Board Appointments for December 2014 and January 2015

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Board Appointments for December 2014 and January 2015

Posted: 02/13/2015
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero made the following board appointments in December and January:

  • Tracie Hellwinckel, appointed to the City Tree Board.

    Hellwinckel currently works as a gardener specializing in regenerative and permaculture techniques. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer, specializing in environmental education in the country of Panama. She also served as a volunteer at the Gila National Monument, assisting in rewriting the monument's Junior Ranger program, which focused on the fauna and flora of the park. In addition, Hellwinckel served two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Knoxville Beardsley Community Farm and Habitat for Humanity HUG (Habitat Urban Gardens).

    In June 2008, she helped establish the Knoxville Permaculture Guild with her husband, Dr. Chad Hellwinckel. That same year, she started a blog, "The Agrarian Urbanite," which focuses on regenerative urban agriculture. Tracie Hellwinckel also helped promote "More Community Gardens" with the Knoxville Knox County Food Policy Council. She currently serves as a board member for the University Swim Club. Hellwinckel resides in the Parkridge neighborhood in Knoxville and has served on the board of the Parkridge Community Organization. She volunteers at the Parkridge Community Garden, working with neighborhood children teaching about growing plants.

    Hellwinckel received an associate's degree from Hillsborough Community College, a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from the University of Central Florida, and a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

    The purpose of the City Tree Board is to formulate a master street tree plan for all municipal property. The board assists in disseminating news and information regarding the selection of trees; planting, establishing and maintaining trees; and advising City Council on desirable legislation concerning the City's tree program. 

  • Scott Romines, appointed to the Public Assembly Facilities Board.

    Romines has been a project manager with Delta Group LLC for more than 15 years. Delta Group provides Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville and Oak Ridge with structured cabling solutions, fiber optic cabling and telecom expense management services. In his position, Romines oversees installation of data, voice and fiber optic cabling and coordinates activities with onsite contractors. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2017.

    The Public Assembly Facilities Board oversees the management and operation of the Knoxville Civic Auditorium/Coliseum and Chilhowee Park. The board generally meets once per quarter, as called by the chairman or manager. 

  • Susan Brown, appointed to the Industrial Development Board.

    Brown is a business consultant whose clients include Massey Group, Clayton Homes and Scripps Networks Interactive. Previously, Brown served as chief operating officer for IdleAire, regional president of Rural/Metro Corp. and as a member of Mayor Victor Ashe's administration as director of Economic and Community Development. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Holston Gases, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and Rebuilding Together Knoxville, and is a member of the Executive Women's Association. She is a former chair of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, and previously served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Housing and Development Authority, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and Nucleus Knoxville.

    Brown is also a member of the Leadership Knoxville Class of 1994 and a 2002 YWCA Tribute to Women honoree in the Business and Government Category. She has a bachelor's degree from Furman University and a master's degree from the University of Tennessee. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2020.

    The Industrial Development Board may acquire, develop, lease and sell property to facilitate new businesses locating to Knoxville or assist businesses in expanding their operations. The board may also issue tax-exempt revenue bonds to assist in the financing of projects. 

  • King Purnell, