OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
CURRENT CLASS
Tracey Williams
VMC
CEO
Hometown: Key West, FL
What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
To cultivate a safe, affordable, and fun Knoxville where permanent residents and economic drivers coexist, ensuring every person has space to live, thrive, and raise future generations.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
The people! A perfect cross-section of America that is perfectly comfortable and make you feel like you belong.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
Align City and County governments to lead strategic growth alongside small businesses, faith communities, and social agencies. Unifying local leadership must replace the 'City vs. County' divide so Knoxville can benchmark against peer cities and lead in Tennessee. To strengthen our economic engines, we must first stabilize local infrastructure and fix transit and parking bottlenecks at Food City Center and the Arena. Repairing our reputation for handling large events is essential to welcoming visitors, keeping locals happy, and supporting our existing venues.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
Currently on my kindle/nightstand: The Rose Code/Kate Quinn
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Best advice from the same person (Irene Hanas): 1.) If it's not going to stop a war or save a life, don't stress about it. 2.) Everyone puts their pants on the same way ...one leg at a time.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Embrace your limitations--they will make you stronger. Be confident enough to do more sooner. You are not your parents/family.



