WestStar Graduates 36th Class

MARTIN (June 16) — Martin WestStar Leadership Program honored its 2026 class Tuesday, June 16, in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom.

A 5:30 p.m. reception was followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a keynote speech by Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The graduation ceremony concluded the program.

WestStar was established in 1989 and welcomed 32 alumni following graduation of this year’s 36th class.

Jake Bynum, UT Martin chief of staff and WestStar executive director, emceed the annual event.

Members of the 2026 class were Dr. Amanda Creasy, Decatur County; Dr. Tameka Lewis, Gibson County; Carly Wheat, Henry County; Ashley Horn, Henderson County; Dr. Christie Hudnall, Lauderdale County; Paula Bell, Henry County; Rachael McKinney, Obion County; Caroline Partin, Obion County; Sarah Haig, Weakley County and UT Martin; Cody Bumpus, Tipton County; Brian Smith, Weakley County; Robert Craig, Dyer County; Mike Cary, Carroll County; Jayson Keel, Henderson County; George Chism, Shelby County; Randy Geiger, Henry County; Reggie Crenshaw, Shelby County; James Farmer, Haywood County; Mike Gill, Tipton County; Ryan White, Carroll County; Mark Barber, Chester County; Dr. Michael O’Neill, Weakley County and UT Martin; Josh Tidwell, Hardin County; Norm Bauer, Haywood County; and Alan Hooper, Hardin County; Grayson Chandler, Gibson County; Justin Roach, Henderson County; Shane Paschall, Henry County; Henry Kilpatrick, Madison County; Zachary Marbrey, Gibson County; Justin Crice, Weakley County; and Daniel Richardson, Benton County.