Flagship Program

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I’m hopeful that everyone in the Knoxville area will realize that getting into downtown and enjoying it is easy and fun. We have plenty of free or extremely affordable parking in close proximity to many restaurants and venues. The complaint about limited food options will go away when we spend more time in town and show restauranteurs, entertainers and shop owners that we want them here. We are capable of competing with the best downtowns if we start voting with our dollars today.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Other than the obvious things like our landscape and proximity to so many great outdoor activities, our in town traffic is probably my favorite part of Knoxville. We are big enough to have everything you need and small enough to have lite traffic between rush hours and after dinner. Being in construction, I drive a lot during the work day and I feel very blessed to have such little traffic to contend with.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would make Knoxville an iconic city for reviving a skilled blue collar work force. Ford coming to West TN proves that we have the economic climate to attract the biggest companies and most cutting edge manufacturing in our state. Supporting a large volume of our young adults to pursue skilled jobs that start between $50k and $100k per year, with no school debt, inside their twenties could make us the next candidate for multiple manufacturers that would love to be positioned at the intersection of I-40 and I-75.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Taking my 6 year old daughter to her first Volunteer football game 7 years ago. When we walked into the crowd, I’ll never forget how speechless and amazed she was at the size and scale of everything. Nothing competes with special memories like this with my children.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

American Icon

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

In the regards to “Who is the greatest leader in America?” Patrick Lencioni… “I believe that the best leader out there is probably running a small or medium-sized company, school or a church. Moreover, that leader’s obscurity is not a function of mediocrity, but rather a disdain for unnecessary attention and adulation. He or she would certainly prefer to have a stable home life, motivated employees, and happy customers-in that order-over public recognition.”

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t try to force all that life has to offer so quickly. Be patient and take your time, enjoying different phases of life as they come to you. Be content and enjoy each leg of the journey. When you’re ready to believe it… the best part of your life is happening right now!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

It is undeniable that Knoxville is growing rapidly. In 10 years, I envision a culture that is safe, inviting, and inclusive. A city that welcomes different people and businesses to create new enhanced opportunities.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Community and Connectivity. I love walking down the street and greeting my neighbors, celebrating each other’s wins – big and small, and the cross promotion of businesses. This is one of the biggest compliments I hear from out-of-town visitors.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would encourage others to get involved with non-profit organizations and be an active volunteer. Go walk a dog at Young Williams. Join up with friends for a trash clean up with Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Offer to sponsor a child at the Boys and Girls Club. There are so many ways to serve.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have a ton of great Knoxville memories! But perhaps one of my favorite Knoxville memories was Boomsday as a child. Enjoying the boat ride to downtown. The ash raining in the boat during the firework show. And my parents wearing matching t-shirts that read “IF ITS TOO LOUD, YOU’RE TOO OLD.”

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Atlas Shrugged: Ayn Rand

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Pat Rodgers, President/CEO of Rodgers Builders was a major supporter when I started my own business 10 years ago. As I was resigning, she took me to lunch to understand why I was leaving. She then awarded me all the projects that I was currently working on – becoming my first client. She took the opportunity to help a small woman-owned business and instilled in me the expectation to do the same for others. To me that is true leadership.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Stay the course and trust yourself. Don’t be scared to be you. Just LEAN IN!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

To be a place where everyone feels like they have a chance to be successful and follow their dreams. Knoxville has to continue to be able to provide affordable housing, employment, education, and the amenities needed to enjoy life.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

I’m not sure if it is a much of a secret as it used to be, but Knoxville is blessed to be surrounded by so many natural resources. From the Smoky Mountains, the many lakes, trails, and etc, it should be very easy to attract employers and employees.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

There is a multitude of talent that is educated in Knoxville and then move away after graduation. We have to come up with ways to keep talented individuals who are born here or go to school here. By highlighting the many positives about this area (as well as the state of Tennessee) we have to make sure to recruit top companies that will help retain graduating students. I know the fine folks at the Knoxville Chamber think about this every day.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have lived here my whole life, so there are many. The 1998 Tennessee vs. Florida game stands out. Recently, it has been great just living life with my wife Celina, son Walker, and daughter Rowan. We spend a large amount of our time on Norris Lake.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I like any type of history book. Right now I am reading “Searching for the Sound” by Phil Lesh (bassist of the Grateful Dead). Not only does it give a detailed history of the band, but it paints a good picture of what is like to be in the counter-culture scene of the 1960s.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

My most influential mentor is Jim Clayton. Jim gave me an opportunity that jumpstarted my career and will forever be grateful for that. Jim was never short on advice, but “Our lives work only to the extent that we are willing to keep our agreements” always stands out.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Travel the world while you are young. Experience different places, cultures, and people.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Given the growth in nearby areas such as Atlanta, Nashville and Charlotte, I can see Knoxville becoming the next city of choice for those who want to live in the southern region but do not want to contend with traffic, urban sprawl, high cost of living, and so forth.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Its people – whether native born or transplants, the people here are generally some of the nicest you will find anywhere.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Community involvement and mentorship. I would strive to be even more involved in improving the community though both charitable giving and volunteerism via church, social and political activities. Moreover, I would seek to mentor more youth and young adults to become good citizens of the community and remain here hopefully.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My wedding day.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

“Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

An older attorney with whom I worked advised: always remember that everyone you encounter is either a potential juror or client.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Seize each day and moment, and nurture each relationship because you do not have as much time as you think.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years, I would like Knoxville to continue to shine as a vibrant community with increased cohesiveness across all sectors and areas of Knox County. Ideally, Knoxville will have a thriving economy with opportunities for growth. Knoxville will be a safe place to raise a family and be a place with beautiful green spaces throughout the city for her residents to enjoy.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Northshore Brasserie and Chez Guevara (formerly known as La Paz)

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Knoxville is a city where people often stay or return to raise their families after growing up here. It is also a place where people have a tendency to stay loyal to a specific area and can on occasion operate in a silo. I would love to see an initiative in the high schools where students across the county can collaborate on projects. In order for this to be most effective the program would need to be open to/encouraged for all students.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

This is a difficult question for me to answer as Knoxville has been in the forefront of most of my memories. Knoxville is my hometown and outside of a few years, I have lived here most of my life. The best memories of Knoxville are the memories I am making right now. I am actively raising two small children in the place I called home growing up. I am fortunate to be able to do so with my parents and sister’s family living within a 3-mile radius of my home. It just does not get much better than that.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I just finished “The Wedding Veil” by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It was fantastic.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Debbie Ingram was one of my professors in physical therapy school at The University of TN, Chattanooga. She was extremely influential to me during those years, and I am so grateful for the interest she took in me as a person and as a young therapist. When we started school, she told us to prioritize rest and to put the books away by 9 pm. While that certainly wasn’t always possible during school, I think it is extremely valuable advice. Rest is so important and if we are not taking care of ourselves, we cannot take care of others.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

To know that everything will work out in time.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

My vision for Knoxville is to remain a large small town where our great strengths of friendliness and leadership stand above the crowd. Knoxville becomes the top ten community to live in the Southeast USA. Our people share a common vision to make our community valued and appreciated by all people.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Our best kept secret is our people! The warmth and welcome we provide is like no other!! Our regional outdoor activities are endless and rank top in the USA. Our trout fishing rivers and streams are first class and top ten throughout our country.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Mass transit study to improve our roads and highways. Regional leaders and transportation task force develop a master plan connecting our community with multiple solutions.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My favorite memory is when I was asked to move to Knoxville and now it is our true home!!!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My journal!

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

My mentor was Joe Hunter and he shared his knowledge of personal Trust business! He taught me this key fact. “It’s always their money and never forget it.” Service over personal gain is a life well lived.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Listen more and speak less!! Stay passionate about your life and life goals!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I would hope that Knoxville would continue to grow economically and develop more opportunities for the growing population.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Imams Nature Center in the beautiful South Knoxville area.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Invest in our school systems to support educational needs of all children in the greater Knoxville area.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

One of my favorite memories in Knoxville was singing with my Group Anointed Praise on Market Square Mall during the Gospel on the Square show case.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Bible is one of my favorite books.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Be your best in everything you do! This Mentor was my father Hobert Wesley Brabson.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

“Trust your own instincts and do not cave in to peer pressure.”

