Our Team

Welcome to the Summit Companies, a business consulting organization that brings together professionals and resources that can provide the strategic planning and guidance to help businesses reach their goals and realize their vision. Each member company includes a collection of professionals with the expertise and resources to meet the specific needs of your organization. Whether you need guidance in one specific facet of your organization, or you need a company to help you organize and execute a complete strategy to grow, improve, or protect your business, the professionals at Summit can help you get take your business to the next level.

Curt Henry

Read more...

Anita Fields

Anita Fields brings several years of Cost and General Accounting experience to the company and is ready to assist clients with their financial data and accounting processes.

Read more...

Dick Brabham

Dick Brabham has over 35 years professional HR leadership experience in industry, plus several years consulting experience. Dick brings an extensive background in HR strategy and execution, including job selections, recruitment and retention, staff development

Read more...

Allison Dyer

Allison has over 20 years of experience in Customer Service, whether face to face in the retail or restaurant world or providing it over the phone in a call center. She has been with Summit since 2013 and serves as the Office Manager. Her roles include managing the insurance portfolio, payroll processing and bookkeeping.

Read more...

John Vann

John utilizes his multi-faceted career experience to support clients in leadership development, organizational management, and strategic planning. John served as the CEO of Clinical Trial Management Services, a contract research organization (CRO) he co-founded in 1990.

Read more...

John Sanslow

John comes to Summit with over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, management and business development with 27 of those being in various sales and management positions with an international Fortune 100 company.

Read more...

Eric Fields

Eric brings many years of experience working with businesses and not-for-profit organizations to Summit. After working in cost accounting for a manufacturing company throughout college, Eric began his career after graduation in commercial risk management.

Read more...

Jason Hudson

Jason retired as a Navy Commander in 2016 after 23 years of active Navy service. He has over 18 years of professional HR leadership experience with emphasis on strategic planning, recruiting, and training and development.

Read more...

Roger Bailey

Roger is over Social Media and Photography at Summit Marketing. He has worked in Social Media Management, Photography, and Graphic Design before coming to work for Summit Marketing. He enjoys thinking outside of the box to bring a fun, fresh approach to all things design and marketing.

Read more...

Roger Leonard

Read more...

Matt Webster

Matt provides a strong global acumen including active roles in European and Asian acquisitions, establishing sales operations in emerging markets of Brazil, China and India. Utilizing his deep strategic planning capabilities, he is focused on servicing small and midsize privately-owned, private equity or public businesses and Board of Director support. Matt has a BS in Accounting from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Memphis.

Read more...

Chase Mitchell

Read more...

Jacob Gilliam

Jacob is a Graphic Designer at Summit Marketing. Jacob received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from East Tennessee State University. Prior to joining the Summit Marketing Team, he worked with...

Read more...

Ryan Oaks

Ryan is Summit Marketing’s Digital and IT Specialist, with over 12 years of digital marketing, programming, and promotional experience. He uses his skills to provide clients with effective digital campaigns using SEO...

Read more...

Website

Rebecca Edwards

Read more...

James Buckner

James Buckner has 10 years of experience as an Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Risk Management Consultant. Mr.Buckner is currently holds the designations of Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and Associate Safety Professional.

Read more...

Website

John Owen

Read more...

Partner with Summit

At Summit, we are always looking to make our organization stronger. If you are a professional who is interested in providing consulting services, or a business owner who is interested in exploring a strategic partnership with Summit, we would love to sit down with you and see how we might be able to help each other reach our goals.

Working as a Summit Consultant

Learn more about joining the Summit team

Explore a Strategic Partnership

Learn how the Summit model can benefit your business

Network With Summit

Schedule a meeting to see how we can work together

Email Curt

Curt Henry

Financial, Human Resources, Management, Strategic Consulting

Curt Henry is a seasoned business executive with seven years general management experience and over 20 years in domestic and international marketing and sales. In 2000, Curt was chosen to lead the turnaround of a local manufacturing company with struggling product lines. Over the next six years, Curt and his team increased revenues from $9.3 to $16.2 million, improved both profit margins and cashflow significantly, and increased both productivity and product quality. Curt's leadership resulted in improved employee morale and a significant reduction in personnel turnover.

Curt and his wife, Linda, have been married for 37 years. They have three adult children; Scott, Mark, and Lauren. Living in Greeneville, Tennessee, Curt has been Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, Board Member of Hands on Museum, Board Member of Kiwanis, President of the board for The Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, and a Deacon at his local church.

