LT NEXT Class IX
FALL 2024
Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, today announced 32 individuals named to the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, the ninth class to participate.
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.
“The individuals selected for the year’s class are exceptionally intelligent and talented, chosen for their many strengths and unique contributions,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO, Leadership Tennessee. “As a collective, the LT NEXT class is expected to be a powerful force, capable of collaborating in innovative ways. Their diverse skill sets will be instrumental in driving progress and addressing the challenges that Tennessee is facing.”
This year’s class includes representatives from 11 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.
During each class session, members will be able to engage with those from the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee, and engage in personal skill development.
A full class list is below.
CLASS IX
Denise Atwater, Director of Supported Employment, Park Center, Davidson County
Taylre Beaty, State Broadband Director, Tennessee Department of Economic and
Community Development, Davidson County
Shadrina Booker, Director of Community Engagement, City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County
Destiny Brown, Senior Management Consultant, Customer Focused Government, State
of Tennessee, Davidson County
Gabby Billiot, Associate Education Designer, Education Design Lab, Washington County
Ebony Capshaw, Enrollment & Program Advisor, Knoxville College, Anderson County
D’Llisha Davis, Educator / Entertainment, MNPS/ Nashfeels, Wilson County
Lindsay Dawkins, Chief of Staff, Greater Jackson Chamber, Madison County
David DelRio, Assistant Controller, Blattner Technologies, Marshall County
Michael Deurlein, Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Research, TN State Board of Education, Davidson County
Kirsten Ert Acuff, City Manager, City of Lakesite, Hamilton County
Kelli Fletcher, Marketing and Communications Director, Ballad Health, Washington County
Candice Graham, Executive Director, Mainstreet Dayton, Rhea County
Randal Harrell, Market Executive, Synovus Bank, Hamilton County
Katie Hazelwood, Program Officer, Scarlett Family Foundation, Davidson County
Matt Hensley, Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University, Greene County
Timothy Hughes, First Vice-President, NAACP Nashville Branch, Davidson County
Quincy Jenkins, Vice President, Organizational Culture and Engagement, Chattanooga State Community College, Hamilton County
Brandi Linsey, Campus Coordinator, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis - Bartlett Campus, Shelby County
Amy Lowdermilk, Adult Education Instructor & Career Coach, Southeast TN Adult Education - TCAT Athens, Hamilton County
Tenasa Lucas-McGhee, Chief Operating Officer, The Nonprofit Resource Center, Hamilton County
Edmond McDavis III, Director, TN Delta Alliance, Shelby County
Brynn Plummer, Vice President/Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Alliance Bernstein, Davidson County
Kia Ruffin, Mental Health Clinician, Intentional Healing Empowerment Center, Hamilton County
Brad Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Prep Public Schools, Hamilton County
Mark Stevans, Director of Communications, Special Projects & WIOA, First Tennessee Development District, Greene County
McKenzie Templeton, Programming & Engagement Director, Northeast Tennessee Regional Hub, Washington County
Pedro Velasquez, Executive Director, Lifedoc Health, Shelby County
Robert Wallace, Executive Officer - Resource Strategy, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Davidson County
Bryce Warden, Director of Education-to-Work Initiatives, State Collaborative On Reforming Education (SCORE), Davidson County
John Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, Tennessee Board of Regents, Williamson County
Nekishia Woods Dobbins, Manager-Advocacy, Operations, Communications, Memphis Education Fund, Shelby County