Mission Statement

Support the ongoing efforts of local community projects and organizations who serve to improve the quality of life in Smith County through tourism, preservation, and commerce.

Smith County's first Black-Tie Affair!

Meet the Committee Members

Virginia Alexander

Chairwoman

Virginia has been the chair of the River City Ball since its inception. She has lived in Smith County for most of her life, moving here in 1994 at seven years old. After attending MTSU and living in Murfreesboro for seven years, she was drawn back home after realizing how important a tight knit small community was.
Virginia has been involved in many community projects since moving home such as the Carthage Junction Depot restoration, arts projects, William Walton Harvest Festival, and Hometown Christmas. Virginia and her mom Susan Solimine are the owners of Rokabilly Coffee and love being a part of this amazing community. River City Ball holds a special place in her heart, and she is so grateful for the continued support of this event to help organizations throughout the community through fundraising and awareness. Virginia and her husband live in New Middleton with their two sweet dogs, Buddy and Hawkeye.

Jordan Stilwell

Vice Chairman

Jordan is a Smith County Native and has been with the River City Ball committee since before its first annual Ball in 2018. This ambitious young man serves as our River City Ball Vice Chairman and assists several of our subcommittees as well. He contributes to the overall design and handles a lot of the coordination in the weeks leading up to the event. As a 2011 Smith County High School graduate, he takes pride in serving in his community.
A fun fact about Jordan is that he still maintains his cosmetology license, even though he no longer does hair. He resides in Carthage TN with his tuxedo cat, Cady, and thoroughly enjoys living and working there. Jordan has been a realtor since 2019 and currently works with Discover Realty & Auction in Carthage. He has also began consulting and planning for other events in our area. If you’re in need of an event coordinator/planner, he would love to assist you. He enjoys spending his free time with his friends and family. He cannot wait to see you all at the check in table at next year’s event!

Megan Milakovic

Melissa Hebert

This is Melissa Hebert! She and her family moved to Smith County in 2011. She and her husband, Jim, met in college at Texas A&M and have been married 27 years. Both of their kids are SCHS graduates. Their son, Quin, was a 2021 graduate of UTK, and their daughter Dominique, is a graduate of MTSU and is grad school at UTK.

Melissa is a telecommunications management consultant, and their family owns The Candy Bar and Nobels Restaurant. She is also a member of Carthage Rotary, Smith County Living Board member, Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Board member, and a TN Promise mentor. Melissa is so thankful to live in a close-knit community like Smith County, and appreciates the scenic beauty, small business owners, and outdoor opportunities available in our area.

Kristie Glover

Kristie Glover has worked for Smith County Schools for the past 23 years and is currently serving as the Program Director for the before and after school programs and the District Math Coordinator. She married her husband Randy in 2018, and together they own and operate River Pointe Ranch, a cattle farm and wedding venue in South Carthage.

Kristie volunteers her time and skills helping several organizations in Smith County. She has served on the River City Ball committee for the past four years. Kristie is passionate about being a lifelong teacher and learner. In her free time, she loves to dance, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.

Samantha Kirby

Samantha is a 2006 graduate of SCHS. She earned her bachelors of child and family studies and taught in the community for 5 years. She then went on to become a realtor and a Registered Nurse.

She currently works at Saint Thomas Rutherford and continues to serve her real estate clients as an agent with Blackwell realty. She has 3 children, ages 14, 10, and 9. She loves to travel, attend concerts or other events in her free time. Samantha has been part of our committee for the last 4 years. She also serves on the committee for the Helping Hearts pageant.

David Apple

My name is David Apple and I am the owner of RiteWay Home Inspection LLC and FlipFlop Sandbox LLC. both companies relate to the customer service industry. My previously owned and sold companies include Cumberland Chevrolet Co, LLC, Apple Pool Service, and Elite Protection and Security Inc. I have always been involved in some type of customer service industry and have an entrepreneurial interest in its type of business.

I am a graduate of Smith County High School, Middle Tennessee State University, and the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. I also hold diplomas and certificates from multiple on-line educational programs. I have always strived to give back to the public. The vehicles that I have used to help accomplish this are being in law enforcement, a member of the Smith County School Board, a member of Crystal Tower HOA Board, and of course the River City Ball Committee.

