
JACKSON, Tenn. – Fellowship Bible Church Executive Pastor of Operations and RIFA Board member Randy Pierson has been selected as December 2023 Hub City Hero.
According to Pierson’s nominator, “Randy works tirelessly for the community by volunteering his time and expertise to build and repair homes, office buildings, and other needed structures around the City of Jackson such as countless Habitat for Humanity homes, RIFA’s office building, Birth Choice, City of Jackson Fire Department, several JMCSS projects and many others.”
“I was a builder to get through college and seminary. I’m a physics and geometry guy so I put my hand to a hammer and saw and it made sense, said Pierson, a native of North Carolina. “The Lord had a reason for it. So, I felt like after seminary, I would just put my hammer down and I’d be done.”
During his time in North Carolina, Pierson said that Habitat for Humanity came along and that he built his first house for the organization prior to moving to Jackson where he framed his 6th house.
Pierson, who has worked internationally on mission trips in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has worked on approximately 80 houses – about 40 of those were house-builds in Jackson, TN. Additionally, Pierson has assisted the City of Jackson, TN’s Love Your Block team in their first year through consulting and home repairs.
Pierson says that he finds a lot of joy in serving. He says he does so by living his life with an open hand.
“I think the joy of serving with others there a real synergy there when you're all sweating together and there's sweat equity involved and it's just something really cool about it,” said Pierson. “I think it's important for me to use my gifts to help others and to basically try to give my life away.”
“Hub City Heroes are members of our community who invest their lives, and also find joy, in service. Randy is no exception,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “He know that he has impacted the lives of many people internationally, but we are grateful to have him right here in Jackson, TN.”

University School of Jackson Lower School students have been recognized as Hub City Heroes for the month of November.
This year, students of the University School of Jackson made “Gratitude” their focus for the month of November, according to a newsletter sent out to the parents of the school. One way they thought of gratitude was “choosing to appreciate the people and things” in their lives.
“Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and our happiness. Gratitude is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Throughout the school, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress management,” read the newsletter.
At the end of the November the students participated in their annual Turkey Trot where each grade level races around the building together and takes class pictures with our blow-up turkey in front of the school.
According to the newsletter, each year students are asked, “to raise money for a worthy cause” – in this case, Area Relief Ministries (ARM) was selected and each homeroom class competed to see which class could raise the most money. The students raised just over $6,500.
“I think it’s amazing. We were not expecting it to be that big,” said Sarah Jones, USJ Lower School Counselor. “We talked about it in class and they really got into it. I am super proud of them.”
Ten of the students (two from each grade 1st-5th), Trace Hayes, Emery Jones, Mary Harbert Alexander, Liam Johns, John Gorman, Molly Gordon Carroll, Forrest Allison, Kate Carver Dorris, Lee Dement, and Shaila Patel, were selected to visit Mayor Scott Conger’s office to be interviewed. These students were selected for going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts.
“I was beyond honored to sit in the room with 10 local heroes representing the entire University School of Jackson Lower School student body,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “The future of the city of Jackson is bright and I am thankful to these students for their wiliness to give back to our community.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Local poet and author and founder of “The Griot Collective” James Cherry has been selected as September 2023 Hub City Hero.
Cherry’s nominator said that they nominated him for “his longtime dedication to teaching youth in Jackson how to express themselves through written and spoken word art platforms.”
Cherry, an author of three books of poems, two novels, and one collection of short fiction, said that Dr. [Martin Luther] King’s concept of community is how he thinks community should be.
“When I think of community, I just don't think of neighborhoods or districts but the whole city as a community. For example, if East Jackson does well, then the entire city is lifted up,” said Cherry. “I feel that since I'm a life-long citizen here that it's incumbent that I give back in some form or fashion, so that's one of my missions is to try to help where I can.”
“The Griot Collective,” of which Cherry founded, is a literary arts organization in Jackson that hosts poetry workshops and teaches about community activism.
“We bring in different writers of national reputation to the city,” said Cherry. “We sponsor poetry contests for kids. We have a visiting writer's series and we have open mics around the city.”
Cherry was an instrumental member of the team that helped with the efforts to pay homage and celebrate Gil Scott-Herron, a world-renowned poet with deep roots in Jackson. There is now a marker in Jackson recognizing Gil Scott-Herron’s contributions to this art form because of the efforts of community leaders including James Cherry.
Cherry believes that each individual has a voice and to not feel as though they do not have an opinion and that they should “start where you are.”
