Larry Dean Wilks Leadership Award

The Larry Dean Wilks Leadership Award recognizes a TBA Leadership Law (TBALL) class member with exceptional leadership qualities. The award is named for former TBA president and Springfield lawyer Larry Wilks, who was instrumental in creating the TBALL program. Wilks died Aug. 30, 2011. The award recipient is selected by each year’s class based on the following leadership characteristics:

  • Demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that enhance the Leadership Law experience for all class members.
  • Exhibits leadership-by-example qualities by fully engaging in all aspects of the Leadership Law program.
  • Promotes the Leadership Law program goals through service-oriented actions and initiatives.
  • Fosters consensus from differing opinions and ideas without regard to background or cultural status.
  • Enhances the education of other class members through thoughtful and respectful debate.


Award Recipients


2012: Curtis Bowe, Chattanooga
2013: Daniel Headrick, Knoxville
2014: Lynne T. Ingram, Nashville
2015: Regina Lambert, Knoxville
2016: C. Jay Ingrum, Gallatin
2017: Gabe McGaha, Memphis
2018: Raquel Bellamy, Nashville
2019: Tannera Gibson, Memphis
2020: Not awarded; 2020 class deferred to 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021: Elizabeth Taylor, Murfreesboro
2022: Courtney Leyes, Nashville
2023: Seth Ogden, Nashville
2024: Lorne Hiller, Nashville