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I look forward to Knoxville’s ongoing emergence as a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive city. Our city has made incredible progress in recent years, and that growth should continue in a way that preserves the best parts of our unique culture. We should be the best Knoxville, rather than the next “peer city X,” by building on our existing strengths and capitalizing on new opportunities.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

I think the word is out on what makes Knoxville an amazing place to work and live. But the ease of getting to downtown, parking, and getting around to the many attractions is still under-appreciated by those who might be intimidated by our city.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

We should continue to engage in inclusive dialogue with anyone who has a stake in our city’s future. Everyone has a right to gain from our success, and we must ensure that our rising tide truly lifts all boats. In a time when our society is drifting towards division and segmentation, it would be great to be known as a city that brings all of us back together.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

There are many, but most involve experiencing live music in our city’s amazing performance venues. Santana at the World’s Fair Park shortly after I arrived in 1999…Prince at Thompson-Boling Arena…Jason Isbell at the Tennessee Theatre…Gov’t Mule or Bruce Hornsby anywhere they play (especially the Bijou)…the list goes on and on.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam (inspiration for the movie October Sky)

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have been fortunate to learn from many mentors over the years. And while Ghandi’s famous (paraphrased) advice to be the change we wish to see in the world resonates, a special friend’s constant encouragement to be my true, authentic self without concern for others’ judgement or acceptance stands out as the best advice I’ve ever received.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Put down the checklist and live–and love–your life.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville 

In ten years from now I can see Knoxville as a place that is filled with great opportunities for each individual to excel. Which will be accomplished through training and developing diverse groups of servant leaders. Each servant leader will operate in integrity and accountability.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?   

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is one of Knoxville’s Best Kept Secrets.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?   

I would strengthen Knoxville by bringing more community leaders together to develop ideas and plans that will empower each individual to become productive servant leaders in the community. Also, I would provide ongoing trainings and development for each leader.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?           

My favorite Knoxville memory is when I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. My life was changed and I realized my true purpose for life.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?          

Have a multitude of books on my shelf. Here are a few of them. Moral Leadership, Love is the way, and The Art of community.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor? 

My brother Will told me to give my best in everything and when I succeed, always remember there is still room for improvement.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I would tell my 16 year old self to seek wisdom through God’s word. Also, enjoy life and make sure to prepare for the future. Additionally, treat others the way that I want to be treated.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville       

10 years from now, I envision Knoxville being the most diverse city in the State, with record numbers of gifted and talented students choosing to stay in Knoxville to plant roots, invest back into the community to ensure economic prosperity for all people.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?   

Thousands of talented and gifted students choose to attend our flagship University from all over the world. We have some of the best research and development institutions in the country, advancing innovation technologies for the future.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?   

I would encourage the large corporations to establish and/or increase diversity, equity, and inclusion goals to reach a minimum of 15% increase in the leadership and decision-making levels (vertically and horizontally).

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?           

Being introduced to the most active and dedicated community leaders early in my career; they were great mentors for decades and have literally shaped by career path as a public servant.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?       

From the Bottom Up, written by Robert J. Booker aka Bob Booker.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor? 

My high school and college mentor was Dawnelle Hurd. Her advice was, when preparing and delivering a public presentation, if only one person attends, do so well that it feels like a 1,000 people are present.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Stick to the plan and learn lessons from all your life experiences.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

10 years from now I would love to see a more equitable Knoxville where we all have stable housing, financial security, quality early care and education, access to food, and more.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The bread at Steamboat Sandwiches is the best sandwich bread ever.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would ensure that everyone in Knoxville has an equal opportunity for success.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have so many wonderful memories of Knoxville in the fall that I really can’t pick one. There is just something magical about the start of fall in Knoxville. The crisp air in the early morning, to the way the afternoon light has a different slant, and the seasonal happenings around town. The one that always gets me though, is the smell of roasting JFG coffee beans.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Favorite Book: Achilles by Elizabeth Cook

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

When I was 19 my first boss told me that I was only allowed to ask him three questions per day and to choose wisely. He said: “You will never be successful if you don’t learn to trust yourself in making decisions” Dan Wrinn – National Director of Governmental Affairs, Ducks Unlimited

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

It is possible to help others without sacrificing yourself along the way.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I believe that Knoxville can be both a regional and national leader in innovation among several industries. With neighboring resources like the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge our city has great potential as an incubator for new ideas that will inspire the current and next generation of entrepreneurs who can be at the forefront of new technological, scientific, medical and industrial breakthroughs.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Well, I am not sure it is a secret, but the dining options in our city are amazing! It seems like there are always new places to try with amazing menus that keep me coming back for more!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I think our city and county are already so very strong in many ways which is why our community is such a great place to live and work. Both the city and county are very attractive places for new business growth and economic development. To continue to support that for the future I would focus on strengthening our infrastructure and removing as many barriers as possible to promoting the growth and creation of new opportunities to attract and promote new business growth and development.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I would have to say coming to the 1982 Worlds Fair with my cousins when I was 12 years old. This was my first trip to Knoxville and it was amazing! The Energy Expo theme with all of the futuristic structures and, at the time, cutting edge technological displays along with cultural and unique exhibits from other nations created memories that I will never forget. Experiencing that Worlds Fair is part of what inspired my dream of becoming an architect.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan, but enjoy many genres. Currently I am reading #Gospel

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have had many wonderful mentors over the years and was blessed to spend the early part of my career working with the legendary Knoxville architect, Bruce McCarty. One of many fond memories I have of Bruce was during a jobsite visit when he said to me “your best project will always be your next one.” I have taken that to heart and share with our team today that each project an architect designs is an opportunity for improvement based on previous experience. I also admired how Bruce was so well admired and respected in the community, not only for his reputation as a great architect, but for how involved and engaged he was in caring for our city and community. His life and career have always been inspirational to me and it was a privilege to learn from him.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

My 16 year old self knew it all and probably wouldn’t listen to me, but I would tell him to be a better listener anyway.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

To have a more equitable and economically sustainable city for Black people and minorities in Knoxville. I would like to see our city attract and retain more Black professionals by way of good paying jobs, social opportunities, and quality public education. I also envision revitalization for East Knoxville that doesn’t include pushing people out, but rather giving them better opportunities in their community where they can stay and thrive. My vision is also to have more minorities in key positions of leadership where they can have more than just a seat at the table, but a voice and ability to be decision makers that produce systemic and long lasting change.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The many grassroots organizations and people who are working everyday to make a difference in our city.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would work to elect more leaders and place those in positions of power who want to see an equitable city, reduction of poverty, and who want to work to improve our communities and neighborhoods that have historically been left out. I would place people in charge who are ready to implement change in a way that has not been seen before and who will push the envelope for social and economic change.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

When I was a little girl, visiting my grandma in East Knoxville going to church and playing outside in her yard, swimming days at the old Chilhowee Holston pool, and watching my dad play baseball at Bill Meyer stadium with the K-Jays.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My favorite book would be anything by James Baldwin or The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Not to second guess myself so much, that I can do this, and I am ready right now for this work. From my editor Joel Christopher. My late grandmother is also someone whose love of Jesus Christ was instilled into me at a young age and whose advice stays with me.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

That you don’t have to have it all figured out before 25.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville will be a welcoming hub for business and innovation that advances diverse ideas to solve the world’s challenges.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville is the best kept secret in the US.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Build our workforce to continue to attract innovation and investment in our community. Invest in education and children’s programs.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Family adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Believe in yourself as I believe in you. My mother.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

