Chattanooga State Community College’s Dr. Quincy Jenkins has been named an Emerging Leader with the Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class IX Program.
Dr. Jenkins is one of 32 members in Class IX, a group of high-ranking professionals from across Tennessee chosen based on "excellence in their fields, service to various communities and dedication to improving the lives of Tennesseans."
Officials said, "Dr. Jenkins is Chattanooga State’s vice president of Organizational Culture and Engagement.
As an Emerging Leader, he will play a role in fostering a non-partisan dialogue on critical issues facing the state of Tennessee including economic development, education, health care and community engagement.
"Throughout the program, Emerging Leaders will engage in learning experiences, including seminars, workshops and community projects to develop their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of Tennessee's challenges and opportunities.
"The program encourages participants to leverage their diverse backgrounds and expertise to drive innovation and progress in their respective fields and communities.
"Dr. Jenkins's participation in Leadership Tennessee NEXT underscores Chattanooga State Community College's commitment to fostering leadership and community engagement. His involvement will provide valuable insights and connections that can benefit both the college and the broader Tennessee community."
"Leadership Tennessee NEXT is a unique platform that fosters collaboration among leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors,” Dr. Jenkins said. “I am excited to bring back new insights and strategies to Chattanooga State Community College, further strengthening our commitment to organizational culture and community engagement."
Leadership Tennessee President and CEO Alfred Degrafinried II said Dr. Jenkins and his fellow Emerging Leaders will work together on initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for all Tennesseans through innovative problem-solving and strategic partnerships.
“The individuals selected for the year’s class are exceptionally intelligent and talented, chosen for their many strengths and unique contributions,” Mr. Degrafinreid said. “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.”
Individuals named to the cohort, alphabetically by county, are:
EAST
• Kirsten Ert Acuff, city manager, City of Lakesite, Hamilton County
• Shadrina Booker, director of community engagement, City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County
• Gabby Billiot, associate education designer, Education Design Lab, Washington County
• Ebony Capshaw, enrollment and program advisor, Knoxville College, Anderson 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
• Matt Hensley, assistant professor, East Tennessee State University, Greene County
• Dr. Quincy Jenkins, vice president, Organizational Culture and Engagement, Chattanooga State Community College, Hamilton County
• Amy Lowdermilk, Adult Education instructor and career coach, Southeast Tennessee Adult Education – TCAT Athens, Hamilton County
• Tenasa Lucas-McGhee, chief operating officer, The Nonprofit Resource Center, Hamilton 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 and WIOA, First Tennessee Development District, Greene County
• McKenzie Templeton, Programming and Engagement director, Northeast Tennessee Regional Hub, Washington County
MIDDLE
• Denise Atwater, director of Supported Employment, Park Center, Davidson County
• Taylre Beaty, State Broadband director, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Davidson County
• Destiny Brown, senior management consultant, Customer Focused Government, State of Tennessee, Davidson County
• D’Llisha Davis, educator / entertainment, MNPS / Nashfeels, Wilson County
• David DelRio, assistant controller, Blatter Technologies, Marshall County
• Michael Deurlein, deputy executive director of Policy and Research, Tennessee State Board of Education, Davidson County
• Katie Hazelwood, program officer, Scarlett Family Foundation, Davidson County
• Timothy Hughes, first vice president, NAACP Nashville Branch, Davidson County
• Brynn Plummer, vice president/director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, AllianceBernstein, Davidson 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
WEST
• Lindsay Dawkins, chief of staff, Greater Jackson Chamber, Madison County
• Brandi Linsey, campus coordinator, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis – Bartlett Campus, Shelby County
• Nekishia Woods Dobbins, manager-Advocacy Operations Communications, Memphis Education Fund, Shelby County
• Edmond McDavis, III, director, Tennessee Delta Alliance, Shelby County
• Pedro Velasquez, executive director, Lifedoc Health, Shelby County