This year, Thrive Regional Partnership recognized an inaugural class of Emeritus Trustees. Bruz Clark, Cheryl Millsaps, Dan Jacobson, Daniel Carter, Gary Farlow, and Rob Bradham were honored for their service to the tri-state region.

The inaugural Emeritus Trustees, individuals who have previously served on the board with distinction and excellence, were honored at a reception on May 10 at Waterhouse Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga. The event was sponsored by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Peterman, Director of Civic Engagement of The University of the South.

The Emeritus Trustees were recognized for their significant volunteer efforts to Thrive Regional Partnership:

Bruz Clark of the Lyndhurst Foundation was honored for his distinct contributions of time, talent and treasure to the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for his legacy building contributions of time, talent, and treasure to the Natural Treasures Initiative and Watershed Moment vision that led to the Cradle of Southern Appalachia Conservation Blueprint for the Thrive Region.

Cheryl Millsaps of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized for her distinct contributions to the founding fiduciary stewardship of Thrive 2055, establishing the inaugural tri-state partners and catalytic funders, and serving on the founding board for Thrive Regional Partnership and its initial 5-year fiduciary oversight.

Dan Jacobson retired Vice-President of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority was honored for his distinct contributions of time, talent and treasure to the Thrive Region as Chairman of Thrive 2055, and his significant leadership steering the vision, founding, funding, and governance structure of Thrive Regional Partnership, and later serving as its founding Treasurer and Chair of Development.

Daniel Carter of The University of the South and Carter Farm was honored for his contributions to the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for the significant establishment of the Natural Treasures Alliance as Chairman of the Natural Treasures Initiative, and steering the establishment of the Cradle of Southern Appalachia Conservation Blueprint.

Gary Farlow, retired President/CEO of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce was recognized for his involvement in the founding boards of Thrive 2055 and Thrive Regional Partnership, and for the significant establishment of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership as Chairman of the inaugural Regional Economic Development Initiative Group.

Rob Bradham, former President/CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce was honored for his commitment to  the founding collaboration efforts of Thrive 2055, participating in the establishment of the inaugural tri-state partners, serving on the founding board for Thrive Regional Partnership and contributing to the ongoing sustainability and funding of the work.  

Reflecting upon the leadership of the first class of Emeritus Trustees, Thrive President/CEO said “we are grateful for their visionary leadership that was critical to the formation and evolution of this organization. Their dedication is appreciated beyond measure and an inspiration to emerging leaders that will follow in the future.”