Want to learn more about what makes Franklin thrive? Join us as we learn from four talented, dynamic individuals who bring passion and hard work to the table each day. Since our community is ever-evolving, these panelists will make sure you are up-to-date and in-the-know for the rest of 2018!
The panel includes Todd Morgan, Studio Tenn; Jerry Stump, Volkert Global; Sandy Obodzinski, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee; and Elizabeth McCreary, Williamson Inc. To RSVP, follow this link.
TODD MORGAN – MANAGING DIRECTOR
The skilled, innovative and creative managing force behind Studio Tenn, Todd Morgan joined the company as its new Managing Director in September of 2017. Originally hailing from Pinehurst, North Carolina, Morgan comes to Studio Tenn with a plethora of experience and expertise. After earning his B.S. in musical theatre at Lees-McRae College, Morgan founded the North Carolina Stage Ensemble where he oversaw the production of seventeen classic musicals for various theatrical venues. Such productions include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, SMOKEY JOES CAFE, FOREVER PLAID and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Morgan went on to produce all park entertainment at Tweetsie Railroad while serving as the director of entertainment. He later earned his M.F.A. in performing arts management from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts which included an internship at the prestigious Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. Morgan would go on to serve as the theater programming coordinator for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where his passion for new works led him to projects with notable industry professionals including Jason Loewith, Bill Russell, Edgar Dobie and Michael Kaiser. Additionally, he worked on several Broadway bound Kennedy Center productions including LITTLE DANCER, starring Tiler Peck and Boyd Gaines, as well as the new production of SIDE SHOW, starring Emily Padgett and Erin Davie, which transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2014. Morgan also had the pleasure to facilitate cabaret performances featuring artists such as Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone, Judy Kuhn, Tommy Tune, Megan Hilty, Brian D’Arcy James and Barbara Cook. Later, Morgan became the management associate for the Tony Award-winning Signature theatre in Arlington, VA., Signature is a prominent home for the development and production of new and innovative works of musical theatre. Todd is accompanied by his wife Donna and their daughters, Molly and Allyssa.
JERRY STUMP, PE – PRESIDENT & CEO
Jerry Stump joined Volkert in 2013 as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, becoming President and COO in 2016 and then President and CEO in 2018. He is also CEO of Volkert Global, the firm’s international arm. Jerry brings to Volkert 35 years of experience and leadership positions with 3 national ENR-ranked firms. He oversees the implementation of the firm’s vision, strategic agenda, and business plan, facilitating its communication and execution by its senior leadership team. Jerry also served as national chairman of American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), comprising more than 5,000 engineering firms and 600,000 professionals. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1982 with a B.S. degree in civil engineering and received his master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Louisville.
SANDY OBODZINSKI – PRESIDENT & CEO
Sandy is a relationship-focused development professional with acumen in financial leadership, community relations, public speaking, board engagement and staff development. She earned her master’s degree in liberal arts and science from Vanderbilt University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communication from Drake University. Sandy has served on the board of the Nashville chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and volunteered with Book ‘Em, Hands on Nashville and ALIAS Chamber Ensemble. She avidly explores the natural beauty of Tennessee, enjoying hiking, kayaking, photography and creative writing that captures her adventures.
ELIZABETH McCREARY – CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Elizabeth McCreary is the Chief Economic Development Officer for Williamson, Inc. Elizabeth manages and directs county wide economic development strategies and leads the Economic Development Office for Williamson, Inc. Prior to assuming the role of Chief Economic Development Officer, she spent a year building the Williamson, Inc. Economic Partnership, helping to develop a five-year strategic plan for Economic Development and raising the funds to help support that plan through a new public private partnership.
Elizabeth began her career in economic development with Journal Communications, Inc. where she spent over five years working with chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across the U.S. to build both print publications and online marketing platforms. In 2010, she joined the Maury Alliance as Director of Economic Development where she assisted in the recruitment of multiple companies which brought over $60M in capital investments and over 1,500 new jobs. Elizabeth serves on the board of directors for the TMA Group and the executive committee for Special Olympics of Tennessee. She is also a volunteer with TN Achieves and the WCS Ambassadors program.
FrankTalks is free and the public is invited. Franklin Tomorrow partnered with Vanderbilt University’s Office of Community, Neighborhood, and Government Relations to expand the frequency of FrankTalks in 2016 to a monthly program. It is held at various locations across the city, but always on the second Monday of the month. Thanks to the added support of Renasant Bank, FrankTalks continues to thrive in 2018.
Special thanks to the Williamson County Public Library for hosting this Franklin Tomorrow event in August.