We are a gathering of young adults ages 19 to 35. We are diverse in background, yet united in cause. We wish to be the change we want in the world.

That means, we first must change.

Renown was begun with the intent to bring about:

• a community committed to helping one another achieve success in life.
• in exploration of truth and relevance within the events and experiences that surround us.
• seeking to challenge one another towards self-discovery and development.

“Let’s not simply talk about doing good things, let’s actually do them.”

This was a quote that came out of one of our Renown Experience meetings. We came to the conclusion that all of us are just simply too busy to have another meeting to go to every week.

Our goal is not to be another entry in the agenda to complicate life, but rather, a catalyst of personal growth and challenge while developing a relevant understanding of life and people around us.

Renown seeks to mobilize a generation of people that truly care about their community and world.

What to expect on a Thursday night:

• Live Music from local & national bands
• Video Clips
• Comedy
• Dialogue on the evening’s topic
• More Music
• Social Interaction

We address relevant issues other organizations would not. Discussions over genocide, war, suicide, religious extremism, social justice and sex are examples of the challenging issues facing this generation. In addition, we challenge individuals to take part every Saturday, joining the Lincoln Village rebuilding project, to serve our community. Two times a year, we go over seas to serve social justice issues.

Our demographic is astute, cynical, possibly embittered to conventional religious concepts. Yet at the core, something, someone unseen is calling for our attention. Most of us have experienced damaging broken relationships, insecurities and fears holding these individuals hostage.

Renown is poised to open the door to hope and possibilities. The academic world, religion and pop-culture have attacked this generation with WHAT we should think.

Renown endeavors to inspire people in HOW to think, allowing them to arrive at their own conclusions. This kind of self-discovery engages and empowers one to fulfill their own destiny.

Renown is making a difference in a different sort of way… a difference in people is a difference in our community.

• Create Community
• Inspire Personal Development
• Mentor Leadership
• Provide Opportunity to Serve Others

Help young adults integrate faith, culture, career and relationships maximizing their ability to impact their community.

President, Bo Emerson. Emerson & Higgs, Attorney

Bo is a partner in the law firm of Higgs & Emerson where he specializes in litigation. Bo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Jacksonville State University and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Bo currently serves on the Second Mile Board of Directors, is an elder at Central Presbyterian Church and a support team member for Young Life. Bo is married to Rhonda Emerson and they have four children- Lindsey, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Jay.

Vice-President, Willam Stroud, Triad Properties, Principal

William serves as Principal and Chief Investment Officer and is the Senior Development Director over the mixed-use and multiple asset class development for Triad Properties’ development and acquisition activities in the Southeast.

Since co-founding Triad Properties Corporation in 1993, Mr. Stroud has been responsible for identifying, acquiring and/or developing more than 7 million square feet of commercial real estate in Huntsville, Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Orlando and Dallas.

William is married and has four children, two boys and two girls.

Treasurer, Clay Vandiver, Compass Bank - Huntsville President

In 1996, Clay was named City President of Compass Bank in Huntsville, where he oversees the Corporate Banking responsibilities for the bank and chairs the Advisory Board of Directors.

Clay earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in business from the University of Alabama and has advanced degrees in Banking from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Oklahoma.

Clay is married to Melanie Mason Vandiver and has two children, both residing and working in Huntsville, Alabama.

Scott Smith, Smith & Associates, Principal

Scott Smith incorporated in 1988 and is the President of Scott A. Smith & Associates, Inc., a Concept * Estimate * Build firm.

Scott earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science from the School of Architecture at Auburn University. Scott is a member and Chairs the Administrative Council at Chase Valley United Methodist Church and is a member of The C-12 group.

Scott is married to Donna Smith, his wife of 23 years, and he is the child.

Mike Chapman, Chapman & Sisson, Principal

Mike has been practicing architecture in Huntsville and currently serves as a principal in the firm of Chapman Sisson Architects. His firm provides a variety of design expertise in the areas of healthcare, aviation, educational facilities, retail, and church design.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Auburn University. Mike currently serves as secretary of the American Institute of Architects State Council, member of Huntsville C12 group, and a finance team member at Life’s Journey church.

Mike is married to Leslee Chapman and they have two sons- Drew and Taylor.

Mike Walters, SourceCF, President

Michael Walters, Executive Vice President, is responsible for Eurand’s U.S. sales and marketing efforts and for the launch of Zentase.

Mr. Walters has more than 15 years of senior management and marketing experience including six years as President and CEO of SourceCF, a specialty pharmaceutical company he co-founded in July, 2001 which focused on serving the needs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, physicians and care givers.

Prior to 2001, Mr. Walters led Pharmaceutical Resources Group (PRG) and Flex Force Network, organizations he founded to assist emerging pharmaceutical concerns in commercialization.

In addition, Mr. Walters has served in various managerial positions of progressively increasing responsibility at Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Johnson), including Director of Management Development, Director of Training and Regional Sales Manager.

Mr. Walters has been responsible for the launch of the SourceCF multivitamin line and the eFlow® electronic nebulizer for SourceCF, Pancrease MT for McNeil Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson company, and the launch of TOBI for PathoGenesis.

Mr. Walters graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1982 with a B.A. in molecular biology and chemistry.

Executive Director, Bruce Martin

Bruce has been leading non-profit ministry organizations since 1988. In 1993, Bruce started a non-profit consulting firm called The Momentum Group. TMG was formed to assist non-profit organizations and para-church ministries with a variety of business management needs.

Bruce also served as teaching pastor at The Church at Hampton Cove from 2003-2006, when he left to start RENOWN. Bruce now serves as the Executive Director of Renown, and is a teaching pastor at Cove Church in Hampton Cove, AL.

Bruce is married to Marlina Martin, his wife of 24 years and they have a 10-year old son, Zachary.

The Martins have lived in Huntsville for 14 years. When not teaching, Bruce enjoys hiking, backpacking, motorcycling, golf and reading.

Huntsville Director, Angus Nelson

Graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a degree in Youth Ministry. Having founded a non-profit youth center, RockWater, he has six years of non-profit experience.

In addition, he is also a speaker and writer for Monster.com and his own personal development products. He is a former model appearing for JCrew, IBM and NEBS clothing.

Angus is married to Samantha and they have a 12 year-old daughter, Sydney.

Executive Assistant, Melanie Strankman

Our friend and yours, Melanie is our busiest little bee!