Jerry Solimine

Jerry has been a committee member since our second year of planning River City Ball. Jerry is a proud veteran and member of the American Legion Post 57 here in Smith County. He has been married to Susan for 49 years, and they have three children. Jerry is originally from just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and met Susan while serving in the Navy in San Francisco.

They moved to Smith County in 1994 and have become very active in the community. Jerry worked at Tom Arnold Construction for almost 30 years until recently retiring. Now he enjoys visiting with friends at the coffee shop and working on projects at home. He’s an avid attendee at auctions and car shows and helps immensely with gathering auction items for the ball!

Hannah Woodard

Matthew J. Inyart

He was born and raised in Woodbury, Tennessee, and moved to Smith County over ten years ago. He is married to Stephanie Jenkins-Inyart, an educator teaching Family and Consumer Science at Red Boiling Springs High School in Red Boiling Springs, TN. They have two growing boys- Cooper (6 years old) and Cole (4 years old). They live on Stephanie's family farm in Rome/Rock City. Matthew currently works for the Tennessee Department of Transportation as a Network Operations Administrator- Lead for the past seven years.

In August 2022, Matthew was elected to the Smith County Commission as a County Commissioner representing Rome/Rock City (District 4). He is involved in several organizations, including Southside Lions Club (Past President), New Middleton Masonic Lodge #249, Carthage Benevolent Masonic Lodge #14, helped to start the Gordonsville Events Committee aka Gordonsville Halloween Bash, River City Ball, and currently serving as the Pack Committee Chairman for Cub Scout Pack 367 in Carthage. Matt is vital in assisting with our technology and sound needs for the event!

Brandon Harris

Savannah Lish

Savannah Lish is a multi-talented individual with a passion for community involvement and a drive to make a positive impact. For the past two years, Savannah has been an integral member of the River City Ball Committee, taking charge of coordinating the essential aspects of food, drink, and restroom facilities alongside her dedicated partner, Samantha Kirby. Her meticulous planning, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills have contributed immensely to the success of this annual charity event.

In addition to her role on the committee, Savannah is also a skilled realtor, helping clients navigate the real estate market with professionalism and expertise. Her commitment to providing exceptional service and finding the perfect homes for her clients has earned her a reputation as a trusted and reliable agent within the community. Beyond her professional pursuits, Savannah is an active member of her church, where she lends her beautiful voice to the worship team. Her passion for music and her ability to inspire others through her singing enhance the spiritual experience for the congregation.

With her diverse range of talents and unwavering dedication to serving both her community and her clients, Savannah Lish is an exemplary individual. Whether it's coordinating the logistics of a charity event, assisting clients with their real estate needs, or uplifting others through her musical talents, Savannah's commitment to making a difference shines through in everything she does. Her passion, integrity, and drive are truly inspiring, and she continues to be an invaluable asset to the River City Ball Committee, the real estate industry, and her church community.

Ashley Webster

Ashley has resided in Smith County since 2017 with her husband Travis who is Smith County native. She is a proud school of Agriculture graduate from Tennessee Technological University making her the first member of her family to obtain their bachelors degree.

Ashley has been a Park Ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers since 2010. She loves to cook and host friends over dinner especially during the fall so everyone can fellowship around the fire pit. She enjoys dance fitness, yoga, and kayaking. Her West Highland White Terrier Maisy goes nearly everywhere she does including most vacations.

Ashley is proud of what our nonprofit mission is and feels privileged to give back to the community. She recently helped coordinate the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake Dinner on the Dam event and is excited to see how she can contribute to the River City Ball.

Holly Anderson

Holly was born and raised in Smith County. She lives here with her husband of over 20 years and their two daughters. Holly and her husband Lance are Smith County High School and Tennessee Technological University graduates. Holly is an instructional coach for the Smith County School System. Her passion is working with teachers and helping students learn. Holly recently achieved her career goal of earning her doctorate in educational leadership. She believes in hard work and enjoys spending time with the ones she loves the most. Based on the Bible verse Luke 12:48 - For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; Holly desires to serve others and give back to the community that helped build her.