You are stronger than you think. Push yourself and you will be surprised with what you can accomplish.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I am optimistic that Knoxville will continue its economic, political, and social growth while becoming a more ethnically diverse city/community by expanding its affinity group resources, services and engagement.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The BECK Cultural Exchange Center.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would strengthen its commitment to inclusion, diversity and engagement and be even more intentional in leveraging this as a value proposition for Knoxville.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have fond memories of the first day my family and I arrived in Knoxville to move in to our new house and begin a new journey as the Dickens party of five.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Start with Why – Simon Sinek

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

You must develop a thick skin as a leader. General Charles A Hines – President of PVAMU

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Always stay true to your self and honor your values and your personal ethical/moral code in every decision in life and pace yourself.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville will be a thriving city with a lot of outdoor space, music, culture and event spaces. As more businesses choose to move here for our amenities and lifestyle, Knoxville will become or at least move toward a cultural capital of Appalachia, if not the larger South.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The Museum of East Tennessee History. It regularly wins state level and national level awards but many here don’t even know where it is. We want to take it from hidden gem to crown jewel.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

More outdoor spaces and development of the river especially on the south side. More trees in urban spaces for cooling and carbon capture. More rent control in the downtown so younger groups might live there and a grocery store downtown.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

When I was in high school, some friends of mine and I went to the KMA to see the MC Escher exhibit. We accidentally arrived on opening night and everyone was in tuxes and ball gowns. We were invited in anyway because people were so excited to have young people. It was amazing.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Dr. Vejas Liulevicius at UT told me if I wanted to stay in history and pursue a PhD, I had better love history. He was right and I did, so I got my PhD.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Not worry so much about high school politics and go on more adventures, but most importantly cherish your time with loved ones because they might be gone before you know it.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I like Knoxville and where it is headed. What’s great about Knoxville’s slow and steady growth is foreseeable. If you don’t like where it is headed there is plenty of time to alter its path before it is realized.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

It’s an easy place to live. Whatever you want out of Knoxville you can focus on it and that is your Knoxville and it totally different than the Knoxville someone else focuses on- yet both mutually exist.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Help those not experiencing the best of life or Knoxville, the homeless. To think we have some many people without housing, a basic need, it a tough to believe.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

That’s a tough one. But graduation last year in Neyland stadium from UT Law was defiantly up there.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Getting This Done by Michael Allen

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Regardless of your preconceived notion of the meeting, right or wrong, go.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

get tested!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Continued growth in both the residential and commercial sectors, but ensuring the use of space is effective, strategic, and useful. The issues causing homelessness are addressed, solutions implemented, and we have an overall more productive and safe community.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The endless activities and locally owned businesses throughout Downtown Knoxville. Whether it be charity events, concerts, festivals, theatres, rooftop bars, family friendly breweries, or fantastic restaurants, our city has it all!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

A larger presence of law enforcement to reduce drug/violent crimes, ensure laws are followed, and to make sure our city is safe for everyone. Provide better communication channels to our community regarding the difference between enabling and helping our homeless population.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The very snowy Christmas Eve 2020 in Downtown Knoxville. Being able to walk through the untouched sidewalks and streets admiring the beauty of the snow-covered city with Christmas lights everywhere was breathtaking!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Toxic Charity

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

To always believe in myself and that in the professional world a woman can do anything a man can. She probably doesn’t even realize what an inspiration she has been to me, but her name is Cecilia Peterson.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

The same things I tell my 17 year old son – that you have to find happiness within yourself and not rely on others to make you happy, to stay focused on school work as grades are so important for college admission, and that hard work always pays off.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Not becoming Nashville, but becoming a thriving and sustainable economy. A desirable place for businesses and individuals to locate while still keeping its small-town vibe.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The incredible local food scene is definitely Knoxville’s best kept secret. I often encounter out-of-towners that are shocked by the limited chain restaurants in the downtown area. Forces them out of their comfort zone and into something we treasure so much as locals.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Continue the work to connect business leaders to set the example of stewardship alongside each other. Serving non-profit organizations, making tough but necessary decisions to serve all of our neighbors regardless of what side of Knoxville they reside in.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

There are so many to choose from as Knoxville has felt like home since the moment I arrived. But if I have to choose one, taking my son to his first UT basketball game.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Ken Follett’s The Century Trilogy

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Be the thermostat. A former manager, Katie Scanlan told me this while managing a challenging work situation and environment. It resonates everyday still.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Be patient with yourself and others.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville has a strong foundation in the areas of industry & economics, higher education, and community pride. With the current infrastructure, there is great talent to combat and overcome areas that would benefit from continued focus. Working to support health equity and homelessness have been efforts that I have supported for the last several years. Much like the slogan “No Child left behind” we should advocate that every life is important and “No Person Left Behind.” Continuing to support diversity, lower crime rates, and economic growth will keep Knoxville as a destination for new industry, higher paying wages and talent.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Having lived in the area just under 2 years, I would believe a couple of the best kept secrets to be how much green space is available for all to enjoy. There are so many well maintained community park and recreation areas in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. We are always discovering new places each week. I also believe this to be the most dog friendly area in the country. Dogs have always been part of the American family but in recent years, they have become more than just the family pet. They are used to support psychosocial needs such as anxiety and loneliness. I appreciate having a number of options to bring my 4 legged family member with us when going out.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

One recommendation would be to combine city and county government. There seems to be a duplication and potentially a waste of resources. (Perhaps I will have a different opinion after this class.) The second would be to continue to support the expansion of the airport in Blount County. Though it is not in Knox County, everyone in business appreciates the access to travel. Companies may not consider Knoxville as a place to expand or relocate to if the access to direct and lower cost air travel is not available.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Again, I have only resided in Knoxville for less than 2 years, however my favorite memory was Market Square this past Christmas and the tree lighting ceremony/event. My entire family enjoyed the live music, the ice rink and the shops being open a little later.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Silent Patient

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Pay it forward and mentor the next person. Take the time. I implemented quarterly coaching opportunities with my direct reports about 8 years ago. They are totally optional but we take the time to discuss their goals and areas of opportunity. It makes me aware of what they would like to achieve and offer support in helping them reach those goals both personal and professional ones. I don’t know that I can credit this to just one person. I have been fortunate to have several good mentors in my life both personal and professional.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t give up no matter how hard and out of reach the goal may seem. I came from a lower than middle class family with divorced parents where neither parent had attended college. Setting long term career and personal goals were not discussed in my household. How to make ends meet today was often the focus. I was forced to navigate my higher education independently however I am stronger for it. I would also say to not stray from your faith.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A city that has grown in ways that are thoughtful and planned, that has invested in underserved people and places, that still has a small community feeling, and where people of all ages and backgrounds can find a place to thrive.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

As a relatively new transplant, I find new “secrets” — or at least things I didn’t know — all the time! I think the fact that Knoxville is a “just big enough” city where you can drive for a few minutes and also feel like you’re able to enjoy nature is one of the things that make it a gem.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

That remains to be seen… I’m excited to learn more about some of Knoxville’s biggest needs so I can better understand what I can contribute to strengthening the community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

On my family’s first trip to Knoxville (my second or third trip), about halfway through our day of touring and house hunting, my 6-year-old daughter declared “I like it. Can we move here?” She felt more at home her first time in Knoxville, than she did after two years in our last city.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

