What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

A place where all can thrive.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Knoxville’s best kept secret is the quality, quantity and diversity of educational institutions. Residents can choose from numerous public schools, private schools and colleges in Knoxville.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

I would assemble a task force with representation from all districts to identify issues which are impacting the ability of all residents to thrive. I would collaborate with the task force to prioritize and implement actions to address these issues.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

I have many favorite memories: oldest daughter high school valedictorian, youngest daughter excelling in equestrian, coaching two daughters in middle school basketball, receiving EMBA from UT, opening Chick-fil-A and wife excelling as entrepreneur.

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

The Secret – What Great Leaders Know and Do, by Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller

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

“Do you want to be right or do you want to make a difference? If you are more concerned about being right than making a difference, you may have a negative impact on a relationship,” Mike Hensley, Chick-fil-A Field Operations Executive Director

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

The advice that I would give to my 16-year-old self would be to pursue entrepreneurship as a career after receiving a college education and spending time in a corporate environment. I would also tell myself to use a life coach throughout my career.