Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, has named Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod to its 2023–2024 Signature Program Class X.
The cohort includes representatives from 14 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
Over 10 months, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyze Tennessee's challenges, and work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and actions addressing the most severe issues uncovered, said officials.
"The challenge to be part of this year’s Leadership Tennessee Signature Program carries immense weight for me,” said Councilwoman Coonrod. “I fully recognize the obstacles that our state faces, and I am deeply committed to helping Tennessee thrive and serve as an example for other states that seek connection to confront issues.”
The group was chosen by a selection committee co-chaired by Valoria Armstrong and John Tolsma, both graduates of Leadership Tennessee. Candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity and a strong understanding of what challenges Tennessee faces today.
“Collaboration is critical as we continue to work together in progressing Tennessee forward,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president, and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “Tennessee looks starkly different today compared to when this program began 10 years ago, and every year, we face new and challenging issues. I’m confident in the diverse makeup of this class and know that these are the right individuals to create meaningful change across the state.”
Previous classes have been able to facilitate numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 500 members have graduated through both the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.
The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through June 2024.