A former manager and mentor said that being able to truly listen, without judgement and not filtered by a personal agenda, is like a superpower.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Worry less about what everyone else thinks. Go out of your way try to include the “outsiders” in any situation. Hug your parents more.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville is the greatest “big” little city in the country, in my opinion. We are close in proximity to the mountains and the most visited National Park. It would be great for Knoxville to capitalize on that by finding ways to bring some of those 11 plus million visitors per year to the city of Knoxville. We should continue growth in areas of housing, education, mental healthcare, law enforcement and local businesses. I understand the importance of bringing in larger companies for jobs, but keeping local businesses prominent in our city will allow us to remain unique.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville has some really great restaurants and chefs that would surprise some of the most selective food critics. Being from New Orleans, a city that is known for its culinary experiences, I was delightfully surprised to find some of the hidden gems in and around our city.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I believe we have many great resources that our community is not aware of. We seem to be disjointed at times and in various places. The message doesn’t always seem clear and unified. I would like for us to study and visit other great “big” little cities and take a page or two from their book. The city of Knoxville is growing by leaps and bounds. The infrastructure must have a solid foundation in order to keep up and support that growth. Law enforcement is top of mind as our city continues to grow. As an owner of a business with a downtown Knoxville office location, this is important to me as it should be to our entire community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have lived here since 2005. My favorite Knoxville memory has to be the first time I went to a show at the beautiful Tennessee Theatre! What a gem we have there. It’s grand and majestic, in every way. I was in awe the first time I entered the theatre and still relish in the moment each time I attend a show.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My favorite book is “A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown. It’s a true and incredible story of what Cupcake Brown overcame to become the success she is today. It’s inspiring and uplifting. Anything is possible and you truly can be anything that you want to be. Determination.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have had several great mentors, but there are a couple of things that have stuck with me from childhood. These two things have played an integral part of who I am today, and also my son because I used these as core values while raising him. This advice came from my mother: Hard work pays off. Nothing in life is free, nor are you entitled to anything. The world owes you nothing. Great work ethic will take you far in life. My softball coach who coached our team to 7 consecutive years of undefeated championships taught us this: You don’t get a trophy just for showing up. If you want a trophy you have to win. In order to win, you have to practice and practice takes sacrifice. You win with humility and lose with grace. I have applied that to all parts of mine and my son’s life on and off the field.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Marry him anyway because you’re going to get a beautiful son to share life with who will then give you an amazing grandson that will fill your heart with more love than you ever could have imagined. Dream big. Your future is bright. Life is going to continue to be hard. One day at a time. You’re going to overcome more in the first 38 years of life than most will in a lifetime, but it only makes you stronger. Be active in your community. Be a voice, but also take action. If you want change, you have to do something to effect change. Love even though you’ve been hurt. Smile even when you don’t feel like smiling. Be kind, you never know what someone is going through. Be the change you want to see in others.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A decreased poverty rate among Black Knoxvillians. A more equitable education system. More city-wide cultural events that appeal to the Black and Brown communities.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The growing Maker community.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Build an inclusive small business community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Knoxville’s Saturday Night on the Town.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Shinda Rhines book Year of Yes

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

That you don’t have to do it all.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Be patient and believe in yourself. Everything turns out just fine.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A community that works, lives, and plays together. Continuing to build on the growth of downtown is important. I would love to see the various neighborhoods continue to have their own personalities and culture and for people to move amongst the various neighborhoods and not just stay in their own worlds.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville has a wonderful system of greenways and parks. Most if not all of them are easily accessible and link to each other.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would improve the “big picture” plan. I feel like growth and progress are great, but it can feel a bit disjointed at times. If there were some stronger voices or visions of how it “all” works together.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The whole of 1998. It was my first year here as a student at UT. I fell in love with the campus first and then began discovering more and more of the town.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Hero of Two Worlds – Maquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

It was fairly industry specific, but Steve Hagood would talk about how lending was part art and part science and most things were not black and white.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I don’t know that 16 old me would listen, but I would tell him to enjoy the journey. It is just as if not more important than they end result.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I’d love to see the various neighborhoods and communities of Knoxville continue to grow more connected, and for the community to capitalize on all of the wonderful outdoor spaces we have.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

I feel like visitors or new residents are always shocked at how good the food is here, and at the diversity of options.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

We need to break down the invisible barriers between our communities and neighborhoods. I feel people can go their whole lives here and never spend any time in other parts of our community. We all have a lot to learn from each other, and the best way to grow individually and as a community is to spend time with people that have different experiences and perspectives.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

There are some very obvious personal memories that happened in Knoxville (birth of children, etc.), but one of my favorite Knoxville memories was our first Christmas Eve in town as a newly married couple. We were a long way from family, and some friends invited us to their family Christmas Eve celebration at their home. Everyone treated us like we were part of the family, and it was one of the first times that Knoxville really felt like home.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Early in my career my boss (Tom Hodges) and I were having a conversation about the challenges of having a busy work life and a great family life. The point he made that I’ve carried with me ever since was that great families and marriages are built with intention. Do you want to spend quality time with your wife and kids? You have to plan it. Do you want your kids to learn certain things or have special experiences? You have to prepare and make time for them. Its a pretty obvious concept, but its so hard to lose sight of that in the midst of a busy life.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I would advise my 16 year old self to have more perspective and more reasonable expectations as I moved into adult hood. I had very unreasonable expectations about what life would be like when I was starting out – in terms of the type of job I would have, how much money we would have, etc. I really felt like a failure as a younger man and the root of these feelings was my wildly unreasonable expectations. They say happiness equals reality minus expectations, and I would advise my younger self to get better at this sort of “math”.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

“Eliminate homelessness and hunger and provide quality education to all. A thriving economy for all. The opportunities for all walks of life to participate in our community decisions and opportunities. For our parks to be the best in the state. I would like to see a children’s museum in Knoxville so our children have creative opportunities to expand their gifts.
To create a city that offers opportunities for all would be one of my visions. That we provide a place for all walks of life to have a voice in the decisions that affect our city. ”

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The quality of life. Great health care. Proximity to mountains and lakes. Drivability to so many locations in a day. A college town that offers so many activities. Friendliness of our community. The care that our leaders in local business and government provide to our community. Low cost of living.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Make sure with all the growth we are experiencing that we have infrastructure for roads and schools and affordable housing. To strengthen this community we need to encourage responsible building with affordable housing. Offer competitive teacher salaries so we provide quality education. The quality of education and caring for all children will provide a community that will be safe and provide continued growth in all areas.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Being able to open our Chick-fil-A at Northshore Town center 2019 and my family being able to give back to our community thru this business.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Midnight Library

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Bonnie Woodfin was my mentor years ago in Paris, Texas. She said to me you will be a force when you decide where to focus your time and effort and energy.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

That some people will not like you because of the things that are important to you but don’t lose sight of doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years, I envision my students being young leaders in a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive Knoxville community where public education is valued and all students have an equal chance at success.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville’s best kept secret is the educators at Vine Middle Magnet School. They are passionate, professional and student centered, and there is no better staff to work than this group of dedicated individuals. They change lives every day.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Help educate Knovillians about the power of poverty and how understanding how equity can help make our community stronger and more beneficial for all.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Going to the TVA Valley Fair when I was younger.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My favorite Book: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston; night stand: Nuance by Michael Fullan

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Betty Sue Sparks told me to consider my leadership and any difficulties as a calling “For such a time as this.”

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I’d remind myself that the world wasn’t on my shoulders and that I still had time to grow up.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

To have more diverse leadership with more organizations.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville has more restaurants per capita than any city in the U.S.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

To encourage more healthy eating and exercise lifestyles such as discipline at the table, running, walking, cycling, and interval cross training. This kind of activity encourages individuals to make it an habit in their lives. When a city focuses on providing a good quality of life and health to the community, it’ll make people’s lives better and reap many economic and social benefits.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Tennessee beating Florida in the rain in 1992.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My Life Application Bible

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

My mentor Pastor Eric Leake told me “to achieve Godly wisdom in my life will give me knowledge, and good judgment that will protect me and minimize consequences in my life.”

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

To develop more self control mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I see Knoxville continuing to develop regional and national recognition as a premier destination to live, work and play. Knoxville has so much to offer and I believe it will grow at an accelerated rate over the next 10 years as people begin to discover the value that Knoxville brings. I think this recognition will bring growth in business, employment and entertainment opportunities that Knoxville has not seen before.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville’s best kept secret is our quality of life. We are surrounded by the natural beauty of our lakes, rivers and mountains. The water is very easily accessible we are just 45 minutes from the most visited national park in the country. We have great schools, great people and Knoxville is still small enough that it is easy to get around. When you add in the University of Tennessee and our low cost of living, it makes it tough to beat!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

One of the best things we could do to strengthen Knoxville would be to retain more of our graduates from the University of Tennessee. They often look to move to the larger cities and often do not come back. We have significantly improved our retention rate with UT graduates over the last 5 years but there is still room to grow in this area. These graduates are a great resource for the future of our city.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

When I was a child we hosted several families at our house during the 1982 Worlds Fair. They would come and stay for a few days and it was so much fun meeting other families and kids from across the country. It was a great honor for Knoxville to host the Worlds Fair at that time and I’ll always remember that summer.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I’m currently reading Life is Messy by Matthew Kelly.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

No task is beneath you. Don’t put yourself above anyone or anything: work hard and be a good person without drawing attention to yourself and let success make the noise. This is a summary of advice I have received from my parents and coaches while growing up.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Life will never develop as you plan or expect and you must be willing and able to adapt to those changes while still maintaining a positive attitude. Be grateful for what you have and always do your best to maintain a positive attitude. It will allow you to thrive in any situation. Live in the present. You can’t control the future and life goes by fast so enjoy the moments.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

My vision for Knoxville is that we will be a leader in community health innovation and all Knoxvillians will have equal opportunities to be healthy and happy.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Our gourmet scene is improving.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Help strengthen innovation and cross-sectorial collaboration.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

When my children were born.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Little Prince

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

My friend, mentor and former boss taught me “the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Curb your pride.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

My vision for Knoxville in 10 years is that it has successfully managed significant growth while preserving its best elements; including our strong sense of community and connectedness, our highly-relational feel and friendliness, and the spirit of pride and commitment Knoxville residents so readily demonstrate.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville has several best kept secrets. One especially important to me is how easy it feels to live here. After living in Atlanta (and spending significant time in Washington, DC) over the last three decades, I am continually amazed by how much simpler life is in Knoxville. People are incredibly kind and gracious, a “long” commute is measured in minutes instead of hours, everything needed is within easy reach, and there is strong sense of safety and security. The restaurant scene is increasingly interesting and fun, and my husband and I have been pleasantly surprised by all there is to do culturally and recreationally.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Knoxville has many wonderful strengths, and we also have significant opportunities. I am especially concerned about health inequities in our population and ensuring access to care for all who need it. There is no doubt our current state is, at least in part, due to the of terrible toll the opioid epidemic has had individuals, families, and our community. Evidence is all around us that we have many people at great risk, including many in need of stable housing, health care and behavioral health services, and who need additional support services. I love the quote by American novelist, Pearl Buck, who said “the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” I hope to learn more during LK 2023 about how we, as a community of caring people, can better the lives of those among us who are struggling.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I arrived in Knoxville in May of 2020 at the outset of COVID-19. For 15+ months, I lived in an apartment and away from my family while working virtually non-stop in health care during a global pandemic. My transition to Knoxville was surreal and difficult in many ways, and yet I’ve also managed to have a little fun! My favorite memories thus far are going to my first TN Vols football game (in over 30 years), making new friends, and introducing my adult children and their families to Knoxville. Sadly, I have been unable to entice them to relocate here… but I’m still trying!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

It is impossible for me to cite a favorite book, as I am an avid reader and enjoy many genres. When COVID began and I moved to Knoxville in May of 2020, I began re-reading American classics and thoroughly enjoyed doing that. Typically, I read more than one book at a time, I love historical works (especially anything by Doris Kearns Goodwin … “Team of Rivals” is one of my favorites), and my current best read is “The Premonition” by Michael Lewis. I’m fascinated by this book because it tells a real-world story about several individuals, including a longtime colleague/friend of mine, Dr. Carter Mecher, who recognized early signs of the COVID-19 pandemic and who tried valiantly to influence (largely behind the scenes) our national response.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have benefitted from having numerous influential mentors during my career, and it is difficult to pinpoint the best advice I’ve been given. However, one message I recall specifically was from the CEO who selected me for my first chief nursing officer (CNO) position almost 30 years ago. He told me that I should always focus on “taking care of the people who take care of the patients.” To me, this statement epitomized the very essence of servant leadership. This philosophy became foundational to my leadership approach as a new CNO and it remains so today.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

There are so many things I would tell my 16 year old self, although I doubt I would have believed a word of it! I would say to expect that life will be an amazing mix of good/wonderful, sadness/tragedy, and a lot in-between. I would tell myself that no matter how hard I might try, I would never have as much control as I believed I could exert over what happens, and to trust that most things eventually work out ok anyway.  I would tell myself that faith, family, and friends are what are most important and really make life worth living, and to put those above all other things. Quite candidly, I would have saved myself a lot of stress and angst had I really believed these things at a much younger age.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A prosperous community where opportunities are provided to those who need them.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Its natural beauty.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Be the voice for those in need by providing the tools and opportunities so Knoxville can thrive as a whole.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Enjoying nature with my family and friends

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The books that is currently on my nightstand is Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

“You can do it” my family

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Enjoy the present and travel more.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I would like to see sustained and continued growth of businesses and community organizations that support and reflect the diversity of Knoxville.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

My husband and I enjoy going out to eat. I love that Knoxville has so many wonderful places to eat. If we wanted to, we could go out to eat every weekend and never visit the same place twice.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would work to ensure that different perspectives are at the table when important decisions are being made. I would work collaboratively with stakeholders to address issues and encourage comprise to achieve desired results.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My favorite memories of Knoxville are the times spent on the lake. I grew up on the beach and was afraid I’d miss it when I moved here. Instead, I now have the best of both worlds with the mountains and the lake.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I listen to two or three books a month. My favorites is Where the Crawdads Sing. I’m currently listening to Something in the Water.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have had several great mentors and it’s hard to just pick one. The best advice I have been given has taught me two important lessons. 1) You learn the most when you make a mistake. 2) Most of your growth and development happens when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone so don’t be afraid to do something you’ve never done before.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

There will be times when you will be challenged beyond your limits. Know that you are stronger than you think and will become a better person by over coming those challenges.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

For Knoxville to be a vibrant and safe community that is affordable, diverse and innovative. A place of growth where local businesses are supported and new businesses are attracted. A place where our churches and non-profits are healthy. A place where individuals and families can flourish.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The Change Center in East Knoxville – there is nothing like it in our area. The Change Center not only provides a safe place for recreation for children and adults of all ages, but is also a great venue for special occasions and corporate events. But what I love most about the Center is its focus on job skill training and leadership development for Knoxville’s urban youth.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Things like economic development and affordable housing immediately come to mind, but if I had to pick one area it would be to invest heavily into our youth – they are our future! Technology has helped them become more educated and seemingly more connected than ever before, but anxiety, depression and teen suicide are at an all-time high. So, how can we better engage our youth to give them the encouragement, mentorship and accountability they need, regardless of their demographics? And how can we expand our educational, social and recreational opportunities for our youth? Knoxville has so many great youth service organizations that it would be difficult to mention them all, but I have been involved with Emerald Youth Foundation over the last 20 years and have seen first-hand the positive impact they make as they intentionally invest in our next generation of leaders.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Nothing will ever compare to my wedding day with Kelley or the birth of my two sons, Evan and Camden. As far as growing up in Knoxville, Boomsday definitely comes to mind. The event itself was unforgettable as a child, but this time of year also meant UT football had started and fall (my favorite season of the year by far) was just around the corner.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Bible and Fly Into the Wind by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have been blessed with several mentors who have provided great advice over the years, so it is difficult to choose just one. But I will say that Dale Keasling and David Reynolds have been exceptional leaders of Home Federal Bank. Both certainly provide sound advice, but what has made the most impact to me is to see how they live their lives. Both Dale and David are family-oriented, servant leaders who have led by example with unquestionable integrity, humility, generosity and service to our community.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

