Mike Smith has dedicated his career to public service and community development. Since 2005, he has served as the Executive Director of the Southwest Human Resource Agency, where he continues to make a lasting impact. From 2011 to 2013 and 2022 to 2024, he led as President of the Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies. Prior to his tenure at SWHRA, Mike served as Mayor of McNairy County from 1994 to 2005, championing numerous initiatives to enhance local governance and community resources.

A 1995 graduate of both the University of Tennessee WestStar Leadership Program and the University of Tennessee Local Government Leadership Program, Mike has been recognized for his leadership at the state level. He was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to the Tennessee Commission on National and Community Services Board of Directors and later served on the Citizens Corp Advisory Board under Governor Phil Bredesen.

His dedication to community development was acknowledged in 1998 when he received the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Award. He played a pivotal role in establishing McNairy County’s first-ever University of Tennessee satellite campus. His leadership extends to roles such as Chairman of the Board for the Southwest Tennessee Development District and President and Charter Board Member of the Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center in McNairy County.

Mike’s educational background includes McNairy Central High School in Selmer, Tennessee, Northeast Mississippi Junior College, and the University of Tennessee Center for Government Training.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike is deeply committed to his faith and service. He is an elder at Bethesda Presbyterian Church and an active member of Gideons International, where he previously served as President of his local camp and remains a dedicated speaker.

Christy McMahan is a dedicated financial professional with a strong background in accounting and resource development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting from the University of Tennessee.

Christy joined the Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) team in 2008 as a Resource Development and Special Projects Coordinator. Through her leadership and commitment, she advanced to the role of Fiscal Director in December 2019, where she oversees financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the agency.

In addition to her role at SWHRA, Christy has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tennessee Homeless Solutions for four years, demonstrating her passion for community support and advocacy. She is also an active member of the Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies, further contributing to initiatives that strengthen human services across the state.

With a wealth of experience in fiscal management and a deep commitment to community service, Christy continues to play a pivotal role in supporting SWHRA’s mission and financial stewardship.

Vonda Mathenia is an experienced human resources professional with a strong background in workforce management and organizational leadership. She is a proud graduate of Union University and has been a dedicated member of the Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) team since August 2009.

Vonda is actively involved in professional organizations that support HR excellence. She is a member of the Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies (TAHRA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the West Tennessee chapter of SHRM (WTSHRM). She is also currently pursuing the Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA) Manager Certification to further enhance her expertise in community action leadership.

Before joining SWHRA, Vonda served as a Regional Human Resources Manager for BlueScope Steel North America, where she gained extensive experience in HR operations and strategic workforce management. Her dedication to professional development and community service continues to make her a valuable asset to the agency and the field of human resources.

Farris Stout is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and resource management. She began her journey with the Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) in 2011 as part of the Summer Food Service Program. Her commitment to service led her to a full-time role in May 2015 as an Administrative Assistant for the Community Services Department. By September of that year, she was selected to lead the newly established Comprehensive Family Case Management program, where she discovered her passion for helping and uplifting families.

Her leadership and dedication earned her the role of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Coordinator in December 2020, and in June 2021, she was named Community Services Director. In this role, she continues to focus on strategic program development and initiatives that support individuals and families in need.

Farris is a Nationally Certified Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer and a proud graduate of the University of Memphis. She also represents SWHRA as the Outcome Advisor for Community Action, further solidifying her commitment to measurable and impactful community support.

Through her leadership and passion for service, Farris remains a driving force in advancing SWHRA’s mission and empowering communities across the region.

Paula Wells is an accomplished professional with a diverse career spanning over three decades across multiple industries.

Most recently, Paula dedicated nine years to a Community Action Agency in Illinois, where she made a significant impact in programs such as CSBG, Nutrition, LIHEAP, SCSEP, and Weatherization. She advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, serving as Senior Services Director for four years, Deputy Director for two years, and concluding her tenure as Interim Executive Director.

Prior to her work in community action, Paula spent 20 years in supply chain and logistics, excelling in roles such as receiving, order filling, shipping, customer service, and transportation. She also contributed six years to education as a long-term substitute teacher, working with students from pre-K through high school.

Originally from West Tennessee, Paula is the proud parent of 3 adult children and the Nana of four granddaughters. Also a proud graduate of Lane College. After spending 33 years away, she recently returned to Tennessee, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with family while continuing her passion for community service through her work with Southwest HRA.

Tony Torres joined the Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) in November 2022 as the Director of Food Services Solutions, bringing a diverse background in food service management, community engagement, and public service.

Tony attended Pepperdine University in 1978 before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1979, where he played professional baseball for six years. After his athletic career, he dedicated nearly two decades to serving as a Probation Officer in California, where he worked closely with individuals to provide guidance and support.

His career in the food industry began when he and a partner developed an innovative meal program to support local at-risk youth. Through selling pre-ordered meals, they generated funds for excursions and activities, reinforcing Tony’s passion for using food as a tool for community impact. In 2018, he and his wife relocated to Henderson, Tennessee, after he was recruited by a local university to launch and manage its first-ever dining services and catering program.

Beyond his professional work, Tony has a deep passion for cooking, traveling, and playing golf. His leadership and commitment to service continue to shape the success of SWHRA’s food service initiatives, ensuring quality and accessibility for those in need.

Gary Gober brings a wealth of experience in education, administration, and community leadership. He holds an A.S. degree from Jackson State, a B.M. degree from Lambuth University, and an M.Ed. from Trevecca Nazarene University. Additionally, he has completed postgraduate studies at the University of Memphis and Cumberland University.

A certified educator in Tennessee, Gary holds state certifications in Music, English, Administration, and Supervision for grades K-12, as well as Elementary Education for grades K-8. His graduate studies focused on Curriculum and Instructional Development, along with Administration and Supervision.

Before joining SWHRA Head Start, Gary dedicated 19 years to the McNairy County Public School System and 12 years to the Hardin County Public School System, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. He also contributed to the Tennessee State Department of Education during the inception of the Arts in Education program.

Beyond education, Gary has played key leadership roles at county, regional, and state levels. He served as a McNairy County Commissioner for nine years and was a member of the Congressional Agri-Business Advisory Board for eight years, demonstrating his commitment to both education and community development.

With his extensive background in instructional leadership and public service, Gary continues to make a significant impact through his work with SWHRA Head Start.

Diana Turner joined Southwest Human Resource Agency (SWHRA) in May 2005, bringing extensive experience in governmental operations and public service. She holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of North Alabama, with concentrations in Social Science, History, and Geography.

Before joining SWHRA, Diana served as the Solid Waste Director for McNairy County government. With 30 years of experience working in governmental agencies, she has developed expertise in program management, public administration, and transportation safety.

Diana has earned multiple Continuing Education Certificates from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transit Safety Institute, specializing in Bus Collision Investigation, Transit System Security, Transit System Safety, and Managing Transit Emergencies. She became a Certified Instructor in CPR/AED and First Aid in 2012, further enhancing her ability to support public safety initiatives.

Recognized for her leadership in transportation services, Diana was honored as the Tennessee Rural Transportation Director of the Year Award in 2015, and again in 2023. She currently serves as Vice President of the Tennessee Public Transportation Association (TPTA) and has been an active TPTA Board Member for many years.

With her deep commitment to public service, safety, and transportation excellence, Diana continues to play a vital role in advancing SWHRA’s mission and impact.