What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

Knoxville is a vibrant, livable, safe and inclusive community defined by a thriving arts and cultural scene, historic preservation, economic development and sustainability.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Great quality of life and a friendly community.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Continue to invest in public education, arts and culture and economic development. I believe these are foundational elements to building a stronger community.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

The Paul McCartney concert at Thompson-Boling Arena in May 2022. It represents 30+ years of hard work developing the concert market in Knoxville. It was a memory of a lifetime with a former Beatle.

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

East of Eden

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

Mentor was Lee Scruggs. “You don’t get pizza at McDonalds.” Translation- don’t ask people for something they are not capable of giving you.

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

Learn to value yourself. Don’t be afraid to make lots of mistakes to get where you want to go. Give it everything you have when a goal or dream is important to you.