People Section

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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Joel Farmer spent much of his life working in the paper industry, but found a new career on his cattle ranch about a decade ago. A proud steward of Longhorn and Black Angus cattle, this once-UT football player has grown into a farmer who…
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Erika Brown has a lot to be proud of, but she is nowhere near done. With both silver and bronze Olympic medals to call her own and world travels under her belt as an international athlete, this 23-year-old is inspiring other female…
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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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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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Reagan Campbell Many people take decades to find their true passion, something they focus on with veracity and laser-sharp focus, and many spend their entire lives without ever finding that one special thing. However, there is the…
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Julie Blaylock Knoxville seems to have a certain magnetic charm that draws people in from all over the map. Our community is certainly better for it, especially when it involves people like Julie Blaylock. Originally from Long Island, New…
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Patricia Nash Crafted with the finest leather and tooled with great detail, designer Patricia Nash has built a company based on passion and high-quality. Nash’s interest in handbags piqued when she discovered an old purse belonging…
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