As CEO, John is responsible for implementing and leading SOP’s strategic growth plan while creating a people-1st servant culture that is always focused on our partners’ employees and the great people they treat.

John was previously the COO of Results Physiotherapy, a Nashville, TN-based physical therapy network, where he helped the company implement acquisition and de novo growth opportunities. Under John’s leadership the company grew to over 160 sites across the southeast. While COO, John was responsible for long-term strategic planning, managing the sales and business development teams, and promoting a culture of performance and continuous improvement. As he has transitioned to the Orthodontic industry, John’s background as a physical therapist has been of immense benefit in understanding the doctors, the challenges of patient care and how to best meet the consumer.

John also was a founding partner at the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments, one of nations’ leaders in physical therapy education and training programs.

John received his Physiotherapy degree from the University of South Australia. He lives in Nashville with his wife Jennifer and their 3 kids: Adelaide, Jameson and Charlie, along with their boxer Lady James. Travel, golf, cooking and great wine are a few of the things you’ll find John enjoying with his family and friends.

As Chief People Officer, Emily is responsible for developing and leading SOP’s human capital strategy.

Prior to joining the company, Emily was the Chief Human Resources Officer at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education where she led the Human Resources function for a 2,500+ employee organization.  Before ChanceLight, Emily served as the Chief Talent Officer for Ampersand Health, SVP of Human Resources at e+CancerCare and helped found LifeBridge, a conflict management firm focused on family and civil mediation.

A native of Atlanta, Emily earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Furman University in Greenville, SC and her Master’s degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University.  She is married to John, a lifelong educator and military officer.  They have two college-aged children – Adelaide and Sam.

As Chief Financial Officer, Chase is responsible for SOP’s financial planning. The goal of his role is to deliver reporting to help the business create and achieve its strategy, while managing SOP’s relationships with investors and lenders.

Previously, Chase served as Senior Director at Shore Capital Partners, leading finance and growth playbooks for Shore’s portfolio companies at acquisition or supporting them in interim executive roles during high-growth periods. Before Shore, Chase served as Director of Corporate Strategy and Market Expansion at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, leading the national hospital network’s FP&A hub as well as growth initiatives through acquisition or de novo builds.

Chase is a graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, IN), earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Chase and his wife, McKenzie, live in Nashville. Together they enjoy reading, running, and hosting get togethers at their home with friends and family.

As the Chief Development Officer, Jeremy is responsible for leading all business development efforts for Southern Orthodontic Partners.  

Prior to joining Southern Orthodontic Partners, Jeremy was Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Surgery Partners, SGRY (NASDAQ) where he was responsible for executing an aggressive growth strategy in partnering in physician owned outpatient surgical centers.  Jeremy has held similar M&A roles with Community Health Systems and Covenant Surgical Partners. 

Jeremy is a former Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  He earned his MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.  Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy where he was team captain of the men’s varsity golf team.  He lives in Nashville with his wife Sara and their three daughters.  He enjoys golf, hunting, and watching Navy football. 

As Chief Operating Officer, Derek oversees the design and implementation of business operations across SOP. He plays a critical role in SOP’s ability to deliver next-level support and operational efficiency to our partner practice locations.

Derek comes to SOP with over a decade of experience in multisite healthcare leadership. He previously served as COO & President of Chance Light Behavioral Health, leading operations for 35+ outpatient ABA therapy centers in six states. Outside of healthcare, Derek has had extensive leadership experience in the United States Army as a Patriot Battery Commander.

Derek is originally from San Antonio, Texas and received his Bachelors degree at The University of Texas (Austin). Outside the office, Derek enjoys photography, videography, and improving his ping-pong skills. Derek and his wife of over 15 years, Michelle, have two daughters, Cadence (14 years old) and Kennedy (11 years old).

Ben is responsible for heading SOP’s marketing department, building and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan for the company and all partners – inclusive of all things digital, paid campaigns, SEO, website templates, B2B strategies and B2C campaigns. He is charged with ensuring SOP is the leading orthodontic platform in engaging and winning in the rapidly changing consumer landscape.

