Leadership Tennessee Next announces participants in 2026 program
Leadership Tennessee announced the early to mid-career professionals who will participate in its spring 2026 cohort, which includes 32 state leaders representing 14 counties.
The Leadership Tennessee Next program focuses on developing leadership skills and promoting collaboration across sectors to foster non-partisan conversations on key issues statewide. The spring 2026 cohort represents the 12th class for the program.
Thirteen of the participants call East Tennessee home.
Carter County:
- Bryan White, Chief Financial Officer, Isaiah 117 House
Greene County:
- Kendra Hopson, General Manager, Greene County Partnership
Hamilton County:
- Christina Henderson, Director, Talent Development, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
- Lakesha Carson, Principal, Opportunity High-Hamilton County Schools
- Sarah Mattson, Senior Director of Economic Development, River City Company
- Roland McIntyre, Regional Coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
- Mary Francis Hoots, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Hamilton County Mayor
Knox County:
- Phillip Hopper, Executive Vice President of Real Estate, Powell Auction & Realty
- Anderson Olds, Portfolio and Reporting Analyst, Three Roots CapitalÂ
Sevier County:
- Danielle King, Executive Director, Leadership Sevier
Sullivan County:
- Lydia Hoskins, Community Health Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension
Washington County:
- Heather Levesque, Associate Vice President & Executive Director of Admissions, East Tennessee State University
- Chris Jett, CEO Niswonger Children’s Network, Ballad Health
Candidates for the Leadership Tennessee Next program are chosen by an anonymous selection committee. The committee looks for professionals who excel in their respective fields, participate in community service opportunities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans, the statement said.
The program includes education, professional development, networking and visits to Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville and Paris, Tennessee.
Leadership Tennessee’s signature program is now accepting nominations for its 2026-2027 cohort.
The other members for the spring 2026 Leadership Tennessee Next program announced Dec. 16 represent Middle and West Tennessee.
Davidson County:
- Shateara Hall, Curriculum & Workforce Strategist, Tennessee Board of Regents
- David Aguilera, Attorney, Policy & Research Advisor, Tennessee General Assembly
- Matthew Grove, Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Brittany Mosby, Director, HBCU Success, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- Matt Gambatese, Head of Partnerships, PIVOT: School Improvement Leaders
Henry County:
- Kasey Muench, Executive Director, Northwest Tennessee Tourism
Madison County:
- Derriell Springfield, Partner Success Manager, Western Governors University
Putnam County:
- Billie Davis, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Tourism Association
Robertson County:
- Suzanne Carr, Senior Policy Advisor, Tennessee Department of Human Services
Shelby County:
- Michael Cowan, Director of Grants & Programs, Community LIFT
- Lakeisha Edwards, Executive Director, UrbanArt Commission
- Vonzella Bryant, MD, UTHSC
- John Dunavant, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development, Slingshot Memphis
- Constance Brown, Attorney, City of Memphis Law Division
- Cassie Foote, Deputy Executive Director, APEF
- Kelli Walton, Violent Crime Intervention Fund Hot Spot Director, City of Memphis, Memphis Police Department
- Meredith Howser, Community Volunteer, Memphis
Williamson County:
- Scott Radock, Senior Management Consultant, State of Tennessee, Customer Focused Government
- Anna Lisa Roberts, Vice President, Economic Development and Investor Relations, Williamson, Inc.
“Each class has played a vital role in shaping the future of our state, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table,” President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee Alfred Degrafinreid, II, said in a statement. “I have no doubt that Class XII will continue that legacy, contributing to Tennessee’s progress and addressing the challenges we face with creativity and collaboration.”
Molly Davis covers growth and development in Nashville. You can email her with comments, questions and tips at [email protected].
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