“If it's your neighborhood or your school or whatever it may be and find someone who has like-interest and shares your desire. That's how movements start,” said Cherry. “I think about some of the movements that are popular around Jackson and our country. They basically started with one person who wanted to make a difference. You can make a difference right where you are.”
“James' commitment to the community through the arts, including his work with his literary organization, has enriched our city's cultural landscape,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “His heart for those who express themselves through writing is a testament to the power of passion and the profound impact one person can have on a city.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Lane College Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Kristyn Mayberry has been selected as September 2023 Hub City Hero.
Dr. Mayberry’s nominator said that she is an “outstanding individual” who “returned home to Jackson with the initiative to revamp and re-establish the education program and Lane College to prepare, mentor, and advise future educators.” Her nominator also said that she is a “helping hand to anyone who crosses her path and is passionate about education and mental health awareness.”
Dr. Mayberry said that she has always wanted to give back to her community.
“The community is so important to me. I grew up in the east Jackson area. I attended Jackson Central Merry High School and I've always been passionate about giving back and pouring into others especially the young adults and students in the community,” said Dr. Mayberry. “I feel like they need a mentor and advisor and someone that's focused on their whole-selves.”
Dr. Mayberry is an advocate for mental health. She believes in pouring out into citizens and making sure they are successful in what they choose to do.
“I offer social and emotional training and sessions not only for the youth but for adults as well,” said Dr. Mayberry. “So I would appreciate if we could dig a little deeper within the community into how we are doing mentally, emotionally.”
Dr. Mayberry said that she is really big on change and that it’s necessary to get to where people want to be in life.
“Just have the drive to go out and do it and if you don't have the support at first, know that you have to stick with it and eventually others will pour into what you're doing if it's positive and if it's going to affect the lives of others.”
“Heroes recognize the importance of home,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Dr. Mayberry’s commitment to helping her community in the area of mental health and education is a benefit to our city.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – 2023 WestStar Graduate Randy Moffett has been selected as August 2023 Hub City Hero.
Moffett’s nominator, his daughter, said that she, “get to see firsthand his passion and willingness to serve our local community. He serves on a multitude of boards like Leadership Jackson, the Dream Center board, and Relay for Life. He has also completed Leadership Jackson and just graduated from West Start. He has always encouraged me to support local businesses and be a good neighbor to those around me. He is a living example of what it means to be a good neighbor and to love the Jackson community not just financially, but personally.”
“Being a parent, you always want to raise your kids right and you want to show them the correct way to do life and so it means a lot for me that she would see that,” Moffett said. “And she has seen the impact times as well but that’s a big home run for me.”
Moffett says that he is fortunate to be engaged and involved with the Jackson Community and suggests that everyone find something they are passionate about.
Moffett has personal connections to some of the organizations that he is a part of including Relay for Life, which he is a part of after losing his uncle to cancer.
“Find a cause that hits home and reach out to them,” Moffett said. “Say to them, ‘how can I donate a couple of hours of my time a month or a financial donation?’ Find something that hits home.”
Moffett says that doing nothing is “not the way” he thinks we need to live. He says that “everybody has something to give” and whatever their talent, their time or their treasure is, “should be donated to the community.”
“The giving of one’s time is probably the most unselfish act a person can do because we cannot get time back. Heroes give of their time,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Randy is a hero for that reason. He proves it daily through his involvement with multiple boards and nonprofits.”

2023 Madison Academic Magnet High School graduate Ria Patel has been selected as July 2023 Hub City Hero.
Patel’s nominator said that her goal has been “to make an impact in her community any way she can.” Patel is the creator of “Ria’s Heart” which, according to her nominator, is a “behavioral therapy art program for children who are autistic.”
Patel has volunteered her time with Oakhaven Assisted Living where she, according to her nominator, “would bake all kinds of goodies to take to the residents” and spend time on several occasions, buying and creating gift bags containing personal care items, and on one occasion purchasing game boards, puzzles, and card games for the resident’s activity area.”
Ria says that The Star Center is one organization that she’s been affiliated with the longest. Her fundraiser, “Cupcakes for a Cause” raised money through selling cupcakes that she learned to bake during the Pandemic. She said that when she returns during the summer that she will teach baking classes at the Star Center.
“The Star Center was mostly important to me,” Patel said. “I wanted to do some kind of cupcake drive to raise money for [them].”
Patel said that she feels rewarded when combining her passion and service.