You will never be able to find true joy and contentment in the things of this world, so don’t even try. Trust God’s plan for your life and stay close to Him. Oh, and listen to your mom more – she is full of wisdom!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

That Knoxville will be a vibrant and safe community for people to live, work and enjoy. Working together for continuous improvement in areas of social services, education, arts and recreational opportunities across all zip codes.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The improvements at Lakeshore Park.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Improve access and create new mental health and recovery services.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The time my husband and I lived downtown in the Phoenix Building and were able to explore and better appreciate our vibrant and expanding downtown offerings.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I Wish I Knew by Donna Ashworth

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Risk more than others think is safe, Care more than others think is wise, Dream more than others think is practical and Expect more than others think is possible. These words are on a card given to me by Burt Rosen that have inspired and motivated me over the years.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

To take care of yourself first so you can be the best for others and to create and respect boundaries.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years I hope that Knoxville will have made great strides to provide equitable health opportunities to every zip code/neighborhood within our great city. Also, as we continue to grow, I hope that we always keep the sweet community feel that draws people here to raise their families and advance their careers.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The overlook at Lakeshore Park.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Encourage every member of our community to give back in some way. Whether that be through a professional group, non-profit, your child’s school, or your church; it is so rewarding to give back while also doing so much good for our community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Some of my best memories are from my time of working for the Vol Network and getting to meet and spend time with University of TN Athletic greats such as John Ward, Gus Manning, Haywood Harris, and Pat Summitt.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer is currently on my nightstand

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

“You can tell pretty much all you need to know about a person by who they surround themselves with…both professionally and personally.”

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I would tell myself to not take things so seriously and be kinder to yourself. Give yourself grace!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years from now, I hope to see Knoxville progress to be a city that is on the forefront of ideas on how to better solve the issues around social and economic disparities within local communities. I believe that we have some of the most brilliant and innovative people who are working hard to create change for future generations.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The Change Center is Knoxville’s best kept secret. It’s a place in East Knoxville that is allowing young people to have fun in a safe environment while encouraging them to experience the joys of having a place where they feel empowered to have a sense of ownership.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

To strengthen Knoxville, I would empower my fellow leaders to fight against the systemic racism that still pervades areas of our city. If Knoxville is going to move forward we must address our biases and learn to embrace the difficult conversations. This will strengthen our community and allow us to be a model to other cities in our great state.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My favorite Knoxville memory is meeting my beautiful wife on UT campus. I’ve been chasing after her ever since that day!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I’m currently reading “The Emotionally Healthy Leader” by Peter Scazzero

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

The greatest advice I received from a mentor was to focus on strengthening my strengths while remembering to grow in the areas of my weaknesses. No one is asking me to be perfect, just to be better.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Buy Apple and Amazon stock!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville continues to grow responsibly. The downtown is cleaner and retains its character. It is a walkable city, it is a safe city and a destination for families and vacationers, as well as professionals choosing to live downtown.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Enjoying music from local artists on the patio of Social Dove.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

More law enforcement downtown, walking the streets and interacting with the public. Eliminate pan-handling and ensure people on the street who need services are directed to the proper organizations that provide help.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The first weekend I moved here was the cycling race downtown. It was a fantastic introduction to living downtown.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Unsettled by Steven Koonin

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Maintain self-care and balance, cultivate mindfulness and spend time every morning with self reflection on how I am landing and does that meet my intent. – Deb Rubin

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Work hard and good things will happen.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville will be an amazing place to live and raise a family. Highly skilled people of all types will want to be a part of this place where people work together to achieve success for themselves and provide opportunities for their neighbors. Knoxville will continue to lift up great entrepreneurs who are developing cutting edge technology that will attract investment of both capital and intellectual resources to build a more vibrant and thriving community.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The amazing business owners that are growing businesses and developing other peoples careers while flying under the radar. Businesses that are less than 150 employees but are developing and producing great products and services for the region and the world. We also have some amazing non-profits like Young Life (75 years), CONNECT, and Thrive. There are so many incredible people in Knoxville dedicated to making it better for all.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Find a way to engage more people in all the opportunities that Knoxville and the region offer. We need to find a way to put people in position to experience more of Knoxville and the businesses, natural resources, and outlets to learn new skills and have a great quality of life. The University of Tennessee attracts some of the best and brightest people from the USA and from other countries. I want the experience at UT to include learning more about our region, businesses, opportunities, and places that make East Tennessee such a great place to live and work; so that we become better by embracing those students and their talents.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

There are so many from the time I arrived in Knoxville from Atlanta to go to UT and all that followed. Getting my education and doing it with great fraternity brothers, going to UT football/basketball games throughout my life, going to the lake with family and friends, and the opportunity to have a career and a family at the same time. I was able to coach my children in many sports at Knox Youth Sports and I don’t believe I would have had that luxury in a city with major traffic problems. Knoxville provides so many different outlets for family and friends to get together and enjoy an afternoon or a weekend together. My newest favorite thing is getting to meet people all over our region and learning what they do and what motivates them to be the best at what they do. We have some great business people that are doing great things and also are giving back to the community in abundance.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Currently reading the Go-Giver which was provided to me by a friend I meet through my work. Thanks Justin!

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

I have been blessed with so many mentors including my Mom and Dad, my Grandmother, managers I worked for at UPS (especially Warren Wiltz). I was taught early in my sales career that you sell more by listening than by talking. That message has helped me in all facets of life to listen to the other person and understand their perspective and needs, find ways to help them, and create a strong relationship built upon that mutual respect for each other.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Enjoy the good times and the bad times. You can learn from both and how you react will either help comfort someone or inflict more pain. Also, that investing in others provides the greatest returns on investment and that failure provides a great opportunity to be better.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I’d like to see a significant decrease in violent crime and an improved quality of life for residents while simultaneously building trust and legitimacy in all sectors of our community. I fundamentally believe that police must work in partnership with community members and not create an “us vs. them” environment.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Jackie’s Dream.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Create safe public spaces in all sectors of our City so people can live, work and raise their families. We can accomplish this by shaping our organizational culture to value systematic problem solving and community partnerships.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Years ago I attended a UT football game in Neyland Stadium for the first time. I vividly remember my excitement as I joined in with the 100,000+ fans singing Rocky Top. It was an unforgettable experience.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Count of Monte Cristo

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Meet people where they are. Getting out and interacting with community members and employees is critical. Be visible, available, listen, observe and ask questions. People need to know they are important and that their opinion matters. Past successes may be personally important to you but people care about the present and the future, not your past. Paraphrased from Retired Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

“It’s not at all that we have too short a time to live, but that we squander a great deal of it. Life is long enough, and it’s given in sufficient measure to do many great things if we spend it well. But when it’s poured down the drain of luxury and neglect, when it’s employed to no good end, we’re finally driven to see that it has passed by before we even recognized it passing. And so it is—we don’t receive a short life, we make it so.” — Seneca

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

To truly have more “Affordable Housing” throughout the city for those most in need of housing, especially those vulnerable and homeless citizens. To be a more inclusive city with the entire Knoxville community: east, west, north and south, and we need a more effective communication system accessible to all its citizens. A city providing more resources for those marginalized citizens that are often overlooked.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The resources available to its citizens within the nonprofit community provided by its nonprofit organizations.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Look for ways for its citizens to access resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it be, housing, food, resources such as gas, a bus pass to get to a new employment opportunity or the like. Resources to repair an inoperable vehicle that requires minor repairs. There are many persons within this city that if they only had minimal funds, they could get life back on track.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The 1982 World’s Fair.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Book on my nightstand: “100 Devotions JOY To Bring A Smile To Your Face”

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

When you are blessed in life and can, bless someone else with a hand up financially or otherwise.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Always remember to “Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness; and All these things shall be added unto you.”

