Who We Are

Born and raised in Greeneville, started working with Food City in 1979 and has risen to front-end special projects manager.  In 2022, she was selected as one of the Top Women in Grocery in the United States.  Ms. Austin has served on The Salvation Army board for over 20 years.  She has also served on the board of United Way, volunteered with Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Network, and as a PTA vice-president.   She enjoys working with ETSU on sports events representing Food City.  Ms. Austin is the treasurer at her home church and enjoys cooking and delivering meals to people in the community for Thanksgiving.  Ms. Austin has been married for 40 years to Terry; they have two children, Mary and Isaac.  

Ms. Austin is responsible for developing and executing initiatives that directly impact the Food City’s front-end operations, with a goal of reducing operational costs and increasing efficiencies and productivity without compromising customer service. She is also responsible for researching emerging and evolving technologies and processes, calculating their ROI, conducting field tests, developing training materials and implementation processes for adopted initiatives, and ensuring their successful financial results.

“We were a poor family growing up, but blessed.  I have always wanted to help where I could to make a difference in others’ lives.” – Molly Austin

Graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1996 as a distinguished military graduate, receiving his commission as an Armor officer. He earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University as part of the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program.  COL Bishop deployed to Iraq multiple times with a Joint Special Operations Task Force; he also served in Afghanistan. From 2012 – 2014, Col. Bishop served as the Professor of Military Science at East Tennessee State University.  In 2017, COL Bishop served as a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.  In 2018, COL Bishop was assigned to the Pentagon, Sensitive and Special Operations Division, and later served as the Deputy Director, DoD Human Intelligence and Sensitive Activities in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security.   

Following retirement, COL Bishop assumed the position of Director, Office of Military and Veteran Services at East Tennessee State University in February of 2022. COL Bishop’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Combat Action Badge, as well as both U.S. and Dutch Parachutist Badges.  He is a proud member of both the ETSU Army ROTC and CBAT Hall of Fame.    COL Bishop met his wife Kristen when both were serving in Germany; they are blessed with two children, Ethan and McKenna.  

Born and raised in Johnson City, TN is a graduate of Science Hill High School and ETSU. He has been a partner with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall from 1979 – 2020, and partner emeritus since 2021. 

Mr. Blackburn has been married to Debbie since 1978; they are blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.  He currently worships at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he is a member.

Is committed to serving his community through thoughtful leadership and responsible stewardship. As a board member of The Salvation Army, he contributes his financial expertise to help ensure the organization’s resources are managed with integrity, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Also a member of the finance committee, he supports sound decision making that strengthens the organization’s ability to serve those in need.

Professionally, John serves as a fiduciary retirement plan advisor, guiding employers, employees, and families in making wise financial decisions that create stability and opportunity. His work centers on stewardship and on helping others manage what has been entrusted to them with clarity and purpose.

John earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Kentucky and studied abroad at the University of Vienna in Austria. He holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist® (AAMS®) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor™ (CPFA™) designations.

John and his wife, Blake, relocated to Johnson City in 2021 and are grateful to be part of a community dedicated to serving others. Outside of his professional and volunteer roles, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, snowboarding, playing golf, and working on cars.

Is a Senior Business Associate in Customer Service Business Execution at Citibank and she brings over 30 years of dedicated experience, contributing to various key projects. Her commitment to leadership and community engagement extends to her roles as a former Chair of the Black Heritage Network and her current position as Professional and Education Chair.

Beyond her professional career, Ms. Collie is a licensed minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the Word (PAW). She actively serves in her home church, Grace Temple Eternal Life Center, and the West Virginia and East Tennessee Council in diverse capacities, including impactful work with Home and Foreign Missions and on the Women’s Ministry staff.

Ms. Collie’s passion for people drives her life's vision: “to positively impact and build community in every sphere of my life, guided by a foundation of my faith and service”.