A native to Nashville, Ben earned his Bachelors degree in Marketing & Management from Lipscomb University. Prior to joining SOP, Ben led the marketing efforts at a $300 million urgent care platform. He also previously managed a similar sized sector in surgery centers and a 300-location business sector for Pizza Hut. His background in both multi-site healthcare and highly competitive consumer sectors prepares him to lead this department at SOP.

Outside of his professional career, Ben lives in Nashville with his wife, Brittany, and three daughters, Blake, Andi, and Emmy. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, skiing and being outdoors.

As Chief Orthodontic Officer, Dr. Scott Blackman represents the “doctor voice” of SOP on a variety of internal forums, playing an integral role as an advocate in creating doctor alignment and developing practice leadership. Dr. Blackman is the owner and founder of  Reflections Orthodontics, a two-location practice based in Clarksville, TN. Since 2010, Dr. Blackman has worked extensively with the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center to create and develop a culture of leadership and service, and has developed systems for delivery and execution of a unique patient experience. Dr. Blackman’s professional leadership and clinical expertise enable him to share best practices for growing and operating the Southern Orthodontic Partners affiliation network.

Dr. Blackman received his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, and continued his dental education at the U.T Center for Health Sciences in Memphis.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee department of Orthodontics in 1997.  Dr. Blackman has been recognized for his platform for patient experience, and as a leader in the orthodontics industry.

Dr. Blackman has been married to his wife, Jennifer since 1995, and has three boys, Connor, Griffin and Brennan.  Outside of his family and career, he loves all things outdoors, including running and cycling, and having competed in seven Ironman Triathlons and over 25 marathons!

Shannon’s role as Vice President of Internal Operations enhances our network by providing next level support and increased engagement for our partners.

Shannon has over 26 years in the industry with extensive knowledge of the business of orthodontics and operations, visiting over 1,700 orthodontic locations worldwide. She has helped hundreds of practices bring order to chaos with strategic planning and follow through. Shannon has spent a majority of her career at impact360 & Gaidge as a Consultant, Analyst & Implementation Specialist. She has experience in building out a variety of functional departments including compliance, finance, and HR.

Shannon is originally from Suwanee, Georgia and enjoys spending her free time cooking, traveling, and finding adventure outdoors with her two daughters.

In her role as Vice President of Operations, Elizabeth provides key support to the rest of the field Operations team by accelerating the thoughtful development and implementation of key initiatives. Elizabeth’s 22 years of experience in Orthodontics – at the practice leadership level, as an Align faculty educator, and most recently in management consulting roles at Hummingbird and Conforti Consulting, LLC – will meaningfully enhance SOP’s operating capabilities.

Elizabeth graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a Bachelors in Business Management and received her Human Resource Professional Certification. She has been married to her husband, Fred, for 23 years and have three children – Caroline (21), Luca (19), and Marco (17). They also have a dog named Sunny! Elizabeth spends her free time on the golf course, enjoying a good book, drinking her favorite wine, or traveling to a new place!

In her role as Vice President of Operations, Barbara provides leadership support, and strategy to the field Operations teams through a focus on developing our human capitol and successful integration of strategic initiatives and focusing on key outcomes.  Her passion is the consistent growth of access, care and experience while building teams and the business.

Barbara’s extensive experience in multi-industry Operational leadership with large organizations such as The Ritz-Carlton, Target Corporation as well as previous experience in a Vice President Operations role for Pinnacle Dermatology overseeing over 70+ locations in over 6 states –brings  a strong growth  and solutions mindset to the team.

Barbara is originally from Metro Detroit, Michigan and holds her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.  She and her husband Jake have three children, Graelyn (7), Asher (5) and Kolson (2 months).  In her free time, she loves anything outdoors from golfing, to hiking and camping as well as trying new foods and wines along the way!

As Vice President of Information Technology, Barry helps us bring next-level IT support to our partners and has helped us transform the platform’s IT capabilities into a position of strength. Barry comes to us from Vision Source, a premier network of 3,300 private optometry practices across North America, where he spent 10 years building a first-class IT function from the ground up. Prior to Vision Source, Barry co-built and sold multiple software companies.

Barry is originally from Lubbock, Texas, but now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He has two children – a daughter, Brianna, and a son, Blake. Outside the office, Barry loves to fish, hunt, and do just about anything outdoors! He is a die hard college sports fan – especially football and basketball.