The Mississippi College School of Business is proud to recognize Jonathan Ishee (Class of 2000) as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year. A visionary entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for education, Jonathan has built an impressive career defined by both professional success and service to others.
After earning his B.S. in Business Administration from Mississippi College, where he was a member of the Choctaw tennis team, Jonathan went on to complete his MBA in Finance at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. In 2003, he co-founded Broad River Retail, serving as President and CEO for 18 years. Under his leadership, the company grew from a single location in Pineville, North Carolina, into a thriving enterprise with more than $100 million in annual revenue and over 500 employees. In 2016, he founded Bridge Holdings, a private investment firm that continues to reflect his commitment to long-term growth and meaningful partnerships.
Beyond business, Jonathan is deeply engaged in his Charlotte, North Carolina, community. He currently serves as Board Chair of The First Tee of Greater Charlotte and sits on the boards of The YMCA of Greater Charlotte and The Goodfellows Club. His previous leadership roles include service with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, and Social Venture Partners. Through initiatives like Y Readers and SEED20, he continues to champion education and mentorship as vehicles for lasting change.
Jonathan and his wife, Anne, live in Charlotte with their children, Max (15) and Sims (12). They are active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Jonathan has served as an elder. As a family, they enjoy traveling, playing golf, and serving their community together. The School of Business celebrates Jonathan’s remarkable achievements and his enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and service, the very values that define Mississippi College.
