LT NEXT Class XI
Fall 2025
LTN Class XI revealed the 31 individuals chosen for the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, now entering its 11th year.
Leadership Tennessee NEXT is the state’s only statewide leadership program focusing on Tennessee’s existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries.
“It’s a milestone for us to announce the 11th Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class,” said 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. I have no doubt that Class XI will continue that legacy, contributing to Tennessee’s progress and addressing the challenges we face with creativity and collaboration.”
This year’s class includes representatives from 11 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.
Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.
Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 700 members have graduated from both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization’s Signature Program.
During each class session, members engage with those from the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee, and engage in personal skill development. The cohort’s work will begin in August 2025 through November 2025, and the class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Tri-Cities and Paris, Tenn.
A full class list is below.
Leadership Tennessee NEXT Complete Class XI List
Davidson
Jacob Baggett, Public Policy Advisor, Baker Donelson
Zach Brickner, Managing Broker, Compass Real Estate
Angel Davis, Attorney, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd.
Annie Freeland Fishel, Executive Director of Policy & Advocacy, The University of Tennessee System
Lawrence Johnson, Banking Center Manager for East Nashville, First Horizon Bank
Danielle Pyle, Consultant, Self-Employed
Laurel Riley, Management Consultant, Customer Focused Government
Dakota Simpson, Vice President of Programs, Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Olivia Spears, Legal Counsel, Government Affairs, Asurion
Laura Baker, Executive Director, Nashville Humane Association
Courtney McEwen, Director, College & Career, Lead Public Schools
Michael Robertson, Director of Finance, Nashville Public Radio
Hamblen
Rob Burke, Director of TN Young Child Wellness Council/Home Visiting Leadership Alliance, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
Hamilton
LaKevia Perry, Government Relations Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority
Brooke Weaver, Chief Deputy and Accountant, Hamilton County Clerk
Lawrence
Ben Barnett, Director of Economic Development, Lawrence County Chamber
Monroe
Brandy Gentry, President & CEO, Monroe County Chamber of`Commerce
Montgomery
Marlon Heaston, Chief Executive Officer, NIA Association.org
Sevier
Chucky Blalock, Owner, Top Concepts
Shelby
April Carter, Chief Program Officer, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Lori Evans, Manager, Community Engagement, Regional One Health
Anjelica Hardin Hall, Director of Programs, Leadership Memphis
Demitrius Halliburton, Director of Housing and Development, Raleigh Community Development Corporation
Jonathan White, Field Representative, U.S. Senator Hagerty
Bridget Sisney, Director of Leader Programs, New Memphis
Katelyn Thompson, Policy Director for TN Senate Democratic Caucus, Tennessee General Assembly
Britney Thornton, County Commissioner, Shelby County Government
Sullivan
Desteny Clemons, Director, Healthy Kingsport
Washington
Megan Roberts, Director of Academic Affairs, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Ryan Roberts, Assistant Dean of Finance and Strategic Planning, East Tennessee State University
Williamson
Sarah Burnett, Chief of Staff and Director of Foundation, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry