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Compass Executives, LLC
Nashville Management Group
Memphis Management Group
CE Financial Solutions
NMG Advisers, Inc.
Our Advisers
Pat Asp • Everett Cowan • Joe Crace • John Crawford • Randy Dunn • Harold Fogelberg • Jim Gray • Don Hillenmeyer • Henry Hillenmeyer • Jerry Kiefer • Mary Huston McLendon • Warren McPherson • Bob Patterson • Art Rebrovick • Lauren Rowe • W. Boyd Smith •Dwayne Tucker • Barbara Cannon Wall • Rich Warden • Jack Wickens • Don Williamson
Compass Executives brings together experienced professionals who serve as catalysts and resources for enhanced performance during growth, acquisition and transition. We provide executive skills for business transition, project management, interim management, turnaround management, strategic planning, and leadership development, including developing and recruiting advisory boards of directors. In addition to our consulting skills, we have both significant senior level management experience and practical everday business knowledge.
Our Management Advisers have owned, managed and consulted with businesses and organizations in a wide range of industry sectors.
Our Executive Advisers have served as business owners and C-level executives in both public and private companies.
Our Adjunct Advisers work with us to provide additional, specialized services which focus on individual needs of organizations.
Change is inevitable. Whether you have a family business, an emerging business, a business in transition, or are an organization in a fast changing industry, the Compass Executives individualized and flexible approach guides the decision process and provides ongoing assistance important to your business.
Pat Asp
Executive Adviser - Business Transformation & Operations
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Bio
Pat is a Senior Transformation and Operating Executive with experience managing business units from $50M to greater than $300M with 1,000+ employees and transforming $2B to $5B enterprises. 20+ years of diverse business experience in Fortune 500 and small privately held companies, building and strengthening businesses and solving problems in privately and publically traded companies holding the positions of Executive Vice President, President & COO, and President. Responsibilities included: operations, sales, activations, finance, strategic planning, human resources, diverse business transformations, culture and values sustainability, Six Sigma performance improvement and supply chain management. Extensive experience in multiple location/distributed organizational models with emphasis on performance and process improvement that creates incremental sustainable customer, investor and shareholder value. Education: BS Michigan State University.
Everett Cowan
Executive Adviser - Architecture and Engineering
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Bio
For four decades, Everett has led architecture and engineering firms in all stages of growth and development. Cowan spent 21 years with the prominent Nashville-based AE firm Gresham, Smith and Partners and ended his tenure there as president and chief operating officer. Prior to GSP, Cowan had 20 years in leadership roles with other engineering firms. His broad expertise includes all phases of civil engineering, transportation, water services and land planning. Education: BS, University of Louisville
Joe Crace
Executive Adviser - Operations and Management
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Bio
Joe is a senior operating and marketing executive with 20+ years of both domestic and international management experience. Industry areas of expertise include hospitality, entertainment, medical and VC funding with C-level positions held at Gibson Guitar, Gaylord Entertainment and Bob Evans Farm. Education: BA, University of South Florida; MBA, Vanderbilt University; JD, Stetson University.
John Crawford
Management Adviser - Financial and Accounting
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Bio 
John is a CPA with 20 years of business experience in public accounting, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Capacity to see the big picture as well as the technical details and comprehend, interpret and communicate complicated information to others. Over 18 years experience as ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) Minister of the Word and Sacrament managing professional, administrative, financial, and property staff. Education: BS, Union University; Master of Divinity, Vanderbilt University; Doctor of Ministry, Columbia Theological Seminary
Randy Dunn
Executive Adviser - Distribution and Operations
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Bio 
For over 37 years, Randy Dunn has delivered outstanding results running the biggest divisions of United Parcel Service. Honing a diverse set of skills over the years (technology utilization, multi-dimensional problem solving and an uncanny ability to inspire accountability), Randy has steadily continued an upward trajectory managing and motivating diverse teams of up to 10,000 individuals. His balanced approach to leadership transformed morale and yielded divisions who consistently exceeded all performance metrics within the global operation. Education: Organizational Leadership Studies, Thomas Edison College; Political Science, David Lipscomb University and University of Tennessee
Harold Fogelberg
Executive Adviser - Financial Services
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Bio
Financial performance is the bottom line for any for-profit business. Harold, a veteran banking executive, has specialized in this for the last 28 years. Fogelberg has held senior executive positions, including Executive Vice President, with AmSouth Bank and First American National Bank where he successfully managed various commercial business units. After retiring from AmSouth in 2002, Fogelberg became Executive Director of Character Counts!, a Nashville-based non-profit that provides character development programs for schools and ethics programs for businesses. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Belmont University. Education: BS, Butler University; MBA, Indiana University.
