BUILDING WEALTHIN OURCOMMUNITY

John Pasmore is the founder of LatimerAI, which was launched in January 2024.

Latimer is an inclusive Large Language Model platform built to mitigate bias and populated with data that gives the platform greater cultural fluency around diverse cultures and histories. The business is focused on Higher Education, but continues to do important work in healthcare as well. Latimer is built as a RAG model, giving its subscribers access to some 10 foundation models within its navigation, and recently added Spanish and Portuguese language options.

Prior to Latimer, John served as co-founder and CEO of the venture-backed, video-based travel platform VoyageTV, which raised $10 million in an A-round led by Syncom Venture Partners and sold to Next 1 Interactive. And recently served as a partner at the Family...

Brent Hooks is a finance and operations executive who builds the systems that turn opportunity into delivered projects. As Regional Vice President of Cornerstone Engineering Inc., he leads multi-market growth across the Southeast, supporting the pursuit and execution of infrastructure and development projects that shape how cities function.

His experience combines financial discipline with operational scale. He has managed capital portfolios exceeding $1 billion, built forecasting and control systems for a multistate business, and led complex projects from award through delivery. Brent holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Memphis and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and PMI Senior Construction Professional.

A Memphis native from a family of civic-minded entrepreneurs and educators, Brent serves on...

Cedric Hamilton serves as the Business Services Manager for the City of Memphis Government, where he leads initiatives focused on sourcing, procurement, supplier engagement, and business development. With a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and strategic partnerships, Cedric works to connect businesses with government opportunities while strengthening the City’s supplier network. He is passionate about fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and creating procurement initiatives that deliver value to both the City of Memphis and the community it serves.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Cedric has been married to his wife, Heidi Hamilton, for 21 years. Together, they are the proud parents of three children—two daughters and one son. They value faith, family, and service, reflecting the same dedication and commitment that Cedric brings to both his personal life and his work in the Memphis community.

Khalif Johnson, Procurement Manager for Turner Construction Company's Memphis office, is a passionate advocate for expanding opportunities for local businesses and strengthening the region's construction industry. Since 2016, he has led the local Turner School of Construction Management program, helping more than 500 graduates develop the knowledge, relationships, and operational capacity needed to compete for major projects. Recognized as Advocate of the Year at The Mid-South Business Continuum's 2025 Robert R. Church Awards, Khalif is committed to creating lasting partnerships that strengthen businesses, projects, and the communities they serve.

As Procurement Manager, Khalif leads procurement strategy for Turner's Memphis office, helping transform project opportunities into successful partnerships. He works with project teams, trade partners, and suppliers to develop procurement strategies that emphasize early engagement, compliance, transparency, and long-term relationship building. By aligning procurement planning with...

Christin L. Webb is a catalyst for building leaders from the inside out. She’s a global speaker, leadership strategist, executive facilitator, author, and nationally recognized procurement professional with more than 20 years of experience leading people, organizations, procurement operations, and transformational initiatives. Throughout her career, Christin has led a $1.1 billion public-sector contracting portfolio representing approximately $1.8 billion in projected purchasing and contract spend and has trained, facilitated, coached, and spoken to leaders and professionals across corporate, government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and global-development sectors. Her clients and audiences have included the World Bank Group, FedEx Supply Chain, St. Jude, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Health Department, KIPP Schools Memphis, Agape Memphis, and the Women in Tech Global Conference, and since 2022 she has trained procurement professionals across the continental United States. Her work as a speaker, moderator, and host has also taken her to notable venues including...

Randy N. Orsby has a long tenure (37 years) within the Logistics and Supply Chain Industry. His profession started out as a young 18 year old in 1985 in the U.S. Air Force in the Requisition & Purchasing area procuring different types of munitions and explosive material for the Department of Defense. As he transitioned from different bases, he started procuring aircraft equipment along with air-to-air combat missiles for the F-111 Fighter Aircrafts. His additional duties were managing the inventory levels of the stored equipment and nuclear weapons.

After an honorable discharge from the military, he attended and graduated from Memphis State University gaining an undergraduate degree in Business Finance. A few years later, he attended the University of Memphis and obtained his MBA with a concentration in both Finance and Economics. While attending the university, he started...

Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas is a Memphis native and a visionary leader committed to advancing community, culture, and education. Elected to the Memphis City Council in 2019, she is the Chair of the Public Services, Arts and Youth Initiatives Committee and serves as the Council’s liaison to Shelby County Schools and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Danielle McGee Gibson is a powerhouse at the intersection of entrepreneurship, equity, and economic justice. She is the founder of Black Business Boom and Executive Director of Boomin University.

Danielle is where strategy meets soul—a builder of ecosystems, and champion for Black entrepreneurs. She doesn’t just dream of change—she blueprints it, funds it, launches it, and makes it sustainable.

With over 15 years of experience and an MBA from Saint Xavier University, Danielle has built innovative platforms that equip small businesses with the tools, coaching, and capital needed to thrive. Under her leadership, Black Business Boom has grown into Boomin University, a national initiative that has supported hundreds of small businesses through training, loan readiness, and mentorship.

Jarlecia Jones serves as Vice President of Lending for West Tennessee at Pathway Lending, where she helps entrepreneurs access the capital, resources, and guidance needed to grow successful businesses. A native Memphian, her passion for supporting small business owners is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs, where she learned firsthand the challenges and rewards of business ownership. Since joining Pathway in 2019, she has advanced through several leadership roles while helping businesses across industries secure financing, create jobs, and strengthen communities throughout West Tennessee. With a background in accounting, Jarlecia empowers entrepreneurs to better understand their finances and make informed decisions that support long-term growth. A proud alumna of Leadership Tennessee NEXT, she is committed to expanding economic opportunity and helping business owners turn their vision into lasting success.