First Place Award Winner

Jenna Pursley
Auburn University MBA Program

Jenna Pursley graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration.  She is currently working on her MBA at Auburn University, planning to graduate in December 2009.  Jenna’s previous work experience has surrounded the area of personal finance with her various roles in banking and her latest role as a Financial Counselor for the Army in Savannah, Georgia.  Upon graduation Jenna hopes to complete her CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification and return to the financial planning industry.

Second Place Award Winner

Dohoon Lee
Auburn University MBA Program

Dohoon graduated from Hongik University in Seoul, Korea in 2001, earning a MS degree in Radio Science & Engineering. Dohoon has worked in the field of radar and antenna design in a research and development role. He is currently working on his MBA at Auburn University, planning to graduate in December 2009. Dohoon has been interested in manufacturing and its supply chain. After graduation, Dohoon expects to work in these fields and he ultimately anticipates owning a business. He is especially interested in automotive and defense industries.

Third Place Award Winner

Kristy Richie
Auburn University MBA Program

Kristy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University in December 1998.  She has worked in various job roles in the biotechnology industry for more than 8 years.  Last year, Kristy decided to pursue her Master of Business Administration degree and will graduate this December 2009 from Auburn University.  She hopes to pursue a career in the sports industry as an athletic administrator for an intercollegiate program.  Kristy enjoys watching sports, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

2007 GEORGE D. HEATON AWARD WINNER

Herbert Edward Newman, Jr.
Plantation Pipe Line Company/ Kinder Morgan

The Heaton Award recognizes those who exemplify good human relations in their positions as leaders.   It is presented to those who, through their effective leadership and supervision of others, best exemplify the philosophy and principles of the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership 

Eddie Newman was nominated by employees of Plantation Pipe Line Company/ Kinder Morgan and is an Operations Manager.

Eddie has worked at Plantation Pipe Line Company/ Kinder Morgan since 1970 and has held various operations ranks and management positions within the company.  Currently, he manages Field Operations in the Bremen-Helena Area which includes Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

According to Jacque Williams and Earl Crochet, Eddie mentors employees for advancement into field management positions.  He has participated in Management/Union negotiations to support a more efficient and unified work force.  Eddie continues to work with HR and the Field Operations Director to foster good management/union relations.  He also facilitates an area Environmental, Health, and Safety Committee that meets and inspects field facilities and reviews area incident reports and patterns.  His recommendations focus on improving safety and environmental related issues, safe and efficient equipment use, and personnel and company asset security matters.  Eddie has coordinated and facilitated Rights of Way damage prevention and Emergency Response Plans as well as promoted the need for good communication between local Emergency Responders and company personnel on a regular basis.  As Chairman of the Shelby County LEPC, Eddie also facilitates regular interactions between local Business and Government units to ensure preparedness in an emergency situation or crisis.  Eddie has been involved in the community by teaching Junior Achievement sessions, through his work with the Upward Basketball program, and as a Sunday school teacher and deacon in his church.

Eddie has been married to his wife Debbie for 34 years.  They have a daughter, Katie, and a son, Adam.

Special Conference Service Awards:

Steve Davis

Special thanks is given to Steve Davis for his wonderful service on the board of directors and as a distinguished speaker for the conference. Steve has formerly been honored with the Heaton Award.

Yolanda Johnson

Special thanks is given to Yolanda Johnson for her service on the board of directors and as a beloved speaker at the conference. Her enthusiasm and hard work have endeared her to the board and conference participants.

Board Service Award:

Jerry Johnson

Jerry is the outgoing chairperson for the Board of Directors. Blue Ridge thanks him for his exemplary service and dedication to the conference from 2006-2008 as Board Chair and for his many years serving the board prior to his chairmanship.