Board/Committees
The Chamber's Board of Directors establishes the direction for the organization and sets policy. Members of the Board also chair the Chamber's various committees - committees do yeoman's work for the Chamber by considering issues and making recommendations to the Board. Many committees are open to interested members. If you would like to participate please contact the appropriate staff member listed below. Click here for a list of the current Board of Directors.
Committees & Councils
Economic & Community Development Committee
Mission/Purpose: Work with public and private sector individuals and organizations to create and maintain an economic climate in which businesses have the ability thrive and grow. New areas of focus: Jobs Now! work program, targeted industry, new business recruitment, economic development marketing, workforce development and existing industry.
Chair Doug Kennedy, Johnson and Gaylon
Staff Contact: Doug Lawyer
Finance Committee
Mission/Purpose: To ensure that the Chamber operates effectively on a financially sound basis and to focus on strategic planning, new budgets and audit.
Chair John Pace, B&T
Staff contact: Gretchen Sandidge
Government Relations and Public Policy Committee
Mission/Purpose: Foster and maintain strong communications and relationships with governmental officials and organizations at all levels. The committee discusses public policy and bills in the state legislature and Congress. Members are expected to have some expertise on a given industry sector and to stay up to date about the policies or legislative actions that might effect that sector. The committee is asked to make recommendations and decisions about positions the Chamber ought to take on these policies/bills. Annually, the Chamber takes a trip to Nashville to meet with elected officials and explain he Chamber’s positions; committee members are strongly encouraged to attend.
Chair Dick Goldstine, HG&A
Staff contact: Garrett Wagley
Membership Committee
Mission/Purpose: Increase Chamber membership and to improve retention of existing members through the development of a full range of valued services.
Chair Melissa Feinbaum, Miller Feinbaum Recruiting, LLC
Staff contact: Melissa Spangler
Transportation/Infrastructure Committee
Mission/Purpose: To investigate transportation issues affecting the Greater Knoxville economic trade area for a comprehensive and long-range perspective including a focus on air quality, low fare air carrier, railroad, river navigation and communications.
Chair: Chris Etters, Claiborne Hauling
Staff contact: Doug Lawyer
Agribusiness Committee
Mission/Purpose: Dedicated to the promotion and economic successes of the food, fiber and natural resources industries of East Tennessee including all parts of the production and marketing chains from farm products to consumers. Emphasis is given to farm youth development by assisting 4-H and FFA organizations with certain activities.
Chair: Scott Suchomski
Staff contact: Patrice Collins
Marketing Committee
Mission/Purpose: To assist with the communications of Chamber benefits and events with members the community and media.
Chair: Cynthia Moxley, Moxely Carmichael
Staff Contact: Garrett Wagley
Small Business Committee
Mission/Purpose: Designed to raise the profile of small businesses and to create new opportunities for small business in the regional economy.
Chair: Sharon Hoover, Coaching Works
Staff Contact: Mark Field
Manufacturing Leadership Council
A quarterly program that allows members to discuss specific issues, trends and ideas related to manufacturing in the community and throughout the region.
Council: Pres Lawhon, PBR, LLC
Staff Contact: Charley Gray
East Tennessee Military Affairs Council
A program organized to recognize, encourage, support and be an advocate for military activities in East Tennessee as they relate to economic vitality of the area.
Chair: Jack Davis
Staff Contact: Patrice Collins
Ambassador Program
Ambassadors of the Chamber ensure member satisfaction and retention. They also help staff events and act as mentors for new members.
Ambassador Co-Chairs: Jennifer Morris, Knoxville Convention
Center and Jana Davison, Cariten
Staff contact: Lisa Coulter
