OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

My hope is to see a thriving community that is growing thoughtfully and empowering the next generation. Several things are happening in/around Knoxville that open the doors to conversations around connectivity, recruitment of businesses and industry leaders, and I hope Knoxville “and those who live here“ commit themselves to making a positive difference with the impact to future generations at the forefront of our minds.

In the past, I would have said Long's Drug Store. But now I'll say it's our access - to the Smoky Mountains, lakes, other major cities. It's a quiet, family oriented place to live with so many options to go explore.

I would focus on our youth and the next generation of leaders to strengthen Knoxville. Educate them, empower them, train them, give them opportunities to give back, and invite them to get involved. Hopefully the investment in our youth will lead to their investment to Knoxville.

I grew up 3 miles from UT's campus and could hear the fireworks from UT football games from my front yard. Fast forward 20 years when I stood in the West Club as an employee of the University listening to those fireworks. I also remember the tears in my mom's eyes as she gave me a tour of campus before my freshman year as I started my journey as a third generation UT student.

I'm currently reading Hope by David Jeremiah and working my way through the stack of books by Dave Ramsey, Jojo Moyes, and others.

To not be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself and growth - that a good leader/manager will recognize your talent and fight for you and invest in you. I've been fortunate to have received that advice from two incredible leaders: Carlton Long, former VP at Children's Hospital, and Joan Cronan.

To embrace every moment and not wish it all away by rushing it. And to invest in your friendships.