Management
Selected for both their exceptional industry skills and dedication to their workplace and community, the following business leaders make up CityScope® magazine’s prestigious Gold Club this year.
Congratulations to these impactful men and women on this well-deserved honor!
Tim Hewitt is a shareholder of Logan-Thompson, P.C., and his practice is focused on criminal defense. He obtained his J.D. and Criminal Law Certificate with Honors from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Hewitt has successfully defended thousands of criminal cases and has extensive trial experience serving East and Southeast Tennessee over the past 12 years. He is dedicated to aggressively protecting the rights of his clients and to providing a superior level of service to citizens accused of a crime. Hewitt has served as president of the Bradley County Bar Association and is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law Class of 2023. He is active in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL). In 2023, Hewitt received TACDL’s Stars of Light Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and zeal for TACDL’s mission.
Emily Mack leads River City Company (RCC) as president and CEO, driving downtown redevelopment, transformative placemaking, and strategic partnerships that elevate economic opportunity and quality of life. With deep experience in executive leadership, urban redevelopment, and cross-sector collaboration, she oversees the RCC team to steer complex initiatives from concept to completion while strengthening public-private alignment. Current projects include assisting the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County with the refresh of the Riverfront parks and the redevelopment of AT&T Field, which will focus on inclusive growth and long-term sustainability. She serves on the boards of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga Tourism Company, Rotary Club of Chattanooga, the Enterprise Center, and the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians.
Lemon Williams is a transformational cybersecurity executive with over 25 years of experience in the technology industry. As founder of The Ionado Group, a cybersecurity consultancy, he is a recognized leader in building and leading high-performing cybersecurity teams, developing top-tier corporate security programs, and advising organizations on cybersecurity strategy. Prior to founding the firm, he held several leadership positions in the cybersecurity field, including serving as a trusted advisor to numerous organizations in the renewable energy and electric utility sectors responsible for protecting its critical infrastructure from cyber threats. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he serves on the Erlanger Health System Board of Directors and the Chattanooga Technology Council.
Cora LeSar approaches aesthetics with a simple goal: to care for people well. She entered the field after completing her bachelor’s in communication from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her personal journey with persistent acne sparked a passion for helping others navigate their own journeys with confidence and laid the foundation for Alchemy MedSpa. In the treatment room, her work focuses on corrective skincare, with an emphasis on acne management and laser rejuvenation. Beyond, she continues advanced training in laser physics and regenerative aesthetic medicine. Passionate about education, LeSar earned her Aesthetician Educator License and now offers private mentorship and training.
A longtime Chattanooga resident, she remains committed to giving back to local nonprofits and serving her community.
Mike Webb is a Chattanooga native and respected philanthropic leader who serves as president of Webb Financial Consultants, where he creates customized wealth management strategies aligned with each client’s unique goals and values. With more than 30 years of experience, Webb helps individuals, families, and businesses make confident, informed financial decisions. He attended Baylor School, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and completed his MBA at Emory University. Deeply committed to service, Webb serves as chairman of the Board of Community Advisors for CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital, is a member of the Baylor School Alumni Council, and sits on the Board of the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Known for being honest, diligent, and straightforward, he approaches every role with integrity and care.
Harsh Desai serves as a project manager and senior electrical engineer at AEED, Inc., with over 20 years of experience in electrical engineering, project management, and design for a wide range of facilities, including retail, commercial, municipal, hospitality, educational, institutional, healthcare, and industrial projects. He leads electrical design efforts, focusing on power distribution, lighting, life safety systems, master planning, and energy analysis, and remains involved from initial design through construction. Desai moved to the United States from India in 1995 and settled with his family in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1998. He earned his electrical engineering degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has contributed to the city’s growth through the design of several prominent buildings. A past Optimist Club president and current board member, he lives in Chattanooga with his wife, Lauren, and daughters, Priya (4) and Arya (2).
Kristen Behm is the vice president of air service development and PR for the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority (CHA). Raised in an aviation family, she combines her lifelong love of aviation with her passion for connecting people and communities. In her current role at the airport, Behm and the team have created strong relationships with CHA’s current airline partners and are fostering connections with additional carriers to win new service. During her time at CHA, the airport has nearly doubled its destinations and has set yearly passenger records. CHA was named the fastest growing small hub airport in the nation in 2025. Prior to her position at the airport, Behm led marketing efforts for Rock City and Ruby Falls. Behm attended the University of Mississippi, where she graduated with honors, and has called Chattanooga home since 1998. She loves traveling, meeting new people, and photography.
