Legacy Builders Award
Kyle & Melissa Spurgeon
About Kyle
Kyle Spurgeon is president/CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber. The organization represents over 1000 business members in Jackson-Madison County and parts of West Tennessee. The chamber was named the Tennessee Chamber of the Year for 2024 and is one of only 174 accredited chambers in the United States (out of 7000 chambers). In 2025 the Greater Jackson Chamber was named one of three finalists for national chamber of the year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Before joining the chamber, Spurgeon was vice-president, corporate relations for Jackson Energy Authority. He has also served as marketing director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. He has helped facilitate project locations representing more than $8 billion in capital investment.
Spurgeon is a past president of the Tennessee Economic Development Council and past president of Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives. He is a past board member of the Sycamore Institute, The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and the Governors Foundation for Health and Wellness. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor Bill Lee to serve as the as the 8th Congressional representative to the Tennessee Board of Regents. He is a board member of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council and the Le Bonheur National Leadership Council. Kyle is a 2017 (Class IV) graduate of Leadership Tennessee. He was named the 2019 Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year.
He holds a B.S. in public relations/marketing from Murray State University.
Kyle is married to Melissa, and together they have five children, two grandchildren, and one very happily spoiled dog. They enjoy traveling and exercise.
About Melissa
Melissa Spurgeon brings decades of leadership experience in education and community engagement to the role. She previously served as chief of staff for the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS). Her career in education includes 28 years as a K-12 educator in Jackson.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Spurgeon maintains active community involvement as a board member of The Star Center, the Jackson Symphony, and RIFA. In 2024, she received recognition as one of Jackson's Most Influential Women and the Community Foundation's Jackson Award Recipient for Education.
Spurgeon will lead the foundation's development activities, strengthen partnerships with community organizations, and oversee programs and policies under the direction of the board of trustees.
"It is an honor to be chosen to lead an organization with such a legacy of service in West Tennessee," Spurgeon said. "The Community Foundation's enduring impact reflects a deep tradition of philanthropy and the generosity of individuals and partners committed to improving lives throughout our region. I look forward to building on this foundation of excellence as we work together to create lasting positive change in West Tennessee."