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.
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