First Tennessee Development District

After decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership, our longtime colleague and ECD expert, Ken Rea, will officially retire on June 30, 2025. Ken's impact on economic and community development has been nothing short of remarkable. His vision, mentorship, and commitment have shaped countless projects and inspired those around him. His legacy will continue to influence our work for years to come. While we will certainly miss his wisdom and leadership, we are excited for Ken as he embarks on this well-earned next chapter. Please join us in celebrating his incredible career and wishing him the very best in retirement! #ThankYouKen #Retirement #ECDLeadership #LegacyOfImpact https://lnkd.in/e-CcfdQ8

Exciting Leadership Announcement at FTDD! We are thrilled to announce that Mark Stevans has been promoted to Deputy Director of FTDD! Mark's dedication, vision, and commitment to our mission have been invaluable in driving positive change across our region. His leadership and expertise have earned him this well-deserved recognition, and we are confident he will continue to excel in this new role. Please join us in congratulating Mark on this outstanding achievement! ?? #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #FTDD #Teamwork #NotheastTennessee https://lnkd.in/eGAWvzpq

The FTDD Annual Meeting at The Kitchen at Grace Meadows Farm was a wonderful gathering of community leaders and partners! This year, we focused on key initiatives driving our region forward: Helene Recovery efforts and workforce development strategies that are creating new opportunities for growth and resilience. A special highlight of the afternoon was honoring Kay Grogg with the prestigious Susan F. Reid Valued Partner Award. Kay’s dedication and impact in our community exemplify the spirit of collaboration and service that this award represents. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful event and to learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/erCMu-Mh

?? Exciting Announcement! We are proud to share that Lottie Ryans has been selected as a participant in the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)'s Appalachian Leadership Institute. This prestigious program identifies and empowers leaders who are committed to advancing economic development and creating positive change in the Appalachian region. Lottie’s selection for this year-long leadership development program is a testament to her dedication to strengthening our communities and addressing the unique challenges facing Appalachia. Through this opportunity, she will collaborate with other regional leaders to develop strategies that promote sustainable growth and drive innovation. Please join us in congratulating Lottie on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of her leadership both locally and regionally. #LeadershipDevelopment #AppalachianLeadership #ARC #EconomicDevelopment #LeadershipInAction #NortheastTennessee https://lnkd.in/eXtDZQwU

Learn how a local childcare facility in Sneedville, Tennessee used creative funding solutions to create a brighter future for children & families! A Step Ahead used a variety of funding streams to bring much-needed childcare to Sneedville and Hancock County! Learn how they used Community Development Block Grants, and expertise from the State of Tennessee to make it happen. #SupportChildcare #CommunityImpact #CreativeFunding #northeasttennessee https://lnkd.in/dGvTYJhJ

Exciting News in Transportation Planning! We're thrilled to announce that Chase Milner has been recognized for his outstanding contributions in transportation planning by National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)! Chase's dedication and innovative ideas have significantly impacted our community's EV mobility and accessibility. Join us in congratulating Chase on his well-deserved recognition! Your hard work inspires us all to strive for excellence in every project we undertake. #TransportationExcellence #AwardWinner #TeamPride #NADO #DevelopmentDistricts https://lnkd.in/e58kfrrN

We are excited to share that our very own, Mark Stevans has been named to this year's Next Program by Leadership Tennessee! This fall he'll be learning more about the challenges Tennessee faces and discussing innovative solutions with his peers. #leadership #tennessee Learn more about this state-wide leadership program here. https://lnkd.in/ertAzHq5

In case you missed it, we had an amazing time last week with about 4,600 students from across #northeasttennessee who explored careers right here in the region from some of our leading employers! It was amazing to see so many people come together to build the next generation of #doctors, #nurses, #engineers, #welders, #foremen, #plumbers, #IT specialists, #coders, and even #DJs! Thanks to our sponsors for this event, Ballad Health, Tennessee Valley Authority, D.R. Horton, UT Center for Industrial Services , WJHL-TV, and Daytime Tri-Cities! https://lnkd.in/ecdkTCDn

We are looking for the next Kathy Whitaker Excellence in Aging Service Awardee! So if you know of someone who volunteers to support seniors in your community, goes above and beyond, and makes a difference in the lives of the older adults in #NortheastTennessee, nominate them. #ftdd #volunteerism #volunteerappreciation #ftaad #olderadults https://lnkd.in/eW_X54xp