About Leadership Knoxville
Vision
Every leader – A servant leader
Mission
We build a stronger Knoxville by developing people and groups, leading to a greater community.
Core Values
Service | Integrity | Excellence | Diversity/Inclusiveness | Accountability
Leadership Knoxville offers five gateways for involvement and service to the community:
"The Value of Leadership Knoxville lies in the program's ability to bring together a cross section of community leaders - from business, education, medicine, government, and religion - who then build common ground through shared experiences and education."
Jennifer S. Banner, Chief Executive Officer, Schaad Companies
LK Flagship Program
LK Flagship Program– The annual program brings together approximately 45 leaders from around the region for a 10-month, intensive study of the community, its history, opportunities and challenges. Participants are selected based on demonstrated leadership and commitment to the betterment of the community.
Nominate a Participant
The nomination deadline for the Leadership Knoxville Class of 2013 is Friday, March 30, 2012.
LK Alumni - Services and Events
LK Alumni is made up of graduates of the flagship program. Programs and services are provided to help them remain active in service to and promotion of our region.
“Take your favorite school field trip…add nuclear science, string bands and a colorful history lesson…that’s Intro Knox.”
John Becker, Anchor/Reporter, WBIR-TV
Introduction Knoxville
Introduction Knoxville, established in 1993, offers executives and professionals new to the community, or newly established in their positions, a six-week condensed overview of community history, current events and key players.
LK Transitions - Facilitation Services
LK Transitions provides trained facilitators for work with primarily civic and community groups to assist them in achieving goals and working most productively together.
LK Insight - Community Workshops
LK Insights is a program of community-wide workshops on timely topics. Among recent ones are a training course on running for elected office and a workshop on good board governance.
History of Leadership Knoxville
Leadership Knoxville was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1984 and started its first class in 1985. Since then, nearly 1000 leaders from all segments of the community have participated in the annual 10-month program, and have committed to Leadership Knoxville’s goal of serving as “catalysts for positive change” in the greater Knoxville area.
In 1993, a second program for new executives and professionals in the community was added. Introduction Knoxville provides a six week condensed overview of community history, current events, and key players. It runs twice a year.
Leadership Knoxville also sponsors community-wide workshops on topics of interest, and provides specially-trained facilitators to assist community groups in reaching their optimum performing level.
Leadership Knoxville’s flagship program provides a comprehensive learning experience in a combination of monthly sessions (August through June), experiential learning opportunities and team projects. The curriculum is based on eight “cornerstones” essential to 21st Century leaders –practical skills which include the understanding of interpersonal and group dynamics, ability to create a common vision, and collaborative approaches to decision making. Real community issues are used throughout the curriculum to enhance participants’ understanding of their community as well as to reinforce the importance of 21st Century leadership skills and processes and how they are needed to deal effectively with those issues. Sessions are held at various locations in and around the city to provide participants with a broad geographic perspective. The curriculum includes a two-and-a-half day Opening Retreat and a two-day visit to the state capital for an in-depth view of state government and its impact on local communities.
Upon completion of the program, graduates become part of a large pool of previous program participants whose activities and communication are overseen by the Alumni Committee of the Board of Directors. Numerous programs, including forums and workshops, are provided as continuing educational opportunities. Alumni also keep abreast of community issues and alumni activities.
Leadership Knoxville, Inc., is governed by a board of directors and run by a four-member staff. It was founded by the United Way of Greater Knoxville, the Knoxville Chamber, and, the Junior League of Knoxville.