The four finalists for Women Impacting the Community were surprised to be honored among the over 90 women who were nominated for this year’s award luncheon, hosted by the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce.

Following opening remarks from TACC President Emily Raths and Executive Board member Joanna Reynolds, Past President James Fuller took a moment to acknowledge previous winners of Women Impacting the Community before announcing that the selection committee received a recordsetting 93 nominations.

He then introduced a change to this year’s luncheon, where, instead of a keynote speaker, attendees got to hear from a panel featuring Brenda Cannon, Executive Director of Community Relations at Motlow State Community College, Kristin Luna, journalist and founder of Odinn Media and nonprofit organization DMAevents, and Maggie Lynch, the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Tullahoma and Senior Class President for the Tullahoma High School graduating class of 2026. Moderated by Fuller, the three women reflecting different generations were asked questions that were submitted by attendees that ranged in topics of finding one’s passion, advice on evolving success, how to make an impact in their community, how to avoid burnout, career-changing advice they received, how to support other women and what they would tell their younger selves.

Following the panel was the awards presentation. Chamber Executive Director Hope Nunley addressed attendees and said it was a joy to be with everyone to celebrate the strength, dedication and the incredible impact of women in the Tullahoma community. She took a moment to recognize fellow chamber employees Katherine Wiseman, Marketing and Membership Director, Kathy Grissom, Administrative Assistant, and Lynch, the chamber’s work-based learning intern, as well as the 14 women who serve on the chamber’s board of directors and the 19 women chamber ambassadors.

“We truly couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of you,” Nunley said.

She then reiterated that the selection committee received 93 nominations for this year’s Women Impacting the Community.

“Each story shared with us was inspiring, each accomplishment worthy of recognition,” Nunley said. “The selection committee certainly had the incredibly difficult task of narrowing that list down to twelve finalists, and then even more challenging, choosing a single winner in each category.”

This year’s 12 finalists were: Amy Morris, Jessica Lawton, and Tina Rose for Business; Amy Dodson and Sandy Hawk Klonaris, of Robert E. Lee Elementary School, and Sherrie Cleveland, retired TCS and FCSS Educator, for Education; Bertha Smith, Florence Hull and Gloria Damron for Community Service; and Catherine “Cat” Murray, Nancy Fuller and Yvonne Long for Lifetime Achievement.

This year’s winner in the category of Business was Amy Morris of STAR Physical Therapy, who Nunley said exemplified what it meant to lead with both excellence and compassion.

“With a strong academic foundation and a career rooted in serving her hometown, she now oversees multiple clinics while cultivating the next generation of therapists,” Nunley said. “Through a thriving mentorship program. She sets an extraordinary standard of care, going so far as to personally support families before treatment even begins, and her team reflects that same commitment and heart.”

Beyond professional achievements, Nunley described Morris as a devoted and present mother who balanced leadership with deep personal dedication.

“Amy’s impact on her patients, her staff, and the Tullahoma community is both profound and lasting,” Nunley said.

For the category of Community Service, Nunley said this year’s winner, Florence Hull, was truly in the business of community service, leading as the owner of Tennessee’s oldest family shoe store, Clayton’s Shoes, while creating meaningful connections with every customer served.

“Her influence extends far beyond her business through leadership roles with the Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce, South Jackson Performing Arts Center, and the local arts council, along with her steadfast support of service clubs and nonprofits,” Nunley said.

Hull has received various recognitions for her community service, including the Good Scout Award, receiving a Regional Tourism Award from Experience Tennessee, featured on the cover of Think Tullahoma 2020 magazine, being previously named as a winner of Women Impacting the Community in the category of Business and serving as an active C.E.O partner for Jack T. Farrar Elementary School, going as far as teaching kindergartners how to tie their shoes.

“Known as the unoffi cial ambassador for all things Tullahoma, she leads with honesty, warmth, and a genuine love for people that leaves a lasting impression on every face she meets,” Nunley said.

When talking about this year’s winner in the Education category, Amy Dodson was described as a dedicated special education teacher whose unwavering commitment to her students makes a profound impact in the community.

“She goes far beyond the classroom, ensuring each child receives not only a strong education, but also an individualized support, encouragement and advocacy they need to thrive,” Nunley said. “Through her tireless efforts to connect families with vital resources and her collaborative solutionfocused approach, she has changed the trajectory of countless lives. With remarkable kindness, patience, and steady leadership, Amy creates a space where every student feels valued, capable, and empowered to succeed.”

The final award was Lifetime Achievement, and it was presented to this year’s recipient: Nancy Fuller. Nunley described Fuller as a woman who has a true servant’s heart and a deep, unwavering love for the Tullahoma community, where she represents both her workplace and her hometown with grace in every interaction she has. She then highlighted Fuller’s leadership within the chamber as both an ambassador and a past president over the last 12 years. Nunley also mentioned Fuller’s involvement in the C.E.O program, where she leads Bank Day at Robert E. Lee Elementary School, and being heavily involved with the nonprofit organization 5 Loaves 4 Kids, which she said reflected Fuller’s life of devoted service.

“A faithful member of First Christian Church, she continually uplifts nonprofi ts and service organizations, always the first to step forward when help is needed,” Nunley said. “Nancy is a source of encouragement and steady strength, known for her kindness, humility and genuine care she shows to everyone she meets.”