Awards

David has worked at Eastman Chemical Company since 1970 and has held various operations ranks, supervisory positions, and management positions within Eastman. Currently, he manages 8 operations team managers and 8 operators in various positions.

According to his co-workers, Dave is an organized leader and facilitator of his management team. Through regularly scheduled workshops, Dave proactively shares company and business strategy information with the operations team managers. He promotes open and close communication between people at all levels of the organization and is often sought for advice from individuals that are both above and below him in the organization.

David has been married to his wife Janet for 32 years. They have two sons, Brian and Kevin and a granddaughter.

The Board of Directors would like to give special thanks to Leann Barr and ACIPCO for her outstanding service to the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership over the past 12 years. She will be transitioning from her current position as Past Chairman to Chairman Emeritus. Leann has unceasingly spread the word about the Blue Ridge Conference and helped the organization transition at a critical time in its history. We will always be grateful for your tremendous service, spirit and support.
You are the embodiment of what Blue Ridge is all about!
Robert Burnette, W.S. Badcock Corporation

The Board of Directors would like to thank Rob Burnette and W. S. Badcock for his service over the past two years as the Chairman of our Board. Rob has done an incredible job of drawing a diverse group of people together into a high performing team. Rob you were a great chairman and we look forward to keeping you
as an integral part of the board for the next six years.
W. S. Badcock is lucky to have you and so are we!

The Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership extends a hearty thanks to Danny Butler and Auburn University College of Business for his generous service to the conference over the past six years. Danny has supported the conference as a consultant during board meetings, as a conference speaker, and as the entertainment director on our opening night. We thank you for sharing your humor, support and tremendous expertise with us!

First Place Winner:

Hal Hepburn
Auburn University MBA Program

Hal earned his Bachelor of Science of Business Administration from Troy University and is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Finance. His previous work experience includes time spent as an Assistant Manager/Sales Representative for Great Southern Outdoors. Hal would like to serve as an executive for a publicly traded company, and would like to engage in trading securities independently. When he retires, he would like to serve in the United States Senate.

Second Place Winner:

Hongtao Ma
Auburn University MBA Program

Hongtao received his bachelors degree in Materials Science from Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and his Masters in Materials Engineering from Auburn University. He worked as a Materials Engineer for three years in China prior to coming to Auburn and is currently working as a graduate research assistant focusing on R&D in electronic Packaging and reliability. Hongtao plans to work for a leading company in electronics and electronic packaging areas, or consult in electronic related industries.

Third Place Winners:

Rebecca Hathcock
Dalton State College

Senior Business major, Rebecca Hathcock said, "I have come to realize that in every situation there is an opportunity. Finding the opportunity is all in the perspective with which you approach a situation. Identifying the opportunity in a time of complete crisis is the mark of a true leader."

Matthew Luby
Auburn University MBA Program

Matthew is from Columbus, Georgia and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbus State University with a degree in Computer Information Systems Management. He also studied Servant Leadership while at Columbus State. He will be working in Ernst & Young's Technology and Security Risk Services practice in Atlanta, GA upon graduation.