A graduate of Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Business Administration and Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Curt is passionate about helping local business leaders improve their business results, generate more jobs for the community, and regain balance in their lives.

After 30 years of increasing contributions in publicly held businesses, Curt decided to form his own company to share his experience and knowledge with other private business leaders in the community. In May of 2007, he was awarded an ActionCOACH Business Coaching Franchise where his focus is to help like-minded business owners build their businesses, increase their contribution to the community, and achieve their full business and personal potential. In June of 2012 Curt became part of the Summit Companies joining a team of executive consultants helping businesses in a variety of fields.

Email Anita

Email Dick

Email Allison

Allison Dyer

Allison is a local – lived in Kingsport almost her entire life; her parents still live in the house they built almost 40 years ago. She attends Indian Springs Baptist Church where she helps with Vacation Bible School and Pre-school Choir. She has also attended Bible Study Fellowship for 13 years. She loves watching sports – Duke & Indianapolis Colts fan. Allison is also an extreme extrovert and can talk to almost anyone.

Email John

Email Eric

Email Jason

Jason Hudson

Jason retired as a Navy Commander with over 23 years of active service. Having served as a Base Commander, a Defense Fellow in the Senate, and as a Staff Officer in the Pentagon, his favorite job title was as the Department of the Navy’s Human Capital Strategist. After retiring, he served in Senior HR positions with a Tier I/II automotive company and a Defense contractor.

Jason’s education and experience combines what he calls the ‘golden triad’ of strategic human capital planning – HR, Finance, and Operations. He has been in HR for 18 years, has an MBA in Finance, a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and a career handling Operational matters using his Six Sigma Black Belt background to drive continuous process improvement. For most organizations, labor is the major cost driver. Ensuring the right people with the right skills are in the right position and aligned to achieve the mission is key to success. Jason enjoys consulting because it allows him to work with a wide variety of people and projects to help them improve their organizations and the lives of their employees.

When not at work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He loves college sports and divides his loyalty between the Vanderbilt Commodores (undergrad) and the Tennessee Volunteers (MBA). He says it improves his chances of seeing a bowl game (most years). As an occasional golfer, his handicap is his drive, irons, and putting. His favorite motto is, “Mission First, People Always!”

Email Daniel

Daniel brings several years of healthcare experience to the Summit Companies. After working in supply chain strategy and analytics for a large, federally owned utility company, Daniel transitioned to healthcare where he has taken on responsibilities in strategy, operations, and management in both hospital and private practice settings. In various roles, he has helped onboard new service lines to health systems, led several quality improvement initiatives, and increased financial profitability through expense control, branding, and market takeover strategies. Additionally, Daniel has served on the Board of Examiners for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE) as a state-level examiner, earning the designation as Master Examiner for leadership and mastery of the Malcolm Baldrige Framework. Daniel speaks on various topics as a guest lecturer and preceptor for ETSU College of Public Health and ETSU College of Business & Technology. As a consultant for Summit, Daniel can help medical and dental practices with strategy, management, coaching, and business performance analysis.

Daniel earned a B.S. in Management from his hometown at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and earned his M.B.A. at East Tennessee State University. Daniel and his wife Lenora live in Johnson City with four children and are members of Grace Fellowship Church. Daniel serves in several voluntary roles including Advisory board member for Ross Medical Education Center in Johnson City, Professional Advisory Committee for ETSU College of Public Health, and Public Building Authority for the city of Johnson City. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys playing golf, exercising, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Email Mark

Mark Hecht

Management

Mark offers the experience of a seasoned executive coach, leadership development teacher, and facilitator after more than three decades of service with Eastman Chemical, a global specialty chemical company headquartered in East Tennessee. Mark’s experience crosses multiple cultures and locations within the United States and in over 20 countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. This unique global exposure brings an insightful perspective of cultural diversity and individual uniqueness to his coaching, classroom, and workshop experiences.

From his years of working through leadership successes, conflicts, and failures, he has a passion for focusing on the leader’s ability to connect with people and create coaching conversations that matter. People impacted by powerful connections and conversations bring more of their talents and insights to any setting. In a business setting this is key to a competitive advantage. For the person impacted, this is a significant source of personal and work-life satisfaction. Mark’s experiences over the years have shaped the following perspective on the essence of coaching: “The genuine interest in another person paired with curiosity in conversation which enables the person to see what is within and with new focus and awareness perform at their best.”

