OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

I would like to see Knoxville implement a vision that: 1. Welcomes continued growth and new neighbors/businesses while protecting the culture and character that is unique to Knoxville. 2. New development and programs that stitch together/connect the unique neighborhood districts throughout the city. 3. Collaborative community focus on solving core issues in our community (housing, food access, mental health, public safety), and servant leaders at all levels that lead with love, grace, compassion and empathy.

I think the fact that Knoxville has a great business culture is often overlooked. Knoxville is full of great businesses - some focusing on local products/services and others impacting national/global communities. I have been fortunate to experience and witness a tremendous blend of competition, collaboration and camaraderie in our business community. This is especially true in creative fields like architecture - the support, friendship, and even critique make our work stronger and translate into new opportunities for all of us.

A shared vision for what we want Knoxville to be in 10-20 years...business and community leaders ready to help implement and safeguard the vision. Engagement in hard conversations about where we really are as a community and what work needs to be done so we can all experience and benefit at same levels.

I am just starting Love Conquers Fear by Brett Hurt. Books that I read in the past but think about often include Longitude and The First American

Linda Davidson - essentially it's "if you don't ask, the answer is always no"

1. Relationships are critical in all phases of life and career. 2. Slow down. 3. Take (Calculated) Risks.