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A growing and thriving Knoxville has a diverse business ecosystem, boasting a skilled workforce that can quickly adapt to a rapidly changing business market. A thriving arts community, interconnected greenways and sidewalks, safe neighborhoods, and housing options for people of all incomes.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville’s best kept secret is our people, who exemplify the volunteer spirit daily. A close look at any neighborhood, reveals neighbors helping one another and seeking out ways to give back. Our citizens are hardworking, caring, and share a vision to build a better community for the future.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

A strong and thriving Knoxville has a diverse and skilled workforce, and a robust business ecosystem that creates jobs, encourages entrepreneurship, and provides opportunities for all. Quality of life is strengthened through walking/biking connections and an expanded urban tree canopy.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I ran the Knoxville marathon in 2007. It was a rainy day in Knoxville and at about the 6-mile mark, I stepped in a puddle, soaking my shoe and sock for the rest of the race. It was a challenge but running through the finish line in Neyland stadium was an amazing moment.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My favorite book is “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kerns Goodwin.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

The best advice my father ever gave me was not in words but through his example. He is patient, kind, hardworking, possesses a love of learning, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Believe in yourself and your resiliency. Although you will face unfamiliar and seemingly insurmountable challenges; you will not only survive, but will emerge stronger, smarter, and the best version of yourself.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

That Knoxville Medical Group will continue to support local community through low cost healthcare, drug rehab and servicing the underprivileged community. Faith N Friends Horse Rescue will continue to support local community through helping people with their horses, being a safe haven for those horses. Providing therapy, education for special needs and underserved populations. Being a safe, open place for all. Helping Horses Help People!

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

We have none, the secret’s out! Everyone is moving here!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Increase resources for those in need in the local community

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Riding horses at Norris park.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Kite Runner

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

The best advice I received from a mentor was to get organized! My mentor was David Watson and he has been a blessing!

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Stay in school!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

10 years from now, I hope Knoxville is still a warm, welcoming place to live. To that end, I hope Knoxville will have made significant investments in accessibility improvements to make it warm and welcoming to all. I know the population will continue to grow, but I hope we will make it a priority to maintain green spaces for our community as well.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

I’m not sure any of these are much of a secret, but I’m all about green spaces and museums, so I have to say Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, World’s Fair Park, Knoxville Botanical Gardens, Marble Springs, Knoxville Museum of Art, and McClung Museum.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Accessibility improvements to make Knoxville more livable for all (improve public transportation including places to sit while waiting, install more sidewalks, expand the greenway system, create more affordable housing and make grants available to make accessibility modifications to existing housing).

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My father passed away earlier this year, so for me right now my favorite Knoxville memories are my family memories of growing up in West Hills.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

I am currently reading The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish (historical fiction is my favorite genre).

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

From a professor: You won’t have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to tell a client (or anyone) that you don’t know, but you will do some research and get back to them. Also, actually get back to them.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

That hemp necklace stinks and you should take it off. More seriously, you haven’t found your place yet, but you will. You wouldn’t have wanted it to be high school, anyway.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A growing community where humans genuinely care about other humans, where our best days are still in front of us, and where the future is something to long for not something to guard against.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Small enough to have a true “community feel”, large enough to be “impactful and fulfilling.”

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Stronger families = a strong community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

8/10/2020 – the date my family and I started a new adventure in Knoxville and east Tennessee.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Bible

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Stand tall, be strong yet humble, stay in the arena, and be authentic always.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

You can have fun and be serious – the 2 are not mutually exclusive to one another.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

My vision for Knoxville 10 years from now is that it would be the best city in which to raise a family…regardless of race/ethnicity, creed, orientation, or zip code.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

I am constantly surprised by folks that live in our community that do not take advantage of our amazing downtown. We have so many festivals, parades, events, restaurants, parks, greenways, etc. There is so much to experience here!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would love to support/ensure the development of a robust systems-approach to strengthening early care and education in Knoxville. In the words of Harvard University pediatrician Jack Shonkoff, “Brains are built, not born.” Brain scientists have discovered that during children’s earliest years, their experiences are built into their bodies—shaping the brain’s architecture and creating the foundation for future learning. Everything a child experiences from birth impacts that child’s ability to fulfill their potential. Decades of research have established what children need to build strong brains—health, mental health, and development on track from birth, supportive and supported families and communities, and high-quality learning environments with regular attendance. We must support our children and their families with a two-generation approach that sets them up for a successful future!

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Growing up as a native Knoxvillian, I have many fond memories of this amazing city—proposing to my wife down on the riverfront on New Year’s Eve, our wedding the following year, the birth of my daughter at St. Mary’s hospital. But probably my most quintessential Knoxville memory comes from my childhood…specifically my mom’s retelling of something I was technically too young to remember. My parents were living in married student housing on Laurel Avenue when the World’s Fair came to Knoxville in 1982. My mom took me every single day down to the fair and we rode the gondola sky ride. She knew how to time it perfectly to be on the lift during the nightly fireworks show. What a gift to experience a special moment in Knoxville history at such a formative time in my development!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The most impactful book I’ve read thus far in 2022 is The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

One of my guiding quotes comes from Dr. Edward Deming—“Every system is perfectly designed to achieve the results it gets.” Community change cannot happen without a fundamental transformation of our current systems. I have spent my life working in a variety of sectors (education, social justice, child protection, etc.), but the single thread of commonality is a sharp focus on enhancing (and at times demolishing and replacing) systems.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t be afraid to ask out Beth Wilson–she’s the one!

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Whew, tough question. I believe children are our future, so I think our vision for Knoxville has to be about bringing up a generation of kids to young adults to believe in a vision for our City. My hope is Knoxville is able to maintain its vibe, its heart of kindness and honor while expanding to continue to invite the right kind of growth. What I see is a place where people want to live, stay and not leave, where businesses thrive and families feel safe.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Seems like the secrets are out, but I still believe the beauty of Norris is the best thing we have – and all the lakes.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Continue to build bridges to folks who are different, who don’t have the resources and access that everyone else does. To somehow imbue the values and things that are powerful about Knoxville while it grows from the outside in.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Generally sports, big games (UTK, and High School) around all sports.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

So many books, Blue Ocean Strategy

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Look someone in the eye and give them a firm handshake – my dad

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t worry so much what others think, they ultimately don’t matter nor do they really control anything about who you are.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

I would love to see Knoxville to continue to grow the business community with a wide variety of employment opportunities. The current and future residents will continue to have a wide range with respect to their skill set. The ability to find meaningful employment, irrespective of the specific skillset, is important for all.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

How welcoming and friendly the people are! When I moved here 15 years ago, everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful – my neighbors, my co-workers, folks I encountered out and about. When I talk with newcomers, they comment on the warm welcoming.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Though I feel it sounds insignificant, the two things I see as most meaningful to contributing to strengthen Knoxville are: 1) make sure our boys grow up to be productive members of society, and 2) support my husband as he continues to have a thriving business that employs more than 100 individuals.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The first UT football game I attended with my husband.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

“Smoothie Project” – goal to find new versions for my breakfast smoothie.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Do not lose sight of the big picture. It is easy to get lost in the details – and they are important – but if you lose sight of the big picture, the details can become meaningless.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Embrace negative people and experiences as learning opportunities. They are not enjoyable; however, if you can learn from them, you will become a stronger, more resilient individual.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years, I’d like Knoxville to be a city in which all of our neighborhoods and communities thrive. When all of our neighborhoods and communities thrive, all children will have beautiful parks in which to play and all of our streets and schools will be safe, nurturing and high quality. All people will be able to get to grocery stores with good food. I would like to see a Knoxville where people at different skill levels can have good paying jobs and reliable transportation to get there, and when families are struggling, no matter their income, they can find support to address their struggles. Moms and Dads will not have to work two and three minimum wage jobs to afford the basics. We will not need churches to house families in their basements because people can afford their homes and the other things they need to take care of their families and themselves. Knoxville has so many strengths and great people, but still more than 25% of Knoxvillians live in poverty (compared to 15-16% nationally). As a community, we need to come together and change that!

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The Knoxville Botanical Garden in east Knoxville: beautiful place to walk; to relax on a blanket with a book; to let your children run around and explore nature!

