Eight area residents are among the 2016-17 class for Leadership Tennessee, a 10-month leadership education program "designed to cultivate a network" of business, government, education and nonprofit organization leaders to deal with the state's challenges, a news release states.
Leadership Tennessee is an initiative of the College of Leadership & Public Service at Lipscomb University.
The class has 40 members from across Tennessee.
Members from Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain are Steven Angle, chancellor, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Valoria Armstrong, president, Tennessee American Water; Alexis Bogo, executive director, Hamico Inc.; Bruce Hartmann, president, Chattanooga Times Free Press; JD Hickey, president and CEO, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee; Jill Levine, chief academic officer, Hamilton County Department of Education; Maura Sullivan, chief operating officer, city of Chattanooga; and Miller Wellborn, chairman, SmartBank and SmartFinancial Inc.
"Since the kickoff in 2013, Leadership Tennessee has brought together influential thought leaders from diverse backgrounds to not only learn more about the rich cultural heritage of our state, but also tackle tough issues that affect our state's success," said Cathy Cate, executive director of Leadership Tennessee. "Through dialogue and an expanding network, Leadership Tennessee members are taking what they see and learn on a statewide level and putting it into action in their own communities."
Leadership Tennessee provides collaborative learning and dialogue spanning the state's three grand divisions, issue-specific education for demonstrated leaders, a diverse representation of participants and opportunities to affect change, according to the news release. Last year, the program received a $750,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand its offerings, scope and impact on Tennessee.
Past classes have focused on key issues affecting the state including education, government efficiency and health and wellness. Each program class participates in learning and conversation designed to give members a greater understanding of the complex issues affecting the success of the state. The 2016-17 Leadership Tennessee class will begin with a retreat in August.