KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

This week, the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce announced the selected finalists for this year’s Women Impacting the Community luncheon.

The final field of three nominees for each of the four categories for the annual recognitions was announced the chamber’s social media pages Monday, May 6.

The 12 finalists announced for the four categories were Kelleye Watts, Kristin Breyette and Susan Wilson for Business; Lisa Burden, Samantha Zimmerman and Shannon Duncan for Education; Jennifer Ray, Joanna Reynolds and Susan Binkley for Community Service; and Ava Lynch, Deby Barnett and Donna Hamilton for Lifetime Achievement.

The other nominees for this year were Amy Johnson Anne Wonder, Ashley Breaux, Ashley Franklin, Bethany McKee, Carol Carr, Diana Brarcher Murray, Genie Rogers, Jan Taylor, Jenny Comstock, Jessica Fell Davis, Jessica Schewe, Julia Brown, Julie Judkins-Giffin, Kim Uselton, Laura Knight, Lauren Laurino, Lisa Hatfield, Lori Welch, Marilyn Smith, Meg Glenn, Michelle Roberson, Nancy Fuller, Nori Fraker, Reba Walters, Sandy Lindeman, Sandy Sebren, Sarah Hailey, Sarah Vella, Scarlett Carpenter,  Shannon Huffer, Shardasia Allgood, Sharon Lockhart, Susan Wilkinson Carr, Taylor Thompson, Tisha Fritz, Tricia Blowers and Wendy Wilkerson.

The annual luncheon will take place at noon Tuesday, May 14, at The Atlantic Venue, located at 205 N.W. Atlantic St. This four winners of each category will be announced at the luncheon. This year’s featured speaker will be Dr. MaryLou Apple, former President of Motlow State Community College and current Tennessee Board of Regents representative.

The event will be sponsored by SmartBank, Woodard’s Diamonds & Design and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased by visiting the chamber’s website at chamber.tullahoma.org/events/details/women-impacting-the-community-awards-luncheon-8644. 

About Dr. MaryLou Apple

Meet Dr. MaryLou Apple, a distinguished educator and a leader who has made an indelible mark in the field of education. Apple holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Dr. Apple has served in various capacities in the education sector, including as President of Motlow State Community College from 2006 to 2015 and, a Tennessee Board of Regents representative for the 6th Congressional District for the Tennessee Board of Regents since 2015.

Recognized for her achievements, Apple was honored the Distinguished Alumna in Higher Education Award from East Tennessee State University in 2016, and was named one of the Ten Most Influential Business Women in Rutherford County in 2015. Apple’s contributions extend beyond education, as she has served served in the United States Air Force as a Chief Nurse and Flight Nurse, earning the Air Force Commendation Award in 1998 and the Achievement Award in 1996. She has also been an active member of various professional organizations, including the Board of Beechcraft Heritage Museum and the Motlow State Foundation Board of Trustees.