The Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association (TAMA) has named their 2010 Board of Directors. The 2010 officers of TAMA are Patrick Higgins, president; Keith Updike, vice president; and Kevin Hunsinger, treasurer.

Higgins is managing director for Marsh. He began his career with Marsh in 1976 and is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states. His background and training has been focused within the insurance risk management practice, specializing in the commercial property, casualty and financial products with an emphasis on sophisticated risk financing, especially as it relates to the global/international business community. Higgins is a member of the Governor’s U.S. Southeast/Japan Association, former Board of director for Exchange Club, member of Society of International Business Fellows, former member of the Hartford Insurance Company Producers Council, Independent Agents of Tennessee, as well as Board of Director for the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) and participating member of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

Updike, TAMA vice president, is managing director for BBK Nashville, providing BBK clients with extensive expertise in world-class manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodology — targeting improvement in the areas of manufacturing, quality, supply chain and materials management. He is an experienced operations executive, having managed multiple facilities, union and non-union workforces and in public and private companies. Updike is a member of the Japan-American Society of Tennessee and the Turnaround Management Association.

Hunsinger, TAMA treasurer, is a senior manager in audit and enterprise risk services for Deloitte and Touche LLP, in Nashville. He has served multinational clients primarily in the manufacturing industry, including Bridgestone Americas Inc., Nissan North America, Saturn Corporation and Denso Manufacturing of Tennessee. Hunsinger also serves on the Finance Committee of Family and Children’s Service.

Other 2010 TAMA Board of Directors include: Thomas Brewer, director, South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance; Phil Carver, sales consultant, Advanced Sales & Engineering LLC; Joe Conner, managing shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Andre Gist, president and chief executive officer, Manufacturers Industrial Group; Bill Holt, warehouse operations manager, Continental Machinery Movers; Christine Karbowiak, chief administration officer, Bridgestone America Holding, Inc.; Thomas Loafman, director of purchasing, Volkswagen Group of America; Lorie Shaunteé, national recruitment specialist, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; Rick Youngblood, director and plant manager, Nissan North America-Decherd. Brannan Atkinson, president of Atkinson Public Relations, serves TAMA as executive director.

TAMA was founded in 1987 in response to Tennessee’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing industry led by Nissan North America and Saturn Corporation. TAMA is a membership organization created to strengthen and expand Tennessee’s automotive industry. It helps Tennessee automotive companies react to the challenges of the global automotive marketplace.

TAMA’s 132 diverse member companies include primarily Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers as well as government agencies and professional services organizations that have specializing expertise in the automotive industry. Membership consists of both in- and out-of-state businesses.

Jim Williamson

Jim Williamson will hold the title of director of special projects. Elana Gulas will serve as economic development and retail coordinator. Blair Waddell is the new promotions and events coordinator.

“These three individuals bring our team to a new level, and their qualifications support the new vision and standard of the organization overall, said White. “Williamson’s strong background in both the technical and design industries gives him a unique perspective when working with potential businesses, government and other strategic partners to advance our downtown. His history of directing sustainability initiatives and managing development projects will be vital as we move forward with our goal of promoting and supporting Chattanooga’s downtown.”

Williamson has 15 years of experience in project management and architecture. Most recently he served as the director of a pre-construction services at Kuebler Builders, Inc. Prior to that, he worked as the senior project manager and director of sustainability initiatives at CBL & Associates. Williamson received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee.

Elana Gulas

Gulas joins the River City Company from CreateHere, where she served as the senior fellow for culture responsible for collaboration with business owners to facilitate successful community growth, events and campaigns. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, Gulas holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. She is currently a member of WTCI’s Community Advisory Board.

“It is imperative that River City Company positions downtown Chattanooga as an ideal location for distinctive retail and other business opportunities,” said White. “In her role, Gulas will support River City’s efforts to support and grow the downtown retail and business sectors. She has shown herself to be a strong leader and committed to Chattanooga’s continued development.”

Blair Waddell

In her new position, Waddell will be responsible for the day-to-day operations associated with various new programs and promotions launched by River City Company to enhance the downtown experience.

Waddell joined River City from CreateHere, where she helped create the community-visioning project, STAND.

“Waddell will work with downtown businesses to establish partnerships for cross-promotion of downtown, and offer unique opportunities to engage residents and visitors in downtown life,” White said. “Waddell brings the highest level of professionalism to our company and a proven track record of event field work in our community.”

Established more than 20 years ago, River City, a non-profit organization, was funded by local foundations and businesses to serve as the catalyst of a community visioning initiative that also included the Riverwalk and the 21st Century Waterfront, The Tennessee Aquarium, The Creative Discovery Museum, RiverBend, the Chattanooga Lookout Stadium, the Bijou Theatre and a variety of residential developments. The organization acts as a facilitator and partner to assist businesses to expand and relocate, promote existing retail and attract new shops and restaurants to Chattanooga.