Is chief administrative officer of Ballad Health, with oversight of various corporate operations and services, retail and post-acute operations, and Ballad Health’s value-based services administrative organization.

Eichorn has held senior leadership roles within the health system since 1998, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Before his tenure in the area, he served at Covenant Health/Fort Sanders Health System in Knoxville for 14 years, holding positions including executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Eichorn serves on the board of directors of the Tennessee Hospital Association. He also serves on the boards of The Salvation Army, Northeast State Community College Foundation, and AEIX.

He was previously honored by the Tennessee Hospital Association with the Meritorious Service Award for an executive staff member.

Eichorn is a certified public accountant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of West Florida and a master’s degree in administration from Milligan College.

Is the CEO of Keller Williams – Johnson City Market, leading the #1 team in agent count, units, and sales volume in Northeast TN. She simultaneously serves as EVP of Elite Entertainment Experiences where she combines her love for all sports, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences and building strong partnerships.  Dr. Ezell has over 20 years in athletics leadership as a Division I women’s basketball coach, including at the University of Alabama, Belmont University, and East Tennessee State University.  In 2022, she also joined the leadership team of Keller Williams Sports & Entertainment, where she educates agents on interacting with high-level sports and entertainment professionals. Dr. Ezell has been named  East Tennessee State University Coach of the Year, University of Montevallo Coach of the Year, All SEC Women’s Basketball player, and held the rare distinction of being a two-sport athlete at University of Alabama. In addition, Dr. Ezell serves on the Tennessee State Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and on the Success Beyond Gameday Board of Directors.

Dr. Ezell earned a doctorate in global sport leadership from East Tennessee State University, a masters of higher education administration from the University of Nebraska and a bachelor of business administration and management from the University of Alabama. She holds an Agent of Distinction certification from Keller Williams.

Originally from Wytheville, VA, relocated to East TN in October 2016 with his wife, Tonya, and their three children.  He works at First Horizon Bank as a Private Client Relationship Manager. He is a Certified Financial Planner Professional.  Artie is a graduate Emory & Henry College.

Artie and his family are glad to be members of Strong Tower Baptist Church. Artie has been a member of The Salvation Army board since 2024. He is a member of the finance committee.

Is a Senior Wealth Planner with Merrill Lynch, bringing extensive experience in financial planning, stewardship, and client advisory services. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, he retired from a distinguished career with the Social Security Administration.

Jeff is deeply engaged in the Johnson City community and has a long history of nonprofit leadership. He is a past Board Chair of The Salvation Army as well as several other community organizations. He also serves as a deacon and member of the Board of Directors at Central Baptist Church.

Jeff and his wife, Jennifer—who is also actively involved in community and charitable initiatives—have been longtime supporters of local service efforts. Their daughter, Peyton, serves in a ministry role at Central Baptist Church, continuing the family’s commitment to faith and service.

Jeff’s professional background, community involvement, and dedication to strengthening families and neighborhoods help advance the mission and strategic direction of The Salvation Army.

Is the retired President of Fleming Foods of Tennessee, an Executive Committee member of the Coalition For Kids, a member of the Jonesborough Kiwanis Club and an ordained deacon at Central Baptist Church.  He also serves on the Audit Committee of Washington County and the Jonesborough Employee of the Month Selection Committee.  Tom Krieger is the inaugural recipient of The Salvation Army in Johnson City’s Champion of Hope award and 37-year board member of The Salvation Army.

Tom Krieger began a career in the retail grocery business with the Kroger Company, where he had worked part time while still in high school. While a store manager, he attended the University of Toledo and was in the Army Reserve. Krieger served on active duty for six months in 1958 and again in 1960-61 during a reserve call-up after which he received an honorable discharge.  In 1976 Krieger accepted a role with Food Lion Stores in Salisbury, N.C. where he rose to Vice President of Store Operations. Food Lion had 27 stores when Krieger joined the company, and when he left in 1984, it had over 250 stores. In 1985, Krieger joined Fleming Companies, Inc., from which he retired in 1996 as President of Fleming Foods of Tennessee.