Mark Brumbelow, CPA, is a nationally recognized authority in complex business tax strategy. He has served as a trusted advisor to a wide range of businesses for 25 years, navigating regulatory complexity, transactions, and succession planning. Brumbelow advises companies on sophisticated tax planning, income tax accounting, and multi-jurisdictional compliance. He has returned to LBMC’s Chattanooga office to expand the firm’s leadership presence and provide technical guidance on complex matters faced by Chattanooga businesses. He advocates for the accounting profession volunteering with the AICPA and is frequently engaged as an author, speaker, and media resource on emerging tax policy and strategy. He is also active in the Chattanooga arts and service communities.
Mike Brookshire, managing partner, has helped shaped River Associates’ values-driven, private equity investment strategy since 1993. Prior to joining the firm, he served as an audit manager with Arthur Andersen & Co., advising publicly and privately held manufacturing and distribution companies. A Chattanooga native and graduate of Baylor School, Brookshire earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Committed to community leadership, he serves on the boards of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the University of Chattanooga Foundation, the National Center for Youth Issues, and several privately owned companies. His career reflects a dedication to integrity, stewardship, and service. Brookshire and his wife, Temple, have two married children and six grandchildren and are members of Concord Baptist Church.
Dr. William B. Harris is a board-certified vascular surgeon, chief medical officer, and partner at the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga (VIC), where his leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing vascular care across the region. Over many years of service with VIC, Dr. Harris has remained deeply committed to improving the health of the Chattanooga community through compassionate, patient-focused care and clinical excellence. He specializes in the treatment of complex arterial and venous disease, with a strong emphasis on limb preservation, stroke prevention, and improving quality of life. As chief medical officer, Dr. Harris helps guide clinical strategy, mentor providers, and ensure the highest standards of care across VIC’s growing footprint. His impact is reflected in both improved patient outcomes and the lasting trust he has built with patients, families, and referring physicians throughout the community.
As a Chattanooga native, Kevin Rose’s life and career have been shaped by the city. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in taxation from Georgia State University, he launched his career in Atlanta, quickly earning a reputation for strategic, client-focused tax advice. His pivotal life choice was returning to Chattanooga, where family, career, and community intersect for him. That decision led him to co-found Market Street Partners in 2016, bringing a proactive, relationship-driven approach to grow a respected firm in his hometown. Today, as a partner at Smith + Howard, Rose continues helping clients navigate complex tax law, optimize outcomes, and manage risk with clarity and care.
April F. Holland is a corporate lawyer focusing on mergers and acquisitions, private fund formation, securities and investment advisory matters, complex joint ventures, corporate governance, and general corporate law. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and as a Tennessee Rising Star in Mid-South Super Lawyers®, she advises clients across industries including chemicals, flooring, bottling, consumer products, automotive manufacturing, transportation, logistics, insurance, and private family offices. A dedicated leader and an alum of the Chamber’s Leadership Chattanooga and the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Class programs, Holland has served as the law firm’s hiring chair and as a partner liaison with the World Law Group, connecting member firms and clients with legal solutions across 87 countries. She’s active in the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary Club and serves on boards including the Erlanger Foundation Advancement Council, the Chamber’s International Business Council, and Creative Discovery Museum.
Janel Sheppard, an experienced hospitality professional of over 25 years, exemplifies leadership. In her current role as director of operations and topline revenue at Dynamic Group Management, she has driven significant growth and new achievements for the organization. In addition to overseeing and managing operations of a seven-hotel portfolio across multiple states, she also employs analytical tools and resources to exceed revenue and profitability. She is a leading woman in the hospitality industry and her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and energetic attitude represent qualities that are highly valued in any successful business. Sheppard credits her success to the strength of the talented team members around her and their shared dedication and collective commitment to achieving and accomplishing great things.
Rick Hughes is the founder and principal advisor of Hughes Retirement Group, where he has spent more than two decades helping individuals and families prepare for a secure, confident retirement. Known for his approachable style and commitment to education, Hughes brings leadership, strategy, and personal care to retirement and Medicare planning. Before entering financial services, Hughes spent 25 years in college basketball as a respected coach, including serving as an assistant coach at the University of Florida and coaching a developmental team affiliated with the NBA. In 2007, he founded Hughes Retirement Group to provide personalized, education-focused guidance. After the Affordable Care Act in 2010, he integrated Medicare planning into comprehensive retirement strategies. Hughes’ philosophy, shaped by decades of coaching and business experience, centers on education, integrity, and personalized service. His goal is to empower retirees to make informed decisions so they can enter retirement with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Bill Hannah is a partner at Evans Harrison Hackett PLLC, where he practices primarily as a litigator and serves as the firm’s general counsel. In addition to courtroom work, he advises and represents attorneys and law firms on legal ethics, licensure, compliance, and disciplinary issues. He is a Chattanooga native and has practiced law here for 32 consecutive years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College in 1991 and his J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1994. He is licensed to practice law in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Kentucky, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in Insurance Litigation, and is listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers® in Civil Litigation: Defense. He resides on Lookout Mountain with his wife, Julie, who is a fifth-grade teacher and all-around superstar. He is the proud parent of three adult children and two adult stepchildren.
