LT NEXT Class XII

Spring 2026

LTN Class XI revealed the 31 individuals chosen for the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program, now entering its 12th 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 12th 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 XII 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 14 Tennessee counties with diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.

A full class list is below.

Leadership Tennessee NEXT Complete Class XII List

Carter 

• Bryan White, Chief Financial Officer, Isaiah 117 House

Davidson

• Shateara Hall, Curriculum & Workforce Strategist, Tennessee Board of Regents

• David Aguilera, Attorney, Policy & Research Advisor, Tennessee General Assembly 

• Matthew Grove, Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Brittany Mosby, Director, HBCU Success, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

• Matt Gambatese, Head of Partnerships, PIVOT: School Improvement Leaders

Greene

• Kendra Hopson, General Manager, Greene County Partnership 

Hamilton

• Christina Henderson, Director, Talent Development, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

• Lakesha Carson, Principal, Opportunity High-Hamilton County Schools

• Sarah Mattson, Senior Director of Economic Development, River City Company

• Roland McIntyre, Regional Coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

• Mary Francis Hoots, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Hamilton County Mayor

Henry

• Kasey Muench, Executive Director, Northwest Tennessee Tourism

Knox

• Phillip Hopper, Executive Vice President of Real Estate, Powell Auction & Realty

• Anderson Olds, Portfolio and Reporting Analyst, Three Roots Capital 

Madison

• Derriell Springfield, Partner Success Manager, Western Governors University

Putnam

• Billie Davis, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Tourism Association

Robertson

• Suzanne Carr, Senior Policy Advisor, Tennessee Department of Human Services

Sevier

• Danielle King, Executive Director, Leadership Sevier

Shelby

• Michael Cowan, Director of Grants & Programs, Community LIFT

• Lakeisha Edwards, Executive Director, UrbanArt Commission

• Vonzella Bryant, MD, UTHSC

• John Dunavant, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development, Slingshot Memphis

• Constance Brown, Attorney, City of Memphis - Law Division

• Cassie Foote, Deputy Executive Director, APEF

• Meredith Howser, Community Volunteer, Memphis

Sullivan

• Lydia Hoskins, Community Health Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension

Washington

• Heather Levesque, Associate Vice President & Executive Director of Admissions, East Tennessee State University

• Chris Jett, CEO Niswonger Children’s Network, Ballad Health

Williamson

• Scott Radock, Senior Management Consultant, State of Tennessee - Customer Focused Government

• Anna Lisa Roberts, Vice President, Economic Development and Investor Relations, Williamson, Inc.