 Jim Gray
Executive Adviser - Information Technology
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Bio
For over 35 years, Jim has been instep with technology. As it has evolved, he’s watched it dramatically change the landscape of corporate America. Beginning in 1970, Gray has held numerous senior-level IT positions, most recently as Chief Information Officer of the billion-dollar multi-concept restaurant company, O’Charley’s Inc. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Information Services for two other billion dollar corporations, Service Merchandise and Carr Gottstein Foods. Whether it's creating strategic IT and business plans, structuring and managing IT departments, developing customized applications or helping a corporation with business intelligence or compliance issues, Gray has truly seen it all. Education: BS, University of Missouri at Kansas City.
 Don Hillenmeyer
Executive Adviser - Technology/Telecommunications
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Bio
To say Don has the entrepreneurial spirit is an understatement. Hillenmeyer, who has 30 plus years of experience, has helped start over 20 technology and telecommunications companies during his illustrious career. Most recently, Hillenmeyer led the Nashville operation of Sparkplug Broadband, a Washington-based startup company. Prior to that, he served as President of the South Region of NEXTLINK, which later became XO Communications. Other businesses he has helped launch include: SkillSearch Corporation, MCMG, Inc., Cellular One and McCaw Cellular Communications. Education: BS, University of Kentucky.
 Henry Hillenmeyer
Executive Adviser - Hospitality
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Bio
With 30 years of experience as CEO, Chairman or President of a variety of companies, Henry (or Hilly as we know him) is the epitome of leadership. In 1999, Hillenmeyer was hired by Cooker Restaurant Corporation to save the company. He successfully guided Cooker through a Chapter 11 reorganization. Prior to Cooker, Hillenmeyer was Chairman and CEO of SkillSearch Corporation. From 1979 to 1994, Hillenmeyer held several senior level positions with Southern Hospitality Corporation, including Chairman, President and CEO. He also was President and Director of Ireland’s Restaurants, Inc., and Chairman and CEO of CBM, Inc. Education: BA, Yale University.
 Jerry Kiefer
Executive Adviser - Human Resources
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Bio
When it comes to HR issues, from organizational planning to internal communication to employee compensation, Jerry has an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience. Kiefer has over 25 years of senior level experience in human resources and specializing in employee motivation and retention. He served as Vice President of Human Resources for Rogers Group, Inc. Prior to Rogers Group, Kiefer served as Vice President of Human Resources for NLT Corporation and Vice President of Personnel for American General Corporation, where he assisted the integration of three major acquisitions. Education: BS, University of Notre Dame.
 Mary Huston McLendon
Executive Adviser - Healthcare
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Bio
With a proven track record lasting over 25 years, Mary Huston is a recognized executive in Nashville’s premier industry: Healthcare. McLendon is former owner and CEO of Centre for Healthcare Planning, a consulting group that specializes in network, facility and operations planning for healthcare facilities and systems throughout the U.S. McLendon is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and co-author of Enhancing Physician Performance, an American College of Physician Executives textbook. Education: BA, University of South Carolina; MBA, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; MHA (Health Administration), University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL.
 Warren McPherson, M.D.
Executive Adviser - Medicine
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Bio
Not many doctors possess an understanding of both the clinical and financial aspects of medicine. Then again, not many doctors are like Warren. McPherson not only spent over 30 years practicing as a Neurosurgeon, but he also served as the Chairman of the Board for State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company for 11 years, where he nearly tripled the association’s assets to $1.1 billion. He also served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of a 240 physician IPA and the Chairman of the Board for the Physicians Insurance Association of America. Education: BA, University of Pennsylvania; MD, George Washington University; MBA, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.
 Bob Patterson
Executive Adviser - Advisory Services
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Bob, a partner in the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP, shares his twenty-eight years in the courtroom and in law firm management with Compass Executives. As a trial lawyer, Patterson sees more go wrong in a year than most CEOs will see go wrong in a lifetime. As a former managing partner of his law firm, he understands how business decisions are made in the context of an overall strategic direction. As a result of his experience in all types of commercial litigation, Bob combines a rich and broad experience in risk management with the business acumen of a CEO. Bob is listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2007 for his business litigation practice. He is also included in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2006, Business Tennessee's 2007 "150 Best Lawyers", the Lawdragon 3000 and Mid-South Super Lawyers 2006 for Securities Litigation. Education: BA, Rice University; JD Vanderbilt University Law School.