James Tyson serves as CEO and president of Tyson & Associates Construction Company, Inc. (TACC), a commercial general contracting firm serving throughout Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama. With over 25 years of experience in commercial construction, Tyson founded TACC in 2017 to deliver high-quality construction services grounded in strong leadership and integrity. Under his direction, TACC has grown from a startup into a trusted regional contractor with nearly 30 industry professionals and over 100 completed projects. Tyson holds a degree in construction management from Georgia Southern University and has led the company for eight years. Outside of work, he prioritizes time with his wife and two children as well as enjoys a variety of sportsman activities. TACC operates on three core pillars including Christ-centered leadership, quality execution, and a client-focused approach, which ensures consistent results as well as long-term partnerships.
Dr. Mitchell L. Mutter is a respected physician, educator, and humanitarian with decades of clinical and leadership experience. A University of Tennessee graduate, he earned his medical degree from the UT Health Science Center and completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, achieving board certification in both internal medicine and cardiology. He served as chief of cardiology at Eisenhower Army Medical Center and retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel. Dr. Mutter later practiced cardiology in Knoxville and Chattanooga, serving as chief of staff at Erlanger Hospital. As volunteer medical director, he leads a team of volunteers providing more than $2 million annually in pro bono medical care and prescriptions, delivering compassionate, quality care with over 2,000 uninsured patient visits each year.
Patrick Durham is a native of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, with more than 20 years of experience in community pharmacy. In 2021, he joined Cempa Community Care to open their first in-house pharmacy in the hopes of strengthening their already comprehensive support services. In 2023, he oversaw Cempa Community Pharmacy’s certification by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) in Specialty Pharmacy Services, the only retail pharmacy in Chattanooga to achieve this distinction. With a passion for specialized care in the treatment of HIV and Hepatitis C, Durham ensures that Cempa Community Pharmacy meets strict standards for quality, safety, and operational consistency in handling, storing, and dispensing complex, high-cost medications.
Natalie Hunt-Levredge serves as senior vice president and relationship manager for SmartBank’s Chattanooga team. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including leadership in commercial lending, productivity and performance management, and relationship development, Hunt-Levredge brings a strategic and client-centered approach to her work. Beyond her professional work, Hunt-Levredge is a dedicated community advocate. She serves on the boards of Top of Georgia Economic Development, the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Communities In Schools. She is also a member of the Catoosa County Chamber’s Legislative Committee, serves as development chair for the Momentum Network, and serves on the board for the North Georgia YMCA. Most recently, Hunt-Levredge and SmartBank Market President Craig Miller implemented and launched SmartBank Cares, a committee dedicated to serving and supporting the community, where she serves as co-chair.
Chuck Wasserstrom, the director of communications at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has been a member of the university’s writing staff since 2019. He received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri before spending 25 years working for the Chicago Cubs – including 16 years in the Major League Baseball team’s media relations office and nine years in baseball operations. During his time with the Cubs, he met his wife, Michelle – a former Division I softball player at Indiana State University. Their twin daughters, Danielle and Nicole, are softball teammates at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
Charlie Lay serves as chief financial officer for Lambcon Ready-Mix and Bradley Concrete, where he helps lead one of East Tennessee’s most established concrete providers. Prior to joining the Lambcon/Bradley team, Lay was president of Lay Construction, Inc. from 1994 to 2013, building a career rooted in concrete construction and operational leadership. A longtime advocate for the industry, Lay is a past president of the Tennessee Concrete Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Lambcon supplies concrete throughout much of East Tennessee, operating five locations stretching from Chattanooga to Knoxville. Lay is a 1992 graduate of the University of Tennessee. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Lisa, and their children, Caitlin, Lauren, and Ryan.
Miranda Perez is the executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living. She is passionate about leading solutions to the nursing shortage by funding scholarships that create real, lasting impact in local communities. Through innovative programs and meaningful partnerships, Perez is committed to providing hope, making dreams come true for students and seniors alike, and celebrating the lives, talents, and contributions of older adults. Her work bridges generations, strengthens the healthcare workforce, and ensures communities are supported today and for years to come.
