What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
I think Knoxville is at a pivotal juncture in it's history. As a community we need to envision together what we want our city to be, and that means taking a solid look at our values through our spending. Knoxville can become a self-sustaining southern gem of a city that pulls people and businesses to it by offering a lifestyle other cities are envious of. If we grow purposefully and with intent, we can create that future. In the next 2-3 years, we need to make the infrastructure, zoning and regional economic choices to help us grow towards that reality.
What is Knoxville's best kept secret?
Knoxville has an old fashioned charm that you rarely see in America anymore. Neighbors are genuinely friendly to each other, we have a plethora of family friendly events and activities, and we value, celebrate and invest in our outdoor treasures. At the same time, Knoxville is made up of distinct communities, some geographically defined and some defined by cultural ties. All of them have space to celebrate their uniqueness in our city.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
The Knoxville Jewish community amongst others knows there are darker sides within our city. Unfortunately, we confront that reality all to often. In order for Knoxville to take on that side of itself, we need to champion educational outreach opportunities, offer venues for open and honest dialogue and share our experiences with each other so we can more deeply appreciate each other's perspectives. If we choose to make "hearing" each other a key value of our community, I think Knoxville will become a beacon of civility in America and be the better for it.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
When I drove with my family from South Florida to Knoxville to start my college life at UT; nothing can surpass that first Fall I spent here almost 20 years ago. Not sure if it was the beautiful seasonal color change (South Florida has none), the excitement of the football season (UT was good back then), or the amazing kindness I experienced, but I was completely sold on Knoxville.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
"Talking to Strangers" by Malcolm Gladwell
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Never make an enemy of anyone, you'll never know when you have to work with them again and at what side of the table you'll be on when you do. My first boss (Clay Humphries) gave me that advice.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Keep having fun and try to experience everything life will throw at you with an open mind and an open heart. Life does its level best to turn us into jaded cynical versions of our younger selves, don't let it.
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