What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
To be a high-quality city: affordable housing, fair wages, attuned to mental health awareness and the resources required there, at the same time keeping Knoxville a place that you still want to live. Keep the ease of smaller or mid-size city while providing high quality housing, education, cultural attractions. For Knoxville to be the best, not the biggest.
What is Knoxville's best kept secret?
The fact that you can find almost any experience in Knoxville. Farm to table dining, Cirque Du Soleil performances, Rossini and Pride Festivals, Ijams, Urban Wilderness, the greenways, a National Park, local Farmer’s Markets and annual plant sales in several communities. If you look for it, you will find it in Knoxville.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
"Increase teacher pay to attract the best educators.
Create, find, maintain affordable housing.
Internet service provided as a utility service. "
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
"Playing Pac-man for the first time at the 1982 World’s Fair.
Watching Michael Jordan play minor league baseball. "
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
Dare to Lead, Brene Brown; The New Earth, Eckhart Tolle; Sudoku puzzles!
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Never hire someone you cannot fire. Co-worker; When interviewing, if it’s not a “hell yes”, then it’s hell no. Podcast; Be curious, not furious. Dr. Marilyn Englander When facing a tough situation or decision, think… will this matter in 5 years? The answer will help guide your next steps. Cindy Cox, friend; If you are not comfortable with yourself, no one else will be either. My father; Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”, and then following up to get the answer. Being honest about what you don’t know is refreshing and much better than misleading someone. Sharon Pryse.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
"Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Don’t force someone into your box. They’ll fit naturally if they’re meant to be part of your tribe. By the same token, you will not fit into every group you wish to be included in. Learn from the experience and move onward! "
Connect With Us