Join us for the 2024 Leadership Luncheon! Reserve your seat now!
OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
CURRENT CLASS
OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
CURRENT CLASS
Cynthia Cain
SmartBank
Chief Accounting Officer
Hometown: Waverly, TN
What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
Knoxville has a strong foundation with its diverse people and businesses. Over the next 10 years, there is potential for Knoxville to become a leader in the southeast region by offering opportunities for individuals at all stages of life. Continued growth in business and community organizations could contribute to Knoxville remaining a vibrant and safe place to live.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
The river and the mountains - people do not realize how beautiful it is to live in East TN.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
To strengthen Knoxville as a city, each one of us needs to understand how to be the best person we can be. Strong people = strong communities. Participating in programs such as this, we learn how to improve ourselves and what impact that can have on the great community.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
My favorite memory of Knoxville is Boom's Day. My family enjoyed that event every year - it was a great celebration.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
Currenly reading - The AI Driven Leader and The New Gold Standard.
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Best advice from a mentor: embrace challenging assignments and be open to possibilities. Second best advice: stay intellectually curious. Mentor was my boss for 12 years.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
I would remind myself of how valuable I am as a young woman and not allow anyone to discourage me from dreaming. Put in the hard work and dedication, ask as many questions as you can, do not take "no" for an answer. You may not be the smartest person, but you can outwork the smartest person.