“Always go with your passion,” Patel said. “If you think about what you love and what you really love to do, incorporate that into your community service.”
“Ria is a model for selflessness,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Her volunteering for multiple organizations, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA during her time in high school, shows a true passion for service to others.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Current President of the Gamma Psi Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Dr. LaToshia Chism has been selected as June 2023 Hub City Hero.
Dr. Chism’s nominator said that, “through her sorority work, she is instrumental in providing scholarships to college bond youth,” and that “she was instrumental in raising funds for scholarships for students who are looking to advance their academic endeavors and to address issues that cause barriers to academic success.” The nominator also said that Dr. Chism “hosted a group webinar to bring awareness to the opioid crisis that we are facing and to provide NARCAN training.”
Dr. Chism credits her grandmother for her wanting to pay it forward by helping others.
“As a young as a youngster, my grandmother, who's now deceased, she was a big part of the community in Milwaukee and I saw that I had enjoyed watching her and I just often said, ‘Mama, when I grow up, this is what I want to do.’ And so when I saw her blessing other people, it really blessed me,” said Dr. Chism. “And so now that I'm of age, when I bless other people, it blesses me.”
Dr. Chism is a native of Jackson, TN and a graduate of Lane College and has a background in education. She says that she always wants to see peoples strive in education, which is one of the things that her grandmother did. She says that was one of the things that drew her to Phi Delta Kappa.
Dr. Chism has also organizes NARCAN training due to her connection with a parent who reached out to her.
“I worked with a parent years ago who struggled with opioids and she just confided in me,” said Dr. Chism. “Then when I realized that…we have something in the city that addresses this issue, I wanted others to be a part of it and so that was why I wanted my organization's all of them to be a part of this training.”
“Our city is full of heroes and Dr. Chism is definitely counted in that number,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Dr. Chism has proven herself a hero with her many roles in the community from assisting in making sure students and teachers are successful to organizing training for people who want to assist those affected by the Opioid crisis.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Jackson-Madison County Schools’ Jackson-Central Merry Middle School teacher Hunter Hawes has been selected as May 2023 Hub City Hero.
Hawes’ nominator said that they have witnessed him for the past two years “pour his soul into teaching and loving his students” and that he “truly has a heart for the children.” His nominator also said that they’ve witnessed him “inspire his students with confidence and growth.”
Hawes believes that a lot of people underestimate the youth in our community. He says that he his moving into the midtown area coincided with the start of his teaching career.
“When I was first getting into teaching [my wife and I] lived in midtown and JCM just opened up and I wanted to be part of something exciting,” said Hawes. “So I thought what better way than to teach the [students] that are around me.”
Hawes, a native of Paducah, KY, made his home with his wife here in Jackson, TN after attending Union University. Hawes is a language arts teacher at JCM Middle School where he and his wife both teach. Hawes also joined his fellow educator Christina Warren with implementing “The Extraordinary Shake” program, which according to the programs website is a ‘high-stakes competition for Jackson Central-Merry Middle School students to showcase their poise, professionalism, and communication skills.’
“Our local educators have a vital role in the growth of our communities through their reach with students inside and outside the classroom,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Hunter made Jackson his home and committed himself to seeing his students succeed. That is the mark of a hero.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Nadia Beard, director of the Children Theatre Company of Jackson, has been selected as the April 2023 Hub City Hero.
Beard’s nominator said that they nominated her “because her hard work in the community is something you don’t see every day” and that “her passion and hard work can really be seen in our students and youth.” Her nominator also said that she “has a vision for our youth and is determined to see it through.”
Beard, a native or Jackson, TN and a graduate of North Side High School, the University of Tennessee at Martin, and American University in Washington D.C., says that community is very important to her.
“At one time I was a young individual in the community searching for someone or wanting someone to be in our favor; wanting someone to be a great leader. I see myself now as a representation of what I wanted as a child. Now since I'm in this place I want to make sure I follow through with what GOD has asked me to do and I know that he has me here serving for our community and our young people,” said Beard. “Since I'm going to be a servant, I must be an awesome leader. And I want to be able to leave a legacy wherever I go.”
When giving her words of wisdom to those who make a difference, Beard said that you must connect with those who share the same interests.
“Center yourself around the right people because everyone is not in your best interest. Not everyone has that heart that you may have,” said Beard. “So you have to start with individuals who have held the torch before you and connect with them if they are still living and around. Get their insights and then you build from there and become that beacon of light for the future.”
