passionate people
committed to bringing a big voice to a big cause.

Jason is a native to Memphis, Tennessee, where he and his wife currently reside, with a passion for expanding opportunities for kids. While studying at the University of Memphis and since earning his undergraduate degree, Jason has served in youth development and social entrepreneurship roles, where he grew his passion specifically for education. When he is not passionately telling the story of Champions for Literacy, Jason enjoys all things that begin with the letter "B" - basketball (the Memphis Tiger kind), bikes, books, bands, Bailey (the family dog), and the Bluff City.

Emily Eber is a Louisiana native who spent a decade in Texas before calling Memphis home. From a childhood filled with late-night reading to pursuing a degree in Writing from Texas Christian University (Go Frogs!) and, now, utilizing storytelling in her work, the written word has always been her favorite place to escape, create, and dream. A former school administrator and leader in a public safety nonprofit, Emily’s professional life has been dedicated to causes that further human flourishing. In her role as Strategy Director, she gets to tell the CFL story and connect people and businesses to the work of leveraging sports to impact childhood reading. Emily and her husband, Clay, live in Midtown with their two sons and their very large dog, Conley. When she’s not reading, you can find her chasing the boys around the Memphis Zoo or Botanic Garden, often with a cup of coffee in hand.

Originally from Southern IL, Chandler studied at Mississippi State University which eventually brought her to Memphis as a credit analyst at International Paper. There she not only refined her financial and project management skills, but also learned about the tremendous importance of literacy through the existing partnership between CFL and IP. No more than 6 months after her introduction to CFL, Chandler joined the team as Operations Manager. Today, as the Operations Director, she's the mastermind behind the scenes, orchestrating daily operations, fueling program initiatives, and making sure Champions for Literacy leaves its mark. Off the clock, you'll find Chandler hanging with her husband Carew, catching up with her nephews over FaceTime, or getting her hands dirty doing DIY projects or gardening.

Trey was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and is a graduate of the University of Memphis. He served 7 years in the classroom teaching 3rd and 5th-grade literacy and math. He also served in school leadership for 2 years. Trey has seen firsthand the life-changing power that literacy has when unlocked in a child. His desire is to help children across the world do what they do best, and one important component is access to the fundamental right of literacy. As the Fight for Literacy Games Director, Trey oversees the flagship program and its crucial partnerships, guaranteeing high-quality, value-driven relationships with our athletic teams and sponsors, and ultimately securing the future success of the initiative. Trey enjoys playing and watching sports, creating music, and spending time with his wife, Adrienne, and two daughters.

William Smith is a proud graduate of The Whitehaven High School and earned his associate degree from Union University in 2025. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with an anticipated graduation date of 2026. William has built his career at the intersection of sports, nonprofit service, and youth empowerment. A former Stage Manager with the Memphis Grizzlies and Live Programming & Entertainment Coordinator with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has experience in production, event management, and community programming. His passion extends beyond the arena—he has worked with numerous nonprofits including Bridges and City Leadership, helping young people of color sharpen professional skills, build resumes, and prepare for future opportunities. Currently serving with Champions for Literacy, William brings his commitment to service, faith, and community impact into every role. Inspired by his upbringing in Memphis and the tireless example of his mother, he continues to dedicate his gifts to creating platforms for others and building bridges between sports, education, and youth development.

Courtney Searcy was born and raised just outside of Nashville before she became a transplant to Jackson, Tennessee where she attended Union University and studied Graphic Design and Journalism. She has spent the last 8 years working with businesses and organizations to create brands that tell their stories well. As a founding contributor and former Program Director for the publication Our Jackson Home, she has grown to love the power of story to bring communities together. As Creative Lead for CFL, she hopes to continue sharing the story of CFL to impact literacy in communities across the nation. In her free time, Courtney enjoys art, music, and sharing food with friends.

Jane-Bradford Green grew up in Germantown, Tennessee, before attending the University of Mississippi, where she worked in the Athletics Marketing Department. During her time at Ole Miss, she also served as an ambassador for CFL, helping promote a Fight for Literacy game and sparking an early passion for causes that bring communities together. After college, she continued in sports as a Marketing and In-game Employee with the Memphis Redbirds before moving to Los Angeles to work with a Public Relations firm serving professional athletes and helping them develop their brands and embrace their influence as role models. Those experiences deepened her appreciation for storytelling and strategic communication—tools she now brings to her work with CFL. Outside of her role at CFL, Jane-Bradford enjoys working on her custom invitation and accessories business, Jbwickliffecreations, and spending time with her husband and family. You’re likely to find her outdoors whenever possible, whether on a walk, working on a house project or simply enjoying the sunshine.

Sathvik Nath is a freshman at Rhodes College under the pre-med track, aspiring for a major in Neuroscience with a Chemistry and Psychology double minor. As a tennis player on the Rhodes varsity team, his passion for athletics led to him becoming an Impact Player for CFL, where he became invested in the mission of CFL and gained a passion for philanthropy. His goal is to share that passion with more potential impact players and continue to support the cause of childhood literacy.