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.

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.

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.

Originally from Central Ohio, Emily is now a Memphis resident after most recently teaching, founding, and leading a high school in Columbus, Ohio for 7 years. Earning her undergraduate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, she began to work within international and domestic settings with a focus on education programs and capacity- building of local communities. With first-hand experience providing literacy education, she developed a passion for how education, and specifically literacy, can be a powerful and transformative force. Joining the CFL team, she is excited to continue to use her energy and skills to work for increased equity and access to literacy. As Impact Director, Emily oversees CFL's relationship with Literacy Partners and is launching CFL's newest program, Impact Players, where athletes of all ages can use their talent to create impact in their community. In her free time you can usually find her at a fitness class, hanging out with her nephews, or exploring the city.