Rutherford County Chamber Announces Distinguished Award Recipients

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce has named Andy Womack as the 2023 Business Legend of the Year, Jeff Hollingshead as the 2023 Business Person of the Year and Ben Weatherford as recipient of the Leadership Rutherford 2023 Pinnacle Award. These three honorees will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Business at its Best celebration on Thursday, February 15, at Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel & Conference Center.

2023 Business Legend – Andy Womack
For over four decades, Andy Womack has been a prominent figure in the insurance industry, serving as a State Farm Agent. His exceptional contributions earned him numerous accolades including membership in the State Farm Presidents Club and the State Farm Legion of Honor, and the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame. However, his career in insurance is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to describing Andy’s legacy.

Andy’s educational journey began at McClain Elementary in Lebanon and Hobgood Elementary in Murfreesboro, shaping his foundation for success. He continued his academic pursuits at Murfreesboro Central High School before advancing to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Andy’s commitment to learning culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University.

A distinguished veteran, Andy served as an Infantry Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, Vietnam. His valor was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 2015, he received the Joe Nunley Distinguished Veteran Award for his unwavering dedication to his country.

Andy’s commitment to community service is unparalleled. A devoted Little League Baseball Coach for 24 years, Andy has made a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. His involvement extends to various leadership roles in organizations such as the Optimist Club, First Baptist Church, the MTSU Foundation, Blue Raider Athletic Association, MTSU National Alumni Association, and the Southern Regional Education Board. A former Chairman of the Board for the Chamber of Commerce, he also served as Board Chair for the United Way during 1972-1973 and again in 2017-2018. In 2023, he was recognized in the Hall of Fame for MTSU Arts. Add in the long list of nonprofit organizations in Rutherford County, and it is safe to say that Andy’s philanthropic spirit is unmatched.

Andy Womack’s impact extends beyond his community service; he served three terms as a State Senator, representing Bedford and Rutherford Counties. Notably, he chaired the Senate Education Committee and co chaired the Joint Committee on Veteran Affairs. His legislative leadership earned him the William Baird Legislative Leadership Award from Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities. He was honored as the Tennessee State Employees Association Legislator of the Year and received the Legislator of the Year award from the County Official Association. In addition, Andy was recognized as the Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the Community Mental Retardation Agencies of Tennessee. His commitment to public service has left an indelible mark on the state he served.

Andy is a man rooted in strong family ties. Celebrating 55 years of marriage, Andy is the devoted husband of Cherry Womack. Together, they have nurtured a loving family, including their son David and daughter Dana, along with their respective spouses Cheryl and Paul Fiveash. Andy takes immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Molly and Mason, cherishing the joy they bring to his life.

2023 Business Person – Jeff Hollingshead
Jeff Hollingshead, a Rutherford County native, serves as the CEO of SRM Concrete and leads a team of over 8,500 dedicated team members across 19 states. Jeff manages the closure and integration processes of all acquisitions, while also overseeing and shaping the organization’s structure and culture. Under his leadership, SRM Concrete has achieved over 100 acquisitions, solidifying its position as the largest concrete producer in the country. Jeff has developed strategies to provide the company a competitive advantage, implementing innovative practices not commonly seen in the ready-mix industry.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Belmont University and is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at Vanderbilt University. Having grown up working in the Ready-Mix business, he witnessed firsthand how hard work and a strong work ethic are essential for success.

A man of strong faith in God, Jeff emphasizes the value of giving back to the community. Jeff and his wife, Holly, are proud parents of three children.

Leadership Rutherford 2023 Pinnacle Award – Ben Weatherford
Ben Weatherford dedicated 42 years to the banking industry, primarily in the community banking sector. His retirement in 2021 from FirstBank marked the conclusion of over eight years of service as the market president in Rutherford and Cannon County. Over the course of his career, Ben contributed his expertise to five distinct Tennessee markets, including Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Winchester, Lawrenceburg, and Chattanooga, serving as the local bank president in three of them. Throughout these decades, his most significant professional satisfaction stemmed from cultivating meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients, contributing to their significant financial achievements.

Like many Leadership Rutherford alumni, Ben took community engagement to heart. A graduate of the Class of 2019, he put his servant leadership skills to practice through high-level roles with organizations such as United Way, the MTSU Foundation, Murfreesboro Breakfast Rotary Club, Rutherford County Board of Equalization, Redeemer Classical Academy, City Schools Foundation, and Linebaugh Public Library.

In retirement, Weatherford spends much of his time helping his parents, Jack and Mary Weatherford as well as his two grandchildren, Bo and Bella.

Weatherford is married to the magnetic Margie Cagle Weatherford, his wife of 39 years. They have two children, Ben and Mary Margaret, who are both married and involved in careers helping people.

The three distinguished recipients will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Business at its Best event at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, at Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Conference Center. Reservations are $65. To reserve a seat, please contact the Chamber at 615-893-6565 or visit https://web.rutherfordchamber.org/events.