Betty DeVinney, Former Vice President of Eastman Chemical Company, retired in 2003, as Senior Vice President of Eastman Chemical Company with global responsibility for Human Resources, Communications and Public Affairs.  She now serves on the boards of BlueCross BlueShield of TN, East TN State University Foundation and many others.  Listen as DeVinney talks about the qualities that she seeks in a mentee protege.

Betty DeVinney, Former Senior Vice President of Eastman Chemical Company  

Jeanette Blazier, Former City of Kingsport Mayor, wants to see more women in politics.  Listen to the advice she gave for women thinking of running for office.

Primarily, the Summit provides a platform for the discussion of issues disproportionately impacting women business owners and entrepreneurs, career women, and professional women; and serves as a resource and starting point for satisfying the knowledge gaps and developing real solutions to overcome the constraints women in business often face.  The Summit is also instrumental in building a powerful regional network for collaboration and mentorship.  Also, the Summit inspires and unites women of all ages, ethnic groups, professions, managerial levels, and economic status.  The day-long event includes interactive workshops and powerful panel discussions on a variety of topics, including Business and Management, Career Planning, Health, Business Ownership and Entrepreneurism, Marketing, Finance, and Law.  This theme is "Unlocking the Door to Economic Self-Sufficiency."

2009 STEERING COMMITTEE

Contact the Steering Committee    

Ms. Linda W. Calvert (Blountville)
Northeast State Technical Community College
Evening & Distance Education

Ms. Vivian Crymble (Kingsport)
Independent Contractor/Consultant

Ms. Dorothy Dobbins, PhD (Johnson City) 
East Tennessee State University
Assoc VP, Cultural Affairs

Ms. Beulah Ferguson (Johnson City)
First Tennessee Development District
Director of Special Projects

Ms. Doris Ladd (Kingsport)
Kingsport Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Hope VI Director

Ms. Stephanie Lord (Kingsport)   
Protokraft, LLC
Director of Operations

Ms. Angela Martin (Kingsport)
Integrity Capital Management
Partner & Investment Advisor

Ms. Barbara Mentgen (Johnson City)
Chamber of Commerce
Director of Operations

Ms. Jacqueline F. Merritt (Nashville)  
Small Business Administration
Business Development Specialist

Ms. Elliott Moore (Johnson City)
Mountain States Health Alliance
Director of Community & Government Relations

Ms. Mary Pankiewicz (Whitesburg)   
Clutter-Free & Organized
Business Owner 

Ms. Jennifer Rawls (Nashville)   
Tennessee Economic Council on Women
Executive Director

Ms. Susan Reid (Johnson City)
First Tennessee Development District
Executive Director

Ms. Amy Thompson (Bristol)
Chamber of Commerce                         

Ms. Aundrea Wilcox (Kingsport)
Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE)
Executive Director