Celebrating Leadership Growth
Exciting news is buzzing in Johnson City, where East Tennessee State University is making its mark again! Two of its standout leaders, Nathan Farnor and Dr. Michael Hoff, have been selected to be part of the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program for its impressive 10th year. How great is that?
So, what’s the buzz about Leadership Tennessee NEXT? Well, it’s an incredible statewide initiative designed to bring together some of the brightest and most engaged individuals from Tennessee to make a positive impact. In this year’s cohort, 31 individuals representing a fantastic mix of backgrounds from 11 Tennessee counties have been chosen. This diversity in experience and professional life is really what makes the program shine!
Let’s take a moment to introduce our local leaders. Nathan Farnor is spearheading the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement at ETSU. He’s not just about leadership at the university; he also chairs the board of directors for the Young Professionals of Johnson City. Plus, he has the honor of being a governor-appointed commissioner for Volunteer Tennessee. It’s clear that Nathan is deeply committed to his community and passionate about making a difference.
On the other hand, we have Dr. Michael Hoff, the university’s vice provost of Planning and Decision Support and chief planning officer. Earlier this year, he took on the role of interim director for the new School of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies at ETSU. Dr. Hoff’s experience is vast, and we’re excited to see how he contributes to the cohort!
This year marks a significant milestone for Leadership Tennessee as they proudly announce their 10th class. According to Alfred Degrafinreid II, president, and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, “Each class has played a vital role in shaping the future of our state, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.” This is no small feat considering that over the years, more than 700 members have graduated from the program!
The newest cohort will kick off their work in January and keep the momentum going through June 2025. Throughout this time, they’ll embark on a journey across popular Tennessee locations such as Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and even Paris, Tennessee. Each session is tailored to engage participants with challenges and opportunities that are unique to our beautiful state.
Participants will interact with leaders from the Signature Program, learning about pressing issues affecting Tennessee while honing their personal skills. Candidates are carefully selected by an anonymous committee, ensuring that they excel in their fields, actively serve their communities, and are dedicated to uplifting the lives of Tennesseans.
As we approach this new chapter for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, excitement fills the air. The energy and enthusiasm of our local leaders, Nathan Farnor and Dr. Michael Hoff, promise to bring new ideas to the mix and contribute to a brighter future for Tennessee.
So, stay tuned, Johnson City! There’s much to look forward to as our community leaders join forces and work tirelessly to create positive change throughout the state. Their journey begins soon, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will have!
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