People Section

He never thought of becoming a nonprofit executive, but after 22 years with Scripps Networks, Tim Chandler found himself at a crossroads, where he could choose his next chapter. The position at Friends of the Smokies enables him to help…
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If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that East Tennesseans know a thing or two about hard work and hospitality. Regardless of where you look, you are sure to find those in leadership positions leading with a sense of pride for our…
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Sitting at the helm of Harper Auto Square, Shannon leads a busy life doing what he has come to love. This self-described eternal optimist and servant leader tackles each day immersed in supporting the people around him in their various…
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Introspective business owner April Thomas found her home behind the lens of a camera and eventually in the background of a booming tattoo and piercing business. With a desire to help others find and live their truth, she is becoming a…
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Longtime hospitality industry player Mark Oldham is finding ways to bring tourism to his region while maintaining its authenticity. Owner of Dancing Bear Appalachian Lodge in Townsend and several other culinary-based endeavors, he is…
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Carol Evans arrived in Knoxville long before the greenways did. But within a decade this self-described enthusiastic individual with big ideas found herself in the executive director role of the Legacy Parks Foundation, leading the charge…
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First and foremost an artist, Knoxville architect Jonathan Miller grew up with an appreciation for old structures that served a purpose. His early experiences in commercial architecture led him to understand who he wanted to be: a…
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At the helm of Second Harvest for more than two decades, Elaine Streno has led the charge in providing food for the most in need in East Tennessee. And while this executive director has much to feel proud of, she admits she’s far from…
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JuVan Langford mentors men on how to be unapologetically masculine. My journey of stepping more completely into my own masculinity left me asking “what does healthy masculinity look like” and “how can we turn society towards positive…
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John Wright For ten years, John held the crucial, load-bearing position of an SEC referee. This necessary position was laced with the immense pressure as the eyes of many watched his every move. He dodged the occasional 250-pound…
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