LT NEXT Class X
Spring 2025
Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, revealed the 31 individuals chosen for the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, now entering its 10th class.
Leadership Tennessee NEXT is the state’s only statewide leadership program focusing on Tennessee’s existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries.
“It’s a milestone for us to announce the 10th Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class,” said Alfred Degrafinreid, II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “Each class has played a vital role in shaping the future of our state, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. I have no doubt that Class X will continue that legacy, contributing to Tennessee’s progress and addressing the challenges we face with creativity and collaboration.”
This year’s class includes representatives from 11 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.
A full class list is below.
Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class X
Davidson
Natalie Alvarez, Director of Strategic Alliances, Solyco Capital
J.D. Cressman, General Counsel, Tennessee Department of Military
Joshua Haston, Development Manager, LDG Development; Nashville Industrial Development Board
Tyler Lane, Senior Associate, KPMG
Lauren May, Senior Management Consultant, State of Tennessee
Tim Sigler, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy, University
of Tennessee System
Hamilton
Keith King, Manager, BlueCross Healthy Places – Community Relations and
Foundations BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Lily Sanchez, Communications & Development Manager, La Paz Chattanooga
Marcherie Savage, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, The INCubator – program
of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
Melissa White, Director of Quality, Risk Management and Compliance, Cempa
Community Care
Hayley Wood, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Western Governors University
Knox
Nicholas Bradshaw, Director of Fleet Services, City of Knoxville
Trina Gallman, Public and Community Engagement Consultant, TVA
Luke Lybrand, Treasurer, University of Tennessee System
Madison
Mike Bryant, Community President, Centennial Bank
Morgan
Jessica Massengill, Director of Operations, Free Medical Clinic
Shelby
Courtney McNeal, Chief of Staff/City Innovation Director, Innovate Memphis
Raquel Miranda Capocaccia, Senior Director of Development, New Memphis
Jevonte Porter Sr., Director of Community Relations, Youth Villages, Inc. / Memphis Allies
Leshundra Robinson, Director of Development, BRIDGES USA, Inc.
Matthew Szalaj, Special Assistant to the Mayor, City of Memphis
Nicholas Thompson, Public Policy Professional, St. Jude Children’s Research Hosptial
Rasie Dobbins-Turner, Vice President, Oteka Technologies, LLC
Sullivan
Jenna Lafever, Business Development Executive, Bristol Motor Speedway
Jessica Lambert, Health System Specialist, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
Regan Pierce, State Director, Isaiah 117 House
Unicoi
Nathaniel Farnor, Coordinator for Leadership and Civic Engagement, East Tennessee State University
Washington
Larry Bowman Baranowski, Director of Enterprise Financial Systems and Analysis, Teach For America
Michael Hoff, Vice Provost, East Tennessee State University
Williamson
Emma McWeeney, Senior Director of Charter Initiatives, Tennessee State Collaborative On Reforming Education (SCORE)
Wilson
Danielle Allen, Senior Account Executive, MP&F Strategic Communications