What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

To continue to thrive and attract new businesses. To find a way to retain talent from the University of Tennessee graduates.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Quality of life. Knoxville is big enough to have all the amenities of a large city and small enough to not have the problems of big cities (traffic, pollution, etc).

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Grow and strengthen diversity initiatives.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Growing up in Knoxville, I have so many. Going to UT football games, attending the TN Valley Fair each year, watching parades on Gay St. The World coming to Knoxville in 1982 was a huge event. I can see that now. I was only 14 at the time and loved going to the World’s fair for the rides and food.

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

To Kill a Mockingbird – my favorite book of all time. Really opened my eyes to race issues.

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

My hero is and will always be Pat Summitt. Pat said: “You can’t always be the strongest, or the most talented or the most gifted person in the room, but you can be the most competitive.” To have the desire to compete is a choice you make each day.

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

You will never regret hard work. It’s not easy but will pay dividends in your career.