10 Year Vision for Knoxville
For Knoxville to be a vibrant and safe community that is affordable, diverse and innovative. A place of growth where local businesses are supported and new businesses are attracted. A place where our churches and non-profits are healthy. A place where individuals and families can flourish.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
The Change Center in East Knoxville – there is nothing like it in our area. The Change Center not only provides a safe place for recreation for children and adults of all ages, but is also a great venue for special occasions and corporate events. But what I love most about the Center is its focus on job skill training and leadership development for Knoxville’s urban youth.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
Things like economic development and affordable housing immediately come to mind, but if I had to pick one area it would be to invest heavily into our youth - they are our future! Technology has helped them become more educated and seemingly more connected than ever before, but anxiety, depression and teen suicide are at an all-time high. So, how can we better engage our youth to give them the encouragement, mentorship and accountability they need, regardless of their demographics? And how can we expand our educational, social and recreational opportunities for our youth? Knoxville has so many great youth service organizations that it would be difficult to mention them all, but I have been involved with Emerald Youth Foundation over the last 20 years and have seen first-hand the positive impact they make as they intentionally invest in our next generation of leaders.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
Nothing will ever compare to my wedding day with Kelley or the birth of my two sons, Evan and Camden. As far as growing up in Knoxville, Boomsday definitely comes to mind. The event itself was unforgettable as a child, but this time of year also meant UT football had started and fall (my favorite season of the year by far) was just around the corner.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
The Bible and Fly Into the Wind by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
I have been blessed with several mentors who have provided great advice over the years, so it is difficult to choose just one. But I will say that Dale Keasling and David Reynolds have been exceptional leaders of Home Federal Bank. Both certainly provide sound advice, but what has made the most impact to me is to see how they live their lives. Both Dale and David are family-oriented, servant leaders who have led by example with unquestionable integrity, humility, generosity and service to our community.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
You will never be able to find true joy and contentment in the things of this world, so don’t even try. Trust God’s plan for your life and stay close to Him. Oh, and listen to your mom more - she is full of wisdom!
Connect With Us