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My vision for Knoxville over the next decade is a city where local families can still afford to live, where young people can build careers without leaving East Tennessee, and where the economic growth happening in Oak Ridge and the nuclear energy sector translates into real opportunity for Knoxville residents. As someone who works in Oak Ridge, I've seen firsthand the investment and innovation happening through ORNL, Y-12, TVA, and the next generation of nuclear technology. East Tennessee has a chance to become a national leader in the nuclear renaissance, creating high-paying technical, engineering, skilled-trade, and support jobs for our region and Knoxville should be a part of that equation. But growth alone is not enough. Over the next ten years, Knoxville should focus on infrastructure, housing, and smart planning so that the people who already live here are able to benefit from that growth instead of being priced out by it. I want Knoxville to remain a city where working families can afford to put down roots and build a future. We have an opportunity to grow in a way that creates economic opportunity without losing the character and sense of community that make Knoxville special.

I'd probably say the best-kept secret is the people. Knoxville has a really approachable, low-pressure feel to it, and I think a lot of that ties into the whole "Keep Knoxville Scruffy" mentality. People here tend to value authenticity over appearances, and the city still feels local and community-oriented even as it grows. You can still have real conversations with strangers at a coffee shop, brewery, or local event, and there's a sense that people actually care about the place they live. I also think people outside the area underestimate the opportunities nearby. Being close to Oak Ridge means there are a lot of strong jobs in science, engineering, and research that people don't always associate with East Tennessee. Between that, UT, downtown, and the outdoors, Knoxville offers more variety than people expect.

To strengthen Knoxville, I think we need to stay focused on the basics while also thinking bigger about where the city is headed. Anybody who's lived here the last several years has seen how fast Knoxville is growing. You can see it in traffic, housing costs, crowded roads, and the pressure on public services. Growth is a good thing, but we need to do a better job planning for it before problems pile up. That means investing in infrastructure, public safety, and housing while protecting the character of our neighborhoods and communities. We also need a more serious regional approach to homelessness. What used to be concentrated downtown has spread across Knoxville and Knox County, and people are concerned about both safety and quality of life. I believe we can be compassionate while also expecting accountability. The city should work more closely with Knox County, nonprofits, mental health providers, and law enforcement to improve treatment access, temporary housing, and job support while keeping public spaces safe and usable for everyone. I'd also like to see Knoxville continue growing as a place people want to stay and visit for more than just UT sports or outdoor recreation. Those are major strengths for our area, but I think we can learn from cities like Chattanooga, which has done a phenomenal job building up its downtown, restaurants, entertainment, arts, and attractions in a way that appeals to a wide variety of people. Knoxville has the potential to do more of that while still keeping its own identity. And finally, Knoxville should stay closely connected with the growth happening in Oak Ridge, Anderson County, and Roane County. With the expansion of nuclear energy and related industries in East Tennessee, we have a real opportunity to connect local residents with high-paying technical, engineering, and skilled-trade careers right here in our region.

Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad... and How Great Companies Stay Great

A mentor once told me I didn't need to change who I was to be a good leader. At the time, I believed leadership had to look highly charismatic and outgoing, which didn't feel natural to me. She reminded me that effective leaders come in many different forms, all with their own strengths, and that authenticity matters more than fitting into a particular leadership mold. Her advice to lean into who I genuinely am - even if it isn't flashy or attention-grabbing - has really stuck with me through my leadership journey. That person was Carolyn Cuddy who was an advisor during my Professional MBA program at UT.

I would tell my 16-year-old self not to take everything so seriously and to stop being so hard on yourself. I spent a lot of years trying to be perfect and feeling like I always needed to have everything figured out. I would tell myself it's okay to be who you are and to stop worrying so much about what other people think. I'd also remind myself that life is about balance - work hard and set goals, but make time for family, community, friendships, and experiences too. Take a few more risks, get involved in the community earlier, and spend more time making memories with your kids. Looking back, the relationships and experiences are what stay with you most.