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would connect people from all different walks of life and facilitate relationships so that people can know and understand each other’s stories. We often judge others based on what they look like or how someone appears to live or what we think we know about them. I have found that every time I have gotten to know someone and their stories, I learn something, I change pre-conceived notions, I become more compassionate, and I realize that I have much more in common with others than I thought I did. Not knowing each other keeps us from being able to truly care for each other and from being able to work together to solve the problems in our community together.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The word favorite is just a hard one for me– I always have trouble answering that in relation to favorite songs, food, movies, books, etc. . . . because there are so many good ones. The same is true about Knoxville memories. I have too many good Knoxville memories to pick one! My best memories for sure are memories of enjoying time with my family– sledding down our steep driveway when it ices over and snows; visiting the newborn baby gorilla at the Knoxville zoo several years ago; watching my children and many other children perform at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre; eating family meals at home!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Impossible Will Take A While

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

My first and most important mentors were my grandmothers– Emma Boyd (Memee) and Edith Thigpen (Grammie). Their best advice came from how they acted more than what they said. They lived the golden rule (treat others as you would want to be treated) and the great commandment (love God and love your neighbor as yourself.) Caring for others, not just in our family but also in the community, was a core part of who they were and who they taught me to be. Both grandmothers were nurses. Memee relayed the story of being told by the health department in Louisiana that she could no longer work as a nurse because she had gotten married, but she convinced them to let her keep working because she thought her role training Red Cross nurses during World War II was too important. When I spent time with Grammie growing up, we often had a meal or a church bulletin to deliver to a family that was struggling or to someone in the nursing home. Likewise, I accompanied Memee delivering mail and church news to sick church members in the hospital and rode along when she picked up a woman who did not have transportation to church. They also both took me along to civic and church meetings! They both loved their neighbors and their community by actively caring.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

The grass is usually not greener in someone else’s yard. Do not judge yourself or your own life by comparing yourself to what other people are doing or what you think someone else’s life is like.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

A sustainable, diverse, economically vibrant society that will enable businesses to thrive while providing opportunities to learn, earn and grow for everyone that wishes to live here.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Its people, and natural beauty.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Foster a “Greater Knoxville” identity. There are too many great smaller cities outside of Knoxville or Knox County that are considered “not Knoxville” but both sides. We need to join forces at many levels.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My first UT football game!

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Humility beats all other qualities you might have as a professional or business person. My first boss.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville is known as “The Prettiest Place to Change the World.” We have an outsized VC group choosing to reinvest in the IP coming from ORNL and our tech community. TVA is the clean energy leader and modular nuclear power is ramping up. UTK has surpassed UF in the collegiate rankings and our new medical school is attracting top talent especially around medical devices and invention and proton therapy. Knoxville is providing a safe and beautiful place to work and live where the finest minds in the world can solve complex problems and find all the support they need to thrive.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville has some incredibly successful entrepreneurs who are keeping a low profile. People who have built a business from nothing to fairly large and who have exited who do not have publicists touting their brilliance. We have successful IT professionals, government contractors, security businesses, software companies and even people who chose Knoxville as the place to build their dream home after selling their company and making their fortune elsewhere.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Knoxville needs stronger families. We should do all we can to make sure that people have premarriage and marriage counseling and are learning how to break cycles of neglect and abuse and parent in a nurturing way. We need more collaboration amongst our churches like we saw with All4Knox. We need effective violence prevention focused on relationships, not buildings. Finally, we need to bring back Boomsday, and create a weekend long concert festival celebrating bluegrass, blues, at the crossroads city of Knoxville, that celebrates our city and welcomes and connects our new neighbors.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

My favorite memory in Knoxville has to be the missed field goal by Collins Cooper in 1998. I was one of 107,000 plus in Neyland, and it was a season that also included a comeback win against Arkansas, and a National Championship, but if you know you know. That game ended with a celebration where Tennessee fans, young and old, from every background, had a joy and love for the team and for one another that was really special and beautiful.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

My favorite living author is Thomas Sowell and I highly recommend all of his books.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

“You will never be defined by this particular job, but you will always be defined by whether or not you keep your word, and whether or not you are a quitter.” My dad’s advice when I wanted to quit a logging job. He models integrity and joyful obedience and has been my most significant mentor in life.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

“I don’t know” is always the best answer when it is the truth.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

In 10 years, I envision a future Knoxville being comprised of people who fully embrace the concept of community. People who are willing to put aside former ways of thinking, stereotypes, preconceived notions, fear and ignorance from lack of knowledge are the citizens that will change the overall footprint in Knoxville. While we all have our individual rights and freedoms to form opinions, support a political party, live in a particular neighborhood, etc., the future Knoxville is comprised of people who will embrace the fact that we are all human beings, uniquely made and all deserving of a city that welcomes, acknowledges and supports everyone.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Nature is the backdrop for all of Knoxville. Our backyards are surrounded by parks, greenways, nature centers, farms, lakes, rivers, streams and other offerings that provide fun, unparalleled experiences in nature, learning opportunities and more for the young, old and everyone in between. Additionally, Knoxville is rich in history and culture, with access to the arts (visual, musical, storytelling, etc.) capturing and highlighting it all.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I believe that one of the best ways to strengthen our city is to ensure that its youth are equipped to support and understand the value of community. Young minds are typically unbiased, moldable and open to new concepts, equipped with a fresh-eye approach to solving problems. More robust programs, through the school systems, city and county government, geared toward piquing interest in government affairs, business, support of the arts, culture & history will help cultivate and strengthen a sense of pride and responsibility for the communities in which they live. Advanced mentoring programs, affording students opportunities to shadow professionals, in city and country government offices and other community organizations, will help further their interests. Preparing our youth to search for solutions to some of the challenges in our communities will help better prepare them to lead the way in the future.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I remember visiting Knoxville in 1982 as a teenager with my Girl Scout troop. I was amazed by the main attraction: The 1982 World’s Fair, but I also visited the University of Tennessee and realized that this would be a great place of opportunity for me.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

“The Slight Edge” is currently on my nightstand.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

“Ask for what you want and feel you deserve. Don’t be intimidated; let others know the value you bring to the table,” is the best advice I’ve received from a Vice President in my department and my direct supervisor and mentor.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Were I given the opportunity to address my 16-year old self, I’d tell myself to not place limits on what I can do and that my current situation, lack of resources, or not having any examples of immediate family members’ to follow won’t hinder my being able to achieve great success.

10 Year Vision for Knoxville

Knoxville should retain its small-town charm and continue to build its big-time opportunities. To achieve this, it should continue to develop Downtown, the waterfront, the fabulous greenways / urban wilderness, and recruit new economy employers and entrepreneurs here so that we become a destination for creative and civic-minded people.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

All of the great opportunities to “get away from it all” just minutes from downtown: Ijams Nature Center, the quarries, Baker Creek and the adjacent urban wilderness. GSM National Park is wonderful, but when there’s not enough time to drive there, any of the nearby outdoor destinations provide a wonderful opportunity for a quick refresh.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Work together as a community to address homelessness and gun violence. There is momentum to economic growth and development, but the problems of homelessness and gun violence persist and are the causes of suffering among our community members.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Walking along the “beach” on Fort Loudon Lake by Cherokee Boulevard / Sequoyah with my son Simon in early winter near sunset. I was walking behind him and he was running west, silhouetted against the sun low on the horizon.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

Current reading on nightstand: “Seven Story Mountain” by Thomas Merton

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

This advice was given to me by a co-worker years ago and with whom I continue to work: “Be still” (Psalms 46:10). Too often, we react when we should listen, process, trust. This advice came over 20 years ago, and from that time I date a practice of listening and seeking to understand.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Breathe. Life throws one challenge after another in our paths. We rarely have control over what comes our way, but we can control how we set about meeting that challenge. Find the strength within to meet the challenge and accept the consequences of your action.