We are pleased to announce a distinguished roster of speakers from diverse disciplines who will share their expertise and insights at the 44th Annual Tennessee-Tombigbee Conference.
Tate Reeves is the Governor of the State of Mississippi, bringing a wealth of experience in public service and fiscal management to his role. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Mississippi’s Lieutenant Governor and as State Treasurer, where he was recognized for his commitment to responsible budgeting and economic development. Throughout his career, Reeves has focused on advancing infrastructure, education, and workforce initiatives, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive growth and opportunity across Mississippi. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and implementing strategies that support the state’s long-term prosperity and resilience.
Tommy Tuberville is a United States Senator representing Alabama, known for his leadership and commitment to public service. Prior to his election to the Senate, Tuberville had a distinguished career as a college football coach, most notably serving as the head coach at Auburn University, where he led the team to an undefeated season in 2004 and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors. Since taking office in the Senate, Tuberville has focused on issues such as agriculture, education, and national security, drawing on his background in team building and leadership. His dedication to his constituents and his experience in both athletics and public service have established him as a respected voice in the Senate.
Congressman Robert B. Aderholt is a distinguished member of the U.S. House of Representatives, currently serving his 14th term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, he oversees the largest non-defense segment of the federal budget, shaping critical funding decisions that impact millions of Americans. He also serves on the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee and the Defense Subcommittee, bringing a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and common-sense solutions to federal budgeting. In addition to his appropriations work, Congressman Aderholt chairs the Values Action Team, a Congressional Member Organization dedicated to promoting families, communities, and religious freedoms. He is also a commission member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), where he contributes to international efforts monitoring human rights across Europe and Central Asia.
Prior to his congressional service, Aderholt was Assistant Legal Advisor to Governor Fob James and served as Municipal Judge for Haleyville, Alabama. He holds a B.A. from Birmingham Southern College and a J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Throughout his career, Congressman Aderholt has been a steadfast advocate for economic development, job creation, strong immigration standards, robust national security, and exceptional constituent services, reflecting his deep commitment to the people of Alabama.
Maj Gen (Ret.) Edward “Hertz” Vaughan is the Chief Strategy Officer at SEMPRE AI, bringing over three decades of distinguished service in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot and senior defense executive. With more than 2,700 flight hours, including 205 combat hours, he has led organizations in combat aviation, space operations, and rapid acquisition. Vaughan played a pivotal role in the Department of War’s Arsenal of Freedom initiatives, focusing on accelerating munitions production and fortifying the nation’s defense industrial base. His extensive leadership experience and commitment to innovation have made him a respected authority in defense strategy and technology.
Colonel Kelcey R. Shaw, P.E., PMP, serves as the Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. With a distinguished military career spanning multiple leadership roles, Colonel Shaw has demonstrated exceptional expertise in engineering, project management, and military operations. A graduate of Tuskegee University, he has held key positions including Airborne Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer, with significant deployments following 9/11 and during operations in Iraq. His experience extends internationally, having served in Germany and as Deputy Team Chief in Baghdad, as well as domestically in roles such as Senior Small Group Leader and Instructor at the Engineer Captains Career Course. Colonel Shaw has contributed to interagency collaboration as a Fellow at the U.S. Department of State and has held strategic planning roles at U.S. Central Command. He commanded the 27th Engineer Battalion (Airborne) and served as a Military Assistant in the Immediate Office of the Secretary of the Army.
His accolades include the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Shaw is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Project Management Professional, and holds multiple graduate degrees, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and leadership in both military and engineering fields.
Mark Williams is the founder and CEO of Strategic Development Group, Inc. (SDG), a nationally recognized firm specializing in site selection, location advisory, and economic development. With over 35 years of experience, Mark is a Certified Economic Developer and Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, widely respected for his expertise in corporate site selection and incentive negotiation. He has played a pivotal role in guiding major corporations through complex location decisions and has been honored with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award, for his significant contributions to economic development. Mark’s thought leadership is reflected in his extensive publications on best practices in site selection and economic development.
