SLINGSHOT MEMPHIS - Key Persons
Andres joined Slingshot Memphis in November 2020. Prior to joining the team, Andres worked for the Development Impact Evaluation team at the World Bank.
During his time at the World Bank, he developed a framework to improve the data collection and analysis capabilities of the Peruvian Judicial system. He also designed a randomized control trial to measure the effect of free legal clinics on accessibility to justice. Prior to the World Bank, Andres worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, serving clients in the financial sector on topics of digitalization, financial inclusion, and corporate finance.
Andres holds a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Chicago where he specialized in International Development and Conflict Studies.
Ashley joined Slingshot in July 2023. Prior to joining the team, Ashley served in Teach For America corps as an early elementary educator in Shelby County for three years. While in the program, she focused her graduate school research on identifying best practices for literacy proficiency and implemented these practices not only in her classroom but also as part of school-wide literacy programs.
Ashley holds a Masters of Education from Christian Brothers University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business from Texas A&M.
Chris joined Slingshot Memphis in September 2018. He came to Slingshot from the Midwest Health Collaborative (MHC), a healthcare nonprofit comprised of five hospital systems focused on reducing healthcare costs for Ohioans.
Prior to MHC, Chris worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, serving clients across the healthcare, nonprofit, and public sectors. Chris previously served as the CEO of the Hilltop Microfinance Initiative and as an Eileen Granville Fellow for Pelotonia, a nonprofit that raised more than $150 million in its first nine years to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University.
Chris studied international political economy at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
Clair joined Slingshot in July 2022. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a middle school math teacher in Kansas City, Missouri. She coached cross country and track, sponsored the Diversity Council, and initiated a department-wide teaching technique to increase student engagement.
She began her career teaching and assisting with operations of a child sponsorship program in Uganda. Clair attended the University of Arkansas, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Minor in Secondary Education.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Manager, Deloitte Digital
DeAndre is a Manager within the Customer & Marketing Service Line of Deloitte Digital. He has spent the entirety of his professional career in the consulting industry, with an emphasis on digital marketing and user experience. He has worked with various Business & IT organizations walking with them in their digital journey to become more innovative, agile, and efficient. Drawing from his experience as a NCAA Division I college athlete, DeAndre serves on the board of the Make a Play Foundation to help prepare underrepresented athletes for executive careers.
DeAndre is a native Memphian who graduated from Memphis University School. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Desireé joined Slingshot in September 2023. Prior to joining Slingshot, Desireé worked with the Inter-American Development Bank, researching initiatives to incorporate the gender perspective into transportation policies across the Latin America region.
Desireé has extensive experience with policy research, data analysis, and evaluation. Prior to the Inter-American Development Bank, she worked with NGOs, local government, and multilateral institutions on both policy and programming of development projects related to gender, labor force, and transportation.
Desireé holds a Master's in Public Policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago, a Master's in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics (United Kingdom), and a Master's in Public Management from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores en Administracion (Venezuela).
Job Titles:
- Retired Executive, International Paper
Fred Towler retired from International Paper in June 2023 and was most recently the Vice President of Global Talent Management and Chief Diversity Officer. In this role he had leadership responsibility for International Paper's global diversity, equity and inclusion, talent management and employee engagement strategies and execution. During his 36 year career with International Paper, Fred held senior leadership roles throughout North America in sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, finance, strategy, information technology, supply chain, and global sourcing.
Fred is a native Memphian and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Fred graduated from the University of Memphis, and was recognized in 2016 as a Distinguished Alumnus. He is active in the Memphis community and serves on the Board of Visitors for the University of Memphis, and he is on the Board of Directors for the University of Memphis Foundation, University of Memphis Auxiliary Services Foundation, and University of Memphis LEAD Board.
Job Titles:
- President and CEO of Ballet Memphis
Gretchen is President and CEO of Ballet Memphis. Previously, Gretchen was the President and Founder of DI Studios, a local consulting company. From 2007 to 2017, she served the Hyde Family Foundations. As Program Director for Authentic Assets, her work focused on managing the arts & culture and innovation portfolios, as well as the leadership programming of the Foundations. The Hyde Family Foundations' senior staff works closely with grantees to provide ongoing guidance around such areas as strategic and long-range planning, organizational capacity building, project management, and development and fundraising activities. Prior to her work with the Hyde family, Gretchen was a Major Gifts Officer for Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) and a Donor Relations Officer for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Gretchen regularly presents on panels and at conferences on issues related to city-building, contemporary trends in grantmaking, and equity in the arts. A native Memphian, Gretchen is a graduate of Northwestern (BA) and Wake Forest (MBA) universities.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder, Children 's Museum of Memphis
Harriet is a lifelong Memphian who believes Memphis can be a better place for all its citizens. She is a founder of the Children's Museum of Memphis with the mission of promoting a curiosity in learning through hands on activities and play. Her roles there included board membership, fundraising and directing search committees. Currently she serves on the boards of the Hugo Dixon Foundation and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Hayley joined Slingshot in September 2021. Prior to joining Slingshot, she spent nearly a decade with Memphis Teacher Residency, initially as a middle school teacher in its residency program before transitioning to Development and Communications Director.
In her development and communications work, Hayley helped increase stakeholder communications and establish an annual campaign.
Hayley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from Furman University, a Master of Education from Union University, and is enrolled in a Master of Business Administration program through the University of Wisconsin.
Jared joined Slingshot in October 2019. Prior to Slingshot, Jared worked at McKinsey & Company for six years. Several years of his career were based in Sub-Saharan Africa, including in South Africa with McKinsey, in Ghana as CEO of a manufacturing company and VP of a financial advisory firm, and in Kenya working in private equity.
