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 The philanthropic legacies of Holiday Inn founder,
Kemmons Wilson, Sr., and legendary charitable gift planning expert Robert F. Sharpe, Sr., will be expressed
through a joint venture announced October 1 by the families of these renowned entrepreneurs.
C. Kemmons Wilson, Jr., a Principal of Kemmons Wilson, Inc. and Robert F. Sharpe, Jr., President of The
Sharpe Group, are joining forces to offer enhanced financial development and management advisory services to
the nonprofit community. Through this partnership, The Sharpe Group will initially expand the company’s consulting,
training, and creative services. The new venture will provide unique services designed to help ensure the
long-term financial strength of America’s nonprofit community.
“Our fathers were friends and contemporaries and both enjoyed reputations as industry pioneers,” stated
Sharpe. “I know they would have liked the idea of joining forces, especially for the purpose of strengthening
nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve.”
“The Wilsons have a successful track record in bringing their business acumen, substantial financial
resources, clear vision, and professional integrity to their business partnerships. They are equally passionate about
giving back to the community,” said Sharpe.
“We have observed the success of The Sharpe Group over many years and are very excited to join with Robert
in identifying and creating new services for nonprofit organizations,” stated Wilson. “We have had a long-term
interest in bringing our business expertise to the nonprofit world. The unsurpassed reputation and expertise
of The Sharpe Group will be critical to the success of our new business.”
Wilson and Sharpe also announced that Thomas R. Dyer has been named CEO of the new venture. Dyer is
the former managing partner of the Memphis office of the law firm Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLC and is actively
involved in the Memphis not-for-profit community.
“Tom is a very strategic thinker and a gifted executive,” noted Wilson. “His experience in overseeing the
regional growth of the Wyatt firm will serve us well as Sharpe’s services are expanded and new professionals
join the team.”
“I look forward to assisting Robert in the administration and management of The Sharpe Group and our new
ventures as he continues providing leadership and insight for the nonprofit community as well as further developing
and building the consulting, training, and marketing services of The Sharpe Group,” said Dyer.
In addition to Dyer, the company also announced that John Jensen, a nationally recognized gift planning
and nonprofit management consultant, has joined The Sharpe Group as a Senior Vice President and
Consultant based in the Washington, D.C. area. Triena Stecks, an attorney and formerly Senior Vice President
for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will join The Sharpe Group as a Senior Vice President and
Consultant based in Memphis. It was also announced that Kristin Croone, an attorney and philanthropic
gift expert formerly with The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, has joined The Sharpe Group as
a Consultant. See page 4 for more information on the newest members of The Sharpe Group.
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