 Art Rebrovick
Management Adviser - Family Business/Strategic Planning/Turnaround Services
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Bio
Whether its distribution, manufacturing, family business or consulting, Art’s leadership capabilities have proved successful time and time again. As founding principal of Nashville Management Group and Compass Executives and former President and CEO of Cutters Exchange, Inc., Rebrovick has over 30 years of senior level experience. He also served as President of Warner Street Company, a development firm for early stage and emerging companies, and Vice President of Singer Sewing Machine Company. He specializes in turnaround management, operational management and strategic planning. Education: BS, Georgia Tech; MBA, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.
Lauren Rowe
Management Adviser - Operations & Strategy
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Bio
Defining and implementing strategic goals are critical components to any business' success. Lauren's varied industry experience and education have focused on the development and refinement of business goals and strategies to give companies the results their operations desire, all while building a team to successfully carry out the organization's shared vision. Lauren's experience includes start-ups, higher education, Fortune 500, association and goverment. Education: BA, Duke University; MBA, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.
W. Boyd Smith
Executive Adviser - Financial, Banking & Turnaround Services
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Bio
Boyd has experience from “both sides of the desk”. His consulting expertise focuses on advising companies navigating through financial and operating challenges. Combining 25 years of banking and 10 years of small business entrepreneurial experience, including not-for-profit healthcare and commercial real estate, he has personal and professional experience in multiple arenas. Additionally, Smith has provided consulting guidance to small businesses for the past 15 years. Whether assisting in managing difficult banking relationships or developing and implementing a turnaround strategy, he has valuable insights into what will and will not succeed. Additionally, Boyd has been involved in three start-up businesses, has served on the boards of several small businesses and not-for-profit organizations and is adjunct faculty for the College of Business at Belmont University. Education: BS, University of Tennessee; MBA, University of North Carolina; Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
Dwayne Tucker
Executive Adviser - Human Resources & Profitability
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Bio
Successfully combining human resources and profitability is a balancing act for any organization. Dwayne has led that effort many times with over 30 years of leadership experience directing human resources and P&L responsibilities in both small entrepreneurial and Fortune 500 companies. Tucker's specialties include human resources re-engineering, process improvement, total quality management, workforce and culture integration during mergers and acquisitions and significant experience in establishing Board of Directors and Compensation Committee strategy, governance and compliance related programs. Education: BS, Tennessee State University.
 Barbara Cannon Wall
Executive Adviser - Biotech/Medical Devices
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Bio
In hot growth industries like Biotech and Medical Devices, executives must have a firm grasp of their market, knowing when to take a company public and when to remain private. Barbara, an 18-year bio-tech veteran, has experienced first-hand the challenges that arise running a publicly traded company. Wall has held senior management positions with a number of healthcare services companies on both the public and private side. She was formerly President and CEO of Celeris, a provider of specialty clinical research services. Prior to taking the helm at Celeris, Wall was President and CEO of Summit Medical Systems (NASDAQ:SUMT). Previously, Wall was Executive Vice President and COO of ClinTrials Research, which went public in 1993. She has also held executive positions with the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology in Dublin, Ireland and American Hospital Supply Corporation. Education: BS, California State University, Sacramento; MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
 Rich Warden
Executive Adviser - Construction/Construction Materials
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Bio
Corporate structure and organization is a complex process and is critical to the success or failure of a business. No one understands this more than Richard, former COO of Rogers Group, Inc., a leading regional construction company. Warden, who has over 25 years of senior level experience, is an expert in managing leadership teams and directing the overall operation of a business. He has held several Vice President positions with Rogers Group and Herbert Materials, Inc. Education: BE, Vanderbilt University.
 Jack Wickens
Executive Adviser - Healthcare
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Bio
Twenty-two million Americans. That is how many individuals Jack impacted while National Health Plan President for UnitedHealthcare in 2004 and 2005. Wickens’ business unit generated over $20 billion in annual revenue during the time and was just another notch on the belt of his stellar career. Prior to that position, Wickens served as Southern Regional President for UnitedHealthcare from 1998 to 2003 and was Health Plan CEO from 1995 to 1997. Wickens held several executive positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Healthcare Operations, with Prudential before joining UnitedHealthcare. As Chair of the Board of the UnitedHealthCare Children's Foundation, a grant making organization that helps children with challenging, expensive medical needs, Wickens remains committed to helping people and organizations in need. Education: BA, Bucknell University.
 Don Williamson
Executive Adviser - Construction/Construction Materials
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Bio
As CEO and President, Don was the leader of Rogers Group, Inc., the nation’s largest privately held crushed stone company. Williamson, who has over 35 years of experience in senior management, helped Rogers Group become one of Nashville’s top companies and one of the region’s premier construction businesses. Prior to joining the Rogers Group, Williamson was Executive Vice President and Director with Symbion, Inc., a medical device company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also held senior executive positions with Aladdin Industries, Inc., a consumer products manufacturer. Education: BA & MBA, University of Washington.
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