Whether you are starting a leadership role for the first time or leading at the Senior Leadership level, Mark can draw out the best in you and offer candid insight to improve leadership and personal effectiveness. He has worked closely with leaders and teams across a variety of functions including commercial, manufacturing, technology, sales, and supply chain. Client feedback over the years has recognized Mark’s ability to connect with others and invest with them as they excel toward achieving desired outcomes and creating personal and professional purpose.

Email John

John Dodge

Financial, Strategic Consulting

John hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After working in factories to pay his way for college, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, and then studied industrial economics and earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. John went on from there to spend more than thirty years teaching economics and management, including the last ten years at King College (now King University.) John has been published on a number of topics, including co-authoring a textbook on economics. In addition to his teaching, John has served the boards and various committees of numerous not-for-profit organizations, including the Salvation Army, assisting in program development and strategic planning. He is also active as a Sunday School teacher and serving on the finance committee of Central Presbyterian Church in Bristol, VA. John also confesses to an interest in statistics and playing with his model railroad.

Roger is over Social Media and Photography at Summit Marketing. Roger has worked in Social Media Management, Photography, and

Graphic Design before coming to work for The Summit. He enjoys thinking outside of the box to bring a fun, fresh approach to all things

design and marketing. Roger is the Creative Director at a local Church, and he also paints and illustrates art that you can find in several

businesses throughout the Tri-Cities. When he is not creating, Roger enjoys spending time with his wife Abigail and their 7 kids.

Email Roger

Roger Leonard

Roger Leonard is a senior advisor to England and Company on projects in the electrical apparatus and utility distribution automation markets. Formerly he was a part time senior instructor at King College for five years where he taught Corporate Finance and Operations Management as well as president and chief operating officer for Electro-Mechanical Corporation, which serves the North American electric utility, mining and construction industries with engineered to order switchgear and dry-type transformer solutions. He is chair of the board of directors for the Wellmont Health System, where he formerly chaired the investment committee and audit and compliance committees. Additionally, he is a past member of the board of directors for the Holston Conference Foundation of the United Methodist Church and has previously chaired its audit committee.

He is past chair of the United Way of Bristol, Crossroads Medical Mission, the Bristol Public Library Board of Trustees and Foundation and the Hands On! Regional Children’s Museum. He holds a BS in Operations Management from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University, a Master of Theological Studies from Duke University and completed Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development.

Matt C. Webster webby12862@gmail.com

Regional President, General Manager

Age: 58

Business Experience: Vice President and General Manager (Regional President) for the Americas 2011-2018 with Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) Vehicle Service Group with the Dover Engineered Systems segment including full P & L accountability for the America’s organization which included oversight of 2 manufacturing facilities and 400 hourly and salaried professionals from all functional disciplines. A successful 35-year career advancing through the company with progressive roles including Vice President of Global Business Development and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During his career he was responsible for several successful acquisitions and integrations and grew the entity value for the Americas from $380M to $625M during his 7 years in the role. He has extensive sales, brand and channel management involving complex distribution systems in the Automotive Services and aftermarket repair equipment industry. He participated in many Executive Leadership Development programs exposing him to best in class capabilities in the manufacturing segments.

Email Chase

Chase Mitchell

Ph.D., Technical Communication & Rhetoric, Texas Texas Tech University

M.A., Professional Communication, East Tennessee State University

B.A., Technical & Professional Communication, King University

In addition to his work for the Summit Companies, Chase is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media & Communication at East Tennessee State University, where he teaches courses in multimedia production, strategic communication, and new media. He has worked domestically and overseas in education, nonprofit management, and fundraising for over ten years. Most recently, as Director of Advancement at William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA, Chase spearheaded multiple new capital and programmatic initiatives, including the development of the 10,000 square foot Center for Studio Art & Education, a new digital humanities fellowship program, and cultural heritage gallery. He also established a partnership with ETSU to offer training in digital design and the Adobe Certified Associate credential, the first program of its kind in Southwest Virginia. Chase is a Bristol native and loves being able to contribute to his home community. He and his wife, Mott, make their home in a 1938 brick craftsman on Taylor Street, and enjoy walking their two mutts, spending time with family, and traveling every chance they get.

Email Jacob

Jacob Gilliam

Marketing, Graphic Design, Illustration

Bio to come.

Email Ryan

Ryan Oaks

IT, Programming

Bio to come.

Rebecca Edwards

Rebecca Edwards is a Graphic Designer at Summit Marketing. Rebecca received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from East Tennessee State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Liberty University. Rebecca has worked as a free-lance graphic designer before coming to work for The Summit. She enjoys working with typography and web illustration. Rebecca also has experience in photography and interactive design. Rebecca is enthusiastic to use her design skills to serve the clients of Summit Marketing to the best of her abilities.

Email James

James Buckner, CSP, CHMM

Risk Management

James Buckner has over 10 years of experience as an Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Risk Management Consultant. Mr. Buckner currently holds the designations of Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and Certified Environmental, Health and Safety Trainer (CET). Mr. Buckner is also an Authorized OSHA Trainer for General Industry courses. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Mr. Buckner began his career with Thermo-Fisher Scientific as an EH&S Compliance Coordinator. Today he is a Risk Management and Safety Consultant capable of providing analysis of existing insurance and risk management programs, safety plan development and implementation, compliance auditing, and safety training for various businesses and clients. Mr. Buckner has experience with the Uniform Building Codes, National Fire Protection Agency standards, Environmental Protection Agency requirements, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for Small Business and General Industry. Mr. Buckner also has experience with many types of property risks, mercantile and service operations, warehousing operations, service and construction contractors, and manufacturing/assembly operations.

Mr. Buckner has worked extensively on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, State and local governments, Department of Energy, and universities entrusted to evaluate the operations, management controls, indoor air quality, environmental assessments, and safety practices of industrial facilities, youth recreational and educational facilities, general office environments, research laboratory facilities, private residences, and warehousing facilities.

As a skilled risk management and safety professional, Mr. Buckner specializes in obtaining critical information and facts. Services include insurance survey & risk assessment, safety/environmental training, and compliance auditing.

Email John

John Owen

Employee Benefits, Risk Management

John handles Risk Management consulting and insurance services for local business, including Property and Casualty Lines as well as small employee benefits groups. John works extensively in the business insurance venue, focusing on small to mid-size businesses. John, recently retired from Eastman Chemical Company, had prior experience in the insurance and human resources arena. John has extensive background in computers and e-business which allows him to assist clients in those arenas as well.

John is a Bristol, Tennessee native, graduating from THS in 1963. John is an ordained minister and is actively involved in Avoca Christian Church as an elder, in working with the Praise Team ministry, and is a member of the Bluegrass band there. John also writes plays and sings Christian music and can frequently be found in the area as a supply preacher and leading singing and presenting special music for revivals and special church events. John lives in Bristol with his wife of 42 years Lequita. John and Lequita have six grandchildren who make their after work hours a joy.

Our Team

Curt Henry

Anita Fields

Dick Brabham

Allison Dyer

John Vann

John Sanslow

Eric Fields

Jason Hudson

Daniel Tackling

Mark Hecht

John Dodge

Roger Bailey

Roger Leonard

Matt Webster

Chase Mitchell

Jacob Gilliam

Ryan Oaks

Rebecca Edwards

James Buckner

John Owen

Partner with Summit

Working as a Summit Consultant

Explore a Strategic Partnership

Network With Summit

Email Curt

Curt Henry

Financial, Human Resources, Management, Strategic Consulting

Email Anita

Anita Fields

Accounting, Financial

Email Dick

Dick Brabham

Human Resources, Management, Strategic Consulting

Email Allison

Allison Dyer

Email John

John Vann

Management, Strategic Consulting

Email John

John Sanslow

Employee Benefits, Human Resources, Management, Marketing, Strategic Consulting

Email Eric

Eric Fields

Accounting, Employee Benefits, Financial, Human Resources, Management, Risk Management, Strategic Consulting

Email Jason

Jason Hudson

Email Daniel

Email Mark

Mark Hecht

Management

Email John

John Dodge

Financial, Strategic Consulting

Email Roger

Roger Leonard

Email Chase

Chase Mitchell

Ph.D., Technical Communication & Rhetoric, Texas Texas Tech University

M.A., Professional Communication, East Tennessee State University

B.A., Technical & Professional Communication, King University

Email Jacob

Jacob Gilliam

Marketing, Graphic Design, Illustration

Email Ryan

Ryan Oaks

IT, Programming

Rebecca Edwards

Email James

James Buckner, CSP, CHMM

Risk Management

Email John

John Owen

Employee Benefits, Risk Management