2028 Class of Fellows

Amelia Sutherland graduated magna cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a Bachelor of Science in political science and a minor in global studies. During her time at MTSU, she was recognized with the Outstanding Student Award for the Department of Political Science, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and public service.

Amelia broadened her understanding of government through The Washington Center, where she lived and worked in Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand exposure to the policymaking process and public sector leadership. She later interned with Craftwork Government Affairs during the Tennessee General Assembly, supporting legislative advocacy efforts through policy research, drafting talking points, coordinating meetings with legislators, and attending committee hearings and floor sessions.

Originally adopted from China, Amelia developed an appreciation for cultural understanding and civic engagement that continues to shape her commitment to public service. She aspires to build a career in Tennessee State Government, helping develop policies and programs that serve Tennesseans and strengthen communities across the state. In her free time, Amelia enjoys traveling, exploring local coffee shops, thrifting, and spending time with family and friends.

Jayson Minner graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in leadership and management. During his time at WashU, he helped establish a new affinity group dedicated to supporting nontraditional students through career and professional development opportunities. Throughout his studies, Jayson examined how organizations are built, maintained, and shaped by contemporary public policy, with particular interests in sustainability and international relations.

Before joining the Governor's Management Fellowship, Jayson worked as an Apprentice with Dream Builders 4 Equity, a youth-centered nonprofit dedicated to transforming North St. Louis neighborhoods into economically sustainable and socially engaged communities. He also served as a tutor at St. Louis Community College, where he helped develop a dual-enrollment mentorship program that prepared high school students for college-level coursework while expanding their study skills and awareness of postsecondary opportunities.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Jayson developed a passion for public service through volunteer experiences across multiple states, where he witnessed the positive impact public sector professionals had on his life and on other individuals and communities. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Josh Schonland graduated magna cum laude from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics in May of 2026. At Belmont, Josh served as President of the Business Student Advisory Board, was a member of the Belmont Enactus chapter, and represented Belmont in local and international business case competitions. His academic work included original research in labor economics, examining how policy shapes labor force participation in the United States.

Before the Governor's Management Fellowship, Josh worked in transportation operations at Kroger, where he managed fuel tax exemption processes, supporting one of the largest supply chains in the United States. He also worked with a green coffee exporter in Costa Rica, assisting local farmers in navigating international trade regulations. During Josh’s previous professional and educational experiences, he developed a strong interest in government efficiency and public policy.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, and raised between South Africa and the United States, Josh brings a cross-cultural perspective to everything he does. Outside of work, he enjoys competitive chess and golf.

Madison Schomer earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in law, justice & society and public relations from Lipscomb University in 2024, graduating with honors. During her time at Lipscomb, she was recognized as the 2024 Strategic Communicator of the Year, received the Best in Public Relations award at the Southeastern Journalism Competition, and was published as a distinguished researcher through the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. She also gained valuable experience through internships with U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, ThinkTennessee, Triumph Strategies, and the Metro West Council of Government.

In 2025, Madison earned her Master of Public Administration from Lipscomb University. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Lipscomb's National Guard cohort, she developed an interest in the intersection of public policy and higher education for service members, which informed her capstone research on the impacts and programmatic challenges of Tennessee's STRONG Act.

Prior to joining the Governor's Management Fellowship, Madison served as Communications Manager at The Joseph School, where she led organizational communications, donor engagement, and student sponsorship initiatives after being promoted from Communications & Administrative Coordinator in 2025.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Madison has called Tennessee home for the past six years. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, baking, and playing in a local pickleball league. 

Meredith graduated magna cum laude from The University of Alabama (UA) in May 2026. In four years, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science alongside a Master of Public Administration through the University’s Accelerated Master’s Program. She also minored in public policy, social innovation, and leadership.

At the University, Meredith was a fellow and intern in the prestigious Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program, which focuses on developing leaders, scholars, and citizens through community service and coursework in social innovation and leadership. She was also a member of UA Vote Everywhere and a Campus Ambassador for Five Horizons Health Services, where she championed civic engagement, voting rights advocacy, and public health access through on-campus and community outreach. Her college experience was further enriched by travel to Germany and Cuba, as well as by attending workshops across the U.S. as an Answer the Call Ambassador, where she engaged with diverse communities to study localized policy issues and programmatic challenges.

Her commitment to public service and community-engaged leadership has led her back to her home state of Tennessee. Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Meredith always knew her career would focus on giving back to the great state of Tennessee. In her free time, Meredith enjoys reading, exploring different coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family.