Krieger was the founding Chairman of the Ronld McDonald House, where he served on the board from its inception in 1991 until 1999. In 1995, he was honored as one of the "Health Care Heroes" for his work in helping to establish the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House in Johnson City. Krieger also provided one of the charter gifts that has helped establish the Roan Scholar Leadership Program at ETSU and has been instrumental in the development of Coalition for Kids and The Salvation Army in Johnson City.

Retired as Johnson City Public Works Director in 2023 with 38 years of service in this role, which was the longest tenure in the state in this role at that time.  He was named one of Top 10 Public Works Leaders in the nation and Top Public Works Director in Tennessee (1997).  Raised in Tullahoma, TN, Phil holds degrees from Rhodes College (BA) and University of Tennessee (MPA).

Phil has been married to Katy for 32 years and they have one son.  Since 1986, Phil has served on The Salvation Army board.  He enjoys playing golf, hiking, water skiing and traveling.

Holds the distinction of being a Salvation Army Advisory Board Life Member.    Angus retired from full-time pastoral duties from First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, where he served for two decades.  He had previously received calls to Presbyterian congregations in Virginia and Alabama, beginning in 1956. Since his retirement in 1998, he has served as interim or supply pastor in 13 congregations and continues to preach in local churches. 

Angus earned a Doctorate of Ministry (1989) and his Masters of Divinity (1958) from Columbia Theological Seminary. A graduate of Bob Jones University (B.A.), he was also awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity by King College.  

Angus and his late wife Carolyn were blessed with 59 years in matrimony and two children.

A fixture in Johnson City, a retired nursing home worker recalls, “Angus was televised on WJHL the entire time he was the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Walking the halls of the nursing homes at 11am on Sunday you could hear Angus preach because every room was tuned in. You could walk the whole length of the hall and never miss a word of the service.”
 

An Elizabethton native, is the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership & Business Development, following nearly a decade with ETSU serving in the Alumni and Athletics offices. Caleb is responsible for recruiting new members and spearheading business development programs and resources. He also leads the Chamber Ambassadors and the Business Development Council.

Caleb is a two-time graduate of East Tennessee State University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications and an MBA. He also received the Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award in 2021.

Caleb is a proud dad, an outdoor enthusiast and has been a Salvation Army board member since 2024 and is the chair of the PR & Development Committee

Following an accomplished 41-year career in banking, retired from First Horizon Bank as Senior Vice President overseeing retail banking in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Jonesborough, Greeneville and Rogersville. Sheila is proud to say she only worked for one banking institution for all 41 years. While working with First Horizon Bank, Sheila has served on various boards including United Way, Coalition for Kids and The Salvation Army. She continues to volunteer and support non-profit organizations in the community and currently serves on the Salvation Army Board and is a member of the Finance Committee. Sheila is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and Southeastern School of Banking at Vanderbilt. Sheila attends Sinking Creek Baptist Church and has been married to Joey, her high school sweetheart, for over 42 years. She has one son, Tyler and daughter-in-law, Laiken.

Timothy Lewis serves as the Director for Undergraduate Recruitment at East Tennessee State University. Timothy also holds a leadership role in the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention, the nation’s leading orientation professional organization where he has helped engage professionals across the Southeast and nation in conversations around orientation and transition programs in higher education.

Before ETSU, Timothy served in a variety of roles in the Office of New Student Orientation at the University of South Carolina. He started there as a graduate assistant while earning his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Timothy  earned a bachelor’s degree in Law and Public at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia

Outside of work, Timothy and his wife Hope enjoy exploring the beautiful region they call home. They are often in the community at various events whether with the Young Professionals of Johnson City organization or simply enjoying a meal at one of the region’s local restaurants. When they aren’t at an event or in the community, they enjoy working on various home renovation projects that would make any HGTV show proud.