Raised in the Washington DC area and now based in Columbia, South Carolina, he brings a global perspective to his work, having traveled and consulted extensively across the United States and internationally, particularly in Asia. Mark’s career is distinguished by his deep understanding of business decision-making and his commitment to advancing the field of economic development.
Chad Pregracke is the Founder and President of Living Lands & Waters, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and restoration of America’s rivers. Based in East Moline, Illinois, Chad established the organization in 1998 at the age of 23, inspired by his deep connection to the Mississippi River and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, Living Lands & Waters has grown into an “industrial strength” river cleanup operation, mobilizing thousands of volunteers and removing millions of pounds of debris from waterways across the United States.
Chad’s innovative approach to conservation and his tireless advocacy for clean rivers have earned him widespread recognition, including being named CNN Hero of the Year in 2013. His work continues to inspire communities and environmentalists nationwide, making a lasting impact on the health and beauty of America’s waterways.
Justin Murphree is the Operations Project Manager for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Justin began his career in 1997 as a co-op student with the Corps’ Construction Division at Columbus Air Force Base, later serving as a Mechanical and Project Engineer at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, where he contributed to major construction projects for federal agencies including the FBI, Missile Defense Agency, and Space and Missile Defense Command.
Returning to Columbus in 2006, he managed significant infrastructure projects as Resident Engineer at Columbus AFB, overseeing the construction of key facilities such as the Mission Support Group building and Child Development Center. In 2012, Justin transitioned to the Operations Division, managing navigation, natural resources, and recreation at the Bay Springs Site Office. Since 2018, he has led the comprehensive management of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, overseeing navigation, recreation, and wildlife mitigation, and is recognized for his expertise in operations management and his commitment to the stewardship of vital waterway resources.
Anthony Perkins is the Operations Project Manager for the Black Warrior-Tombigbee & Alabama River Waterway Project with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in Tuscaloosa. With over 32 years of project engineering experience spanning both public and private sectors, Mr. Perkins oversees the management, operation, and maintenance of one of the Corps’ largest operations projects, which includes 758 miles of navigable waterway, nine locks and dams, four natural resource management offices, and 62 Corps-operated recreation areas. He is responsible for setting strategic goals and ensuring the effective maintenance of navigation channels, lock and dam operations, recreation areas, and natural resource management programs.
Mr. Perkins holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and began his career as a mechanical/nuclear engineer with the Department of the Navy at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He later worked with U.S. Pipe & Foundry Company in Birmingham before joining the Mobile District Corps of Engineers in 2004. His prior roles within the Corps include Navigation Manager and Chief of Lock and Dam Operations and Repair, reflecting his extensive expertise in waterway infrastructure and resource management.
Rik Roberts is a Nashville-based comedian and keynote speaker renowned for his clean, family-friendly humor and engaging presentations at corporate events. As a leader in his field, he has served as President of the Christian Comedy Association and is an active member of the National Speakers Association. Rik’s comedy has been featured on platforms such as DryBar Clean Comedy, Pure Flix’s Clean Comedy All-Stars, Chonda Pierce’s “Stand-Up For Families,” TBN’s Huckabee, and CMT’s “20 Greatest Redneck Moments.” He is a regular voice on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Round Up.
Beyond the stage, Rik co-starred in the film “Mayberry Man” on Amazon Prime, portraying a Barney Fife tribute artist, a role that has since expanded into a series. Driven by a passion for giving back, Rik launched Bike4Bucks.com, a cycling challenge aimed at raising over one million dollars for charities and non-profits while promoting cancer awareness and early detection—a mission inspired by his own cancer survival. With expertise in live events, team building, and public speaking, Rik Roberts continues to intertwine faith, humor, and service, making a positive impact both on and off the stage.
Registration includes all programming, meals as listed, the Silent Auction & Reception, the Conference Dinner, and the Grand Hotel booking link.