He brings experience with disruptive innovation, strategic planning, organization building, and operational efficiency to Slingshot.
Jared holds a Masters in Business Administration with Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Statistics from Brigham Young University.
Jazmin joined Slingshot in February 2023. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a Programs Coordinator for a charter school network in Memphis, TN. Jazmin has worked in the nonprofit sector since she returned to Memphis in 2017. She has a passion for developing meaningful programming and providing resources and opportunities for the communities she serves, including experience creating relevant and sustainable programs for college and career readiness.
Jazmin attended Harding University in Arkansas, where she earned a B.B.A in Business Administration and Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Director, Insights & Impact
John joined Slingshot in November of 2020. Prior to joining the team, he worked as a recruiter for Democracy Prep Public Schools in Camden, New Jersey. John has previously worked in nonprofit programming for the education foundation Raise Your Hand Texas and in nonprofit operations for the D.C. Public Education Fund.
He began his career as a Teach for America corps member at Melrose High School, where he taught economics and government and served as the boy's basketball coach.
John is a native Memphian who holds a Master of Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and Business from Rhodes College.
Job Titles:
- Member of MDRC
- Vice President and Director of Program Development, MDRC
John Martinez is a member of MDRC's executive team and is a corporate officer. He is an expert in project incubation and start-up and serves as a senior advisor to many of MDRC's youth-focused projects. John plays a key role in new program development across MDRC's policy areas and centers and oversees MDRC's grants-management and funder-relations functions. Over his 25+ years at MDRC, John has also focused on youth development, criminal justice, and employment policy.
John served as President of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management in 2022 and is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Youth Employment Coalition. Before joining MDRC, John conducted research in a substance abuse treatment center and began his career as a food stamp eligibility worker. John holds a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sylvamo
John Sims has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sylvamo since its inception as a spinoff of International Paper. John joined International Paper in 1994, and has been an officer in the company since 2008. He has held a variety of roles and gained extensive experience in the Printing Papers and Packaging businesses in North America and Europe, while most recently serving as senior vice president for Corporate Development. Prior to joining International Paper, John served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. John holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Josh joined Slingshot in September 2022. Prior to joining Slingshot, Josh was an education consultant that launched a division of the Diverse Learners Cooperative in Memphis. Josh has worked for over 20 years in public education, Pre-K to 12th grade, and brings to the team years of experience in program building, strategic planning, and leadership development.
He began his education career in an independent school but has since worked in public school systems in Charlotte, NC, Alexandria, VA, Oxford, MS, and Memphis, TN. He was a founding Director for Aspire Public Schools in Memphis before coaching teachers and leaders as a Program Director with the Diverse Learners Cooperative.
Josh has a Masters in Education Leadership from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Christian University.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder & Principal, PeopleCap Advisors
Meg is a founding Principal of PeopleCap Advisors, a boutique firm specializing in helping leaders drive results through their people. She is a strategic advisor to CEOs, boards and investors and a recognized thought leader in people strategy, organizational culture, and organizational growth. Meg also serves as a member of the Board of Diversified Trust, a comprehensive wealth management firm based in Memphis with offices across the Southeast.
A passionate advocate for Memphis, Meg currently serves on the boards of Rhodes College and The T.W. Briggs Foundation, and is also a founding board member of the highly innovative Crosstown High Charter School, an XQ Future School.
Job Titles:
- Retired Executive, Cardinal Health
Nancy Hula Mills retired from Cardinal Health in May of 2023 and was most recently the Group Vice President of Enterprise Contracting. During her 34-year career with Cardinal Health she held various sales, sales leadership, business transformation, and enterprise contracting roles. She was a three-time Founders Award Finalist, a Fortune 500 Hero, and served as an executive sponsor for the Cardinal Women's Initiative (ERG).
Nancy is a graduate of Stephens College and has lived in Memphis for 33 years. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, and is a founding member of Ali's Way Inc. with a mission of "Helping Kids With Cancer".
Olivia joined Slingshot in August 2021. Prior to joining the team, Olivia held multiple positions in the Student Life Division at Rhodes College, where she innovated the first-ever Office of Student Health & Wellness to support students' holistic wellbeing during their time in college.
Most recently she managed operations in the Bonner Center for Service, connecting students to service and engagement opportunities in the greater Memphis community. She is passionate about helping create a more flourishing, sustainable local community.
Olivia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies - Urban and Community Health and a minor in Religious Studies from Rhodes College.
Shelley joined Slingshot in January 2024. Prior to joining Slingshot, she practiced non-profit immigration law in Memphis for several years. Shelley has over fifteen years of experience in both private and non-profit practice, working in the refugee and immigration law sectors spanning Tennessee, Texas, Washington D.C., and Guatemala.
Shelley is skilled at identifying, evaluating, and communicating evidence in ways that will contribute to Slingshot's commitment to evidence-based poverty-fighting. She also brings extensive experience with organizational capacity-building, staff development, and program management.
Shelley is a native Memphian who holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from University of Memphis School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on bilingual education and U.S/Mexico Border Relations from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Director, Technology & Analytics
Prior to joining Slingshot, Yoan worked on international development programs to alleviate poverty and to accelerate the growth and diversification of Sub-Saharan African economies through the advancement of science, technology, and engineering education.
He began his career at the World Bank where he contributed to the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Institution and the African Institute of Science and Technology. He founded his own nonprofit organization, ACTE, in Gabon to help address local education challenges by leveraging innovations in technology with a focus on improving science and mathematics education.
Yoan has degrees in computer science and electrical engineering from MIT, as well as a Masters of Education from Harvard and an MBA from Yale. He serves as an honorary member in several international organizations including the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET).