Friends After 5 Leadership

Robert Hill is the current Executive Director of Friends After 5. The former Director of Volunteer and Religious Services for the State of Tennessee, TDOC. He was also, the former Executive Director of Governmental and Community Affairs for the Shelby County Government. He is held by many of his colleagues in public service, ministry, and the political community as a gifted administrator, urban strategist, and grassroots organizer.
Robert Hill has served as a senior advisor to Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee. National Committeeman John Ryder, Esq., Mayor Mark Lutrell (Shelby County), David Lenoir (County Trustee), Bishop William Graves, the CME Church, the National Baptist Convention, and the COGIC. He has worked as an Urban Strategist and Campaign Manager for numerous candidates in Tennessee and Mississippi. He has received accolades from 50 top Executives under 50 and Tri-State Defender's 2013 Men of Achievement to name a few. He holds a bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy from United Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College. Robert Hill is an active Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association member, 100 Black Men of Memphis, and the Memphis Police Department's Clergy Advisors.

Governor Haley Barbour, received his J.D. in 1973 from the University of Mississippi, which now has two centers named after him: the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which provides real-world experience in manufacturing to students majoring in engineering, business, and accounting, and the Haley Barbour Center for the Study of American Politics, which offers classes and symposia on campaigns and elections as well as an intersession for students each January in Washington.
A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Governor Barbour still resides in his hometown with his wife, Marsha. They have two sons and seven grandchildren.

Gipson Mechanical Contractors is located in Memphis, Tennessee. This organization primarily operates in the Mechanical Contracting business/industry within the Construction Special-Trade Contractors sector. This organization has been operating for approximately 41 years. Gipson Mechanical Contractors employs approximately 160 people at its Memphis location. He is a minority-owned and operated business.

Paul Hurst, esq. is an experienced professional in government relations. He represents Governor Barbour in all legal matters including civil litigation and interaction with state agencies, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions.

DISTINCTIONS
Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Haley Barbour, 2007 -2012
Chief Counsel, 2004-2007
Board of Trustees, Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System, 2008-2012
Board of Trustees, First Presbyterian Day School
Top 40 under 40, Mississippi Business Journal, 2007
Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, Jackson Young Lawyers, 2000

Catrina Caruthers holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Union University and is a licensed counselor in Tennessee. Catrina's career has been focused on a deep commitment to advocating, for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to lead fulfilling lives. Catrina is committed to community engagement and volunteering with local organizations. Her involvement extends to organizing outreach events, mentoring young professionals, and collaborating with various stakeholders in the community.