The 2010 Adult “Are You Smarter Than A Girls Inc. Girl?” Are*:

Carolyn Thompson, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Dr. Carolyn Thompson is a professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a mother of two with a Ph. D. from Johns Hopkins University. She and her husband, Roger, also have a dog named Madeleine Albright .While Carolyn considers herself a talented procrastinator, she quickly took up the call to become one of this year’s “Are You Smarter than a Girls Inc. Girl?” contestants. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: “Bea asked me to.” 

Carolyn’s advice for other Blast Off! contestants: “Just wait…” 

Best Subjects: Government and History 

 

Roger Brown, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Dr. Roger Brown is the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He grew up in a house with eight brothers and sisters and no indoor bathroom. Among Roger’s talents are guitar playing and sitting — for which he considers himself a record holder. He lists as his most significant accomplishments earning his Ph.D, and numerous teaching awards. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: Roger chose to become a contestant because he believes that “the success of young women is the success of our world.” 

Roger’s advice for other Blast Off! contestants: “Beware!” 

Best Subjects: Rock’n’Roll (1950’s era), Government, History and Social Studies

 

Patti Frierson, Fashion Stylist/Sales Associate for the Carlisle Collection and Etcetera

Patti Frierson is a fashion stylist and sales associate for the Carlisle Collection at Embellish and Etcetera at SCS Designs. She grew up in a small southwest Georgia town known as the Spanish Peanut Capital of the World. She is a creative problem solver with a flair for organizing events and fashion consulting. She co-chaired the first WTCI Be More Awards and has been actively involved with the Celebrations Baylor Auction and the Allied Arts Annual Campaign (twice.) 

Reasons for competing in this year’s contest: “We enjoy being involved in community efforts/events together and with other couples.” 

Patti’s words for other Blast Off! contestants: “Our 13 year-old twins are prepping us so watch out!!” 

Best Subjects: Art, Art History, Math

 

Jim Frierson, Owner of Compass

Jim Frierson is the owner of Compass, a consulting resource for emerging technology companies in the region. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Chattanooga Green Committee. His talents include opportunity sourcing, dot connecting, way finding and talent scouting. He has climbed Mt. Fuji and  has been a licensed pilot since age 18. In 2000, he was the first owner of a Toyota Prius hybrid in Chattanooga. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: “When drafted by one of the organizers, I apparently ran the wrong way.” 

Jim’s words for other Blast Off! contestants: “Let’s make a deal. I can make you look good.” 

Best Subjects: Geography, History, Technology, Chattanooga, Art, Politics/Government, International Trade, Alternative Energy and Transportation

 

 

Donna Knowles Killian, First Tennessee

Donna Knowles Killian is Vice President, Relationship Manager at First Tennesse Bank. She was once “Our Little Miss Chattanooga” and also competed in the “Our Little Miss Tennessee” pageant. She has since grown up to become a part of Chattanooga and she has been honored for her success as a Woman of Distinction, an Affiliate Member of the Year for the Chattanooga Association of Realtors and as a Woman of the Year for the Women’s Council of Realtors. Her talent is baton twirling.   

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: Donna wanted to be a contestant because of her belief in all the programs offered by Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. 

Donna’s words for other Blast Off! contestants: “Bring it on competitors!! Challenges do not bother me. After all, I am married to a lawyer!” 

Best Subjects: Psychology and Home Economics

 

 

 

 

Bill Killian, Attorney

Bill Killian has been certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil and Criminal Trial Lawyer since 1995. Though widely renowned and respected as a lawyer, his first job was picking up paper and trash every morning at the Dixie Freeze in South Pittsburg, Tennessee for $75 a week. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: Bill signed on as a Blast Off! contestant because of  his interest in supporting a worthwhile cause. 

Bill’s advice for other Blast Off! contestants: “I love competition.” 

Best Subjects: Civics, Political Science and History

 

Donna Roddy, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Donna Roddy is a Regional Nurse Liaison at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. She and her husband Howard, whom she met on a blind date, have two sons and three grandchildren. Donna is proud of her family and considers them among  her greatest accomplishments. Her talents include teaching and organizing events. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: Donna chose to be a contestant in “Are You Smarter than a Girls Inc. Girl?” because she enjoys making a difference in the community.  

Donna’s advice for other contestants: “Good luck!” 

Best Subjects: Health and Math

Howard Roddy, Memorial Hospital

Howard Roddy is Vice President at Memorial Health Care Systems. He is deeply committed to community service and serves on numerous local, state and national boards as well as at his church. His talents are planning, organizing, directing, problem solving and consensus building. He also enjoys playing tennis. 

Reason for competing in this year’s contest: When asked why he became a contestant, Howard said, “I am delighted to support Girls Inc. and am impressed with its efforts to prepare young ladies to become future leaders and citizens who are committed to making a difference in our community and world.” 

Howard’s advice for other Blast Off! contestants: “Good luck” 

Best Subjects: Government, Health Care, Science, Sports and Math