“Hub City Heroes often wear many hats and Nadia is no exception,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “With the arts and theatre growing in our city, Nadia saw a need to introduce many of the youth in our community to theatre and we are truly grateful.”

JACKSON, Tenn. – Scarlet Rope Board Member Katie Hale has been selected as the March 2023 Hub City Hero.
Hale’s nominator said that she helped to “spearhead the Scarlet Rope Project house being built” and that she “used her expertise and knowledge in a way that did nothing to benefit her but everything to benefit the organization and the women who would live there.”
Hale, a native of Jackson, TN, serves on the board of the Scarlet Rope Project, which a faith based nonprofit established in 2015, exists to provide a safe place of healing and restoration to female survivors of sex trafficking, be a resource for victims seeking help, and raise awareness about commercial sexual exploitation,’ according to their website.
Hale said that after moving back to Jackson, she is always looking for opportunities to serve.
“Like some of your other Hub City Heroes have said, we can just sit back and do nothing and be complainers or we can actually get involved,” said Hale. “So, I’m always looking for ways to get involved.”
Hale said that anyone who wants to find ways to give back and serve their community should first find out what they’re passionate about and to not hesitate to ask questions.
“What is it that you’re passionate about that you want to make a difference that will not just help our community but to help those that are forgotten,” said Hale. “Whether you have time or resource, find out what you're passionate about. For me, I'm always looking at those that are the outcast and those that haven't had a light shined on them.”
"Heroes know their strengths and they put their strengths to action. And those actions lead to positive growth in our community. Katie is no exception," said Mayor Scott Conger. "Her strengths in knowledge of building and design lead her to be a part of the future of an organization will touch the lives of all who walk through the doors of the new home."

Hunter Cross, owner of Third Eye Curiosities, has been selected as the February 2023 Hub City Hero.
Cross said that during his five years at Third Eye Curiostities, he sees members of the unhoused population daily and sees how real their struggle is.
“I kept telling myself what's the least I can do. I have a platform I have a regular customer base. I have the opportunity to combine music with helping this cause,” said Cross. “I had the location and it was a no-brainer. It was easy to do and it's something I believe in.”
Hunter’s nominator referenced the fact that Hunter “coordinates Krewfest to raise supplies for the local unhoused population” and that he “is passionate about the homeless situation in Jackson and works to connect the community to ensure resources are available for those in need.”
According to Cross, the 4th Annual Krewfest will be held this year. The fundraiser is geared toward bringing awareness to homelessness. He said that over 100 coats were donated last year.
“It’s combing live music and we all come together for donating what we have for those who don’t have,” said Cross. “I think last year there was an emphasis on boots and coats. I know what it's like to be uncomfortably cold but I can't imagine what it's like to be out there freezing.”
Cross said that just spreading the word about the festival and donating locally makes an impact.
“You can worry about what's going on outside our little city but you have the power to change what's happening in your neighborhood,” said Cross. “If you can’t attend the event, just know about the [local] resources.”
"Heroes don't turn a blind-eye to the needs of others. Hunter sees the need almost daily in his shop," said Mayor Scott Conger. "The mark of a true hero is when they use their platform in order to help others and that's what Hunter does for members of the unhoused community."

JACKSON, Tenn. –Dianne Sherrod has been selected as the January 2023 Hub City Hero.
Sherrod works for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service’s Lifeline Peer Project, which serves an 11 county region.
Sherrod’s nominator said that she is, ‘an advocate for those in active addiction in our community,” and that she, “works endlessly to support those in active addiction.” Her nominator also said that she is a “light and a source of hope for so many in Jackson.”
Sherrod said that one of the most important things she does is provide education.
“We try to educate and train people on how to prevent an overdose or reverse and overdose,” said Sherrod. “We also provide though our faith-based initiative program, training that helps people understand what trauma is.”
Sherrod, through her organization, wants to help break the stigma of drug abuse.
“There’s a lot of sigma that goes along with drug abuse and drug addiction. People don’t understand that it’s a disease of the brain,” said Sherrod. “It takes treatment and medication and different ways to be able to overcome that.”
Sherrod said that the best thing that the community can do is be informed and raise awareness to people who might not understand that addiction is all about.
“Heroes often step in and run to the fight in order to help and make a positive impact for the community they serve,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Dianne is among that group heroes. She gives her time in order to help those who are looking for a way out of drug abuse and addiction. She is a great example.”