Dr. Muhammad A. Munir is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with subspecialty training in pain medicine, brain injury medicine, and electrodiagnostic medicine. He has practiced in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for over 25 years. Dr. Munir earned his medical degree from Sind Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, and also completed a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. He completed an internal medicine internship and a physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Munir serves as medical director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga, where he helps patients recover from serious illnesses, injuries, strokes, and brain injuries. He was nominated National Medical Director of the Year in 2014 and Regional Medical Director of the Year in 2022. He is licensed in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
After growing up in the Memphis area and playing five years of college golf at the University of Memphis, Cory Gaylord and his wife Rebecca moved to Chattanooga. Gaylord began his financial planning practice in Chattanooga in 2015. In 2020, he founded Gaylord Wealth Management and found a passion for business planning and wealth management, and in 2024 he joined Strategic Financial Partners to expand his scope of expertise. When not at work, Gaylord can be found coaching his two boys, Johnscott and Christopher, running marathons, playing golf, or traveling with his bride and business partner Rebecca.
Heidi Hefferlin is the co-founder of HK Architects, where she serves as managing partner and principal architect on a range of projects shaping Chattanooga and the surrounding region. A Chattanooga native, she returned home to start the firm after beginning her career in Los Angeles with international design firms Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Richard Meier & Partners. Since founding HK in 1999, she has guided the firm’s expansion from a two-person studio to a 30-person practice. Her work includes adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings, downtown revitalization efforts, and civic and educational projects that support the growth of the community. In addition to leading growth and design direction for the firm, she is active in professional and civic organizations such as Rotary and AIA. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling and hiking, including completing Spain’s Camino de Santiago, as well as kayaking the Tennessee River.
Dr. James Busch developed an early passion for medicine by following in his father’s footsteps. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed his radiology residency and fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. Over the past two decades, he has held multiple leadership roles at PrimeImaging, expanding its footprint and launching billing and technology companies. Dr. Busch is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative imaging solutions. A leader in radiology informatics, he helped implement a comprehensive interpretation software suite with Siemens Healthineers, which is used nationwide. He has extensive expertise in prostate MRI and image-guided intervention. With specialized training in interventional radiology, he is a pioneer in cancer thermal ablation, expanding minimally invasive treatment options for patients.
Rebecca Spivey is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University. Spivey began her healthcare career in 2007 working as a certified nursing assistant in long-term care, later becoming a registered nurse. She enjoyed many years of patient care working with the Starr Regional Healthcare System in medical-surgical nursing, the ICU, and geriatric behavioral health. After switching to the multifaceted role of PMHNP-BC, Spivey joined Volunteer Behavioral Healthcare System, working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for outpatient mental health and CSU. She then accepted the honor of providing psychiatric care for veterans with Valor Healthcare and the Veteran’s Administration. Spivey is a fierce patient advocate and treats all clients with radical acceptance and respect. Her combination of strong clinical skills, evidence-based practices, and holistic, compassionate care help improve outcomes.
Donny Davidson is the CEO and owner of Southern Fluidpower (SFP), an automation and fluid power integration company serving industrial customers across Tennessee and Georgia. With 42 years of professional experience, he has led SFP’s growth from a small operation into a nine-location organization known for technical expertise, customer service, and innovation. His sons, Josh and Taylor, are actively engaged in the company, helping continue a strong family-driven culture and long-term vision. Beyond business leadership, Davidson is committed to community involvement, supporting nonprofits such as the Chattanooga Room in the Inn and contributing to local schools in the Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, area. Davidson and his wife Cindy live in the Canyons in Falling Water, Tennessee. Outside of work, he enjoys trail running and competing in triathlons, reflecting his passion for discipline and continuous improvement.
Luane D. Culpepper is a Chattanooga native, long-time resident of Signal Mountain, and a financial advisor with the practice of Riggs & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. She began her career in the family business working alongside her father David Davis, who founded Davis Financial Advisors. She took over that practice and was the primary advisor until 2022 when she merged with Riggs & Associates. She has 42 years of experience as an advisor with a focus on retirement income planning. She enjoys her role as trusted advisor to her clients and providing a wealth of experience to her Riggs & Associates team. She serves on the investment committee of the practice in addition to providing planning and investment advice. In her spare time, she and her husband John enjoy boating, hiking, and spending time with their adult children and grandchildren.
Jones Krogh is a partner at HHM Wealth Advisors. He has called Chattanooga home since 2011, after starting his professional career in Atlanta in 2008. As a partner of HHM Wealth, he helps lead their team with a mantra of ownership and accountability. He assists clients in building, managing, and protecting wealth by providing comprehensive wealth management services. He works closely with high-net-worth families, retired executives, and business owners and applies two foundational beliefs to his daily work with clients: “good service is good business” and “truth builds trust.” He actively contributes to the Chattanooga community by serving on local nonprofit boards in leadership positions, recently serving as the chairman of the Board of the Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation. He and his wife, Marissa, are graduates of the University of Georgia. They reside in Chattanooga with their kids, Jack and Sloane.
