News Summary
Leadership Blount has announced the Class of 2026, comprising a diverse group of community leaders from various sectors in Blount County. This year’s participants include professionals from education, healthcare, and business, each committed to making a difference through leadership and community service. The program continues its legacy of nurturing passionate leaders dedicated to tackling local challenges and fostering collaboration among graduates.
Maryville, Tennessee – Leadership Blount has officially announced the Class of 2026, welcoming a diverse group of community leaders committed to making a difference in Blount County. The program has a notable history, boasting over 1,000 graduates recognized as dedicated leaders, aimed at educating and inspiring both current and emerging leaders through a variety of experiences.
This year’s class comprises professionals from various sectors, including education, healthcare, community service, and business. Among them is Emily Assenmacher, who serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Alcoa and holds degrees in English Literature and Public Administration. Another member, Amy Berger, is an Extension Agent with UT/TSU Extension and has degrees in Animal Science and Equine Physiology. Each participant brings unique strengths and expertise to the program.
Tammy Bolt, a Senior Manager of Events at Blount Partnership, is responsible for leading significant local events such as the Taste of Blount and coordinating efforts at the Townsend Event Center. Others include Nick Bronner, a Probation Officer and Logistics Readiness Officer who holds a B.S. and an MPA in Human Resource Management, and Jenni Bryant, the General Manager at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, who has degrees from both the University of Tennessee and Gupton-Jones College.
Community volunteer Michelle Collins has also joined the class, known for her involvement with the Zoofari Committee, where she has helped raise substantial funds for Zoo Knoxville. Educators are represented as well, with Mandy Dockery, a Special Education Teacher for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Visually Impaired students, and Ryan Ferrell, the Principal at Mary Blount Elementary School.
The class also features leaders from various other fields, such as David Forster, a Partnership Engagements Consultant at Tennessee Valley Authority, and Candace Garner, an Assistant Public Defender who is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association. The roster continues with Nikki Goodwin, the Vice President/COO of SOAR TN, and Francis Graffeo, the CEO of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Additional participants include Brian Hord, a Senior Vice President at CBBC Bank; Jama Hurst, working in patient access operations at Prisma Health Blount Memorial; and Atrienne Landes, a realtor who co-founded the David Landes Miracle Alive Blood Drive. Community engagement is evident with Pinkie Mistry, an artist involved in Habitat for Humanity, and Joshua Oliver, the Assistant Director of Schools for Maryville City Schools.
The Leadership Blount program emphasizes participation in research and problem-solving, aiming to provide participants with the tools necessary to tackle pressing community issues. Involvement of alumni is also encouraged to sustain community service efforts and facilitate ongoing relationships among graduates.
The Class of 2026 reflects the program’s dedication to nurturing diverse leadership capable of addressing challenges faced by the Blount County community. Leadership Blount continues to foster an environment where current and future leaders are empowered to make impactful changes in their local communities.
As the Class of 2026 embarks on their journey, many look forward to engaging in the series of activities designed to enhance their leadership skills while contributing to the well-being of Blount County residents. The program not only prepares participants to assume higher responsibilities within their organizations but also instills a commitment to community service that is vital for sustainable growth and improvement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville’s Construction Boom Fuels Housing Market Surge
Knox County Prosecutor Steps Back from Biggs Investigation
Large ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Erupt in East Tennessee
Additional Resources
- The Daily Times: Leadership Blount County Presents Class of 2025
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Knox News: 40 Under 40 Laurann Canacaris
- Google Search: Leadership Blount County
- The Daily Times: Leadership Blount County Announces Class of 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Service
- Knox News: Obituaries
- Google News: Blount County
