OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

In the next decade, I envision Knoxville evolving into a city where livability and growth go hand in hand. Our natural beauty will be preserved and celebrated through expanded greenways, vibrant outdoor spaces, and inclusive community events that bring families together across generations and neighborhoods. A modern, efficient transportation system will connect our diverse communities and support both economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. As our population grows, thoughtfully designed multi-family housing will offer affordability without compromising the charm and character that make Knoxville unique. Strategic urban planning will nurture walkable neighborhoods, public art, and a spirit of belonging, while ensuring that development remains anchored in our region's scenic legacy. Knoxville's future is rooted in connection between people, places, and purpose.

When I moved here from the northern U.S., I braced myself for the usual adjustment period - new place, new faces, and maybe a bit of culture shock. What I didn't expect was the avalanche of genuine kindness. Knoxville greeted me not just with scenic views and sunshine, but with something even more soul-filling: compassion. People here wave you into traffic like it's a porch invitation. At the doctor's office, I wasn't handed a clipboard and told "good luck," they offered help with a smile that felt like home. And yes, the DMV - typically the place joy goes to die - sent me off with a hug. A hug! What universe is this? Knoxville's best-kept secret isn't tucked away in a hidden trail or obscure eatery (though we've got plenty). It's woven into daily life - the quiet, constant care people show each other. It's a citywide instinct to look out for one another, to make space, to say 'you're welcome here. That's our secret sauce, and I'm utterly smitten.

To truly strengthen Knoxville, we must move from reacting to proactively shaping the future. Thoughtful, forward-thinking planning is not a luxury - it's our lifeline. I would champion the creation of the most visionary and inclusive planning commission possible. One rooted in innovation, equity, and a deep respect for what makes Knoxville so extraordinary: our outdoor spaces, our communities, and our people. Growth is inevitable; the question is how we grow. Preserving greenways, parks, and public spaces isn't optional - it's vital to our collective well-being. These places connect us, inspire us, and ground us. But strong cities aren't built by committees alone. They thrive when individuals lean in. I'd urge every Knoxvillian to roll up their sleeves - whether it's mentoring through Junior Achievement, stocking shelves at a food pantry, or walking alongside someone rebuilding their life in a halfway house. These acts, large and small, elevate us all. To strengthen Knoxville is to care, to plan boldly, and to never stop showing up. Because when we lift each other, all boats rise.

One of my most cherished Knoxville memories unfolds at the Museum of Appalachia - a place that feels like stepping into a living storybook. My husband serves on the board, so I've had the joy of spending countless hours wandering through its 100+ historic buildings, watching water tumble through the grist mill, and marveling at the craftsmanship of the old saw mill. But it's not just about the structures - it's the soul of the place. I'll never forget the July 4th anvil throw, equal parts impressive and delightfully quirky. The grounds come alive with music, laughter, and the kind of food that makes you linger just a little longer. And the staff? Warm, generous, and always ready with a tale or smile - especially when guiding schoolchildren, whose eyes light up at every turn. It's here I connect deeply with the resilience of our ancestors, reminded of the grit it took to build this region. It's where I feel humbled and grateful for the comforts we now enjoy. Every visit grounds me in history and community, while somehow renewing my hope for the future. It's a place that gave me new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and more than one helping of cornbread. For me, it's not just a museum - it's a reminder of the progress we've made and the spirit that keeps Knoxville so special.

East of Eden / The Power of the Subconscious by Joseph Murphy

Over the years, I've been fortunate to learn from many mentors, but the one who truly reshaped the course of my life was Bob Proctor - himself a mentee of the legendary Napoleon Hill. Bob didn't just share wisdom; he gave me direction. In a Master class, he offered advice that was both simple and profound: "Keep your corporate job, and write your book in the margins of your time." It was a lifeline - permission to build my dreams without abandoning stability. That book became real, and to my astonishment, Bob wrote the foreword. That gesture alone validated everything I was working toward. His mentorship didn't stop there. Through his encouragement and example, I immersed myself in Hill's success principles, ultimately becoming a certified Napoleon Hill instructor and launching a business grounded in those timeless truths. Bob's advice was more than a career tip - it was an invitation to believe in my own potential, to balance aspiration with practicality, and to honor progress in all its forms. I'm deeply grateful for the clarity, courage, and momentum his guidance gave me.

Sweet girl, take a breath. Life isn't a test - it's an adventure, unfolding in chapters you haven't dreamed of yet. What feels overwhelming now will pass. And when storms come - and they will - look for the lesson tucked inside each one. There's always a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Be generous with kindness, time, and love. Look at everyone you meet through the eyes of the Creator - full of compassion, curiosity, and grace. Forgive quickly, live joyfully, and steer clear of judgment, criticism, and complaint; they're heavy, and you were meant to travel light. Moderation is your quiet superpower. It'll spare you a lifetime of fad diets, shiny distractions, and advice that doesn't fit your soul. Trust it. If you have a secret that needs keeping, keep it. People mean well, but everyone tells one. Above all, practice the art of noticing. You are surrounded by miracles - a sunrise, laughter, breath in your lungs, a purpose that pulls you forward, and hearts you're lucky to love. Observe your blessings often; they're your compass. I wish you could see what I see from here: a woman who has walked through valleys and danced on mountaintops. A woman who is, above all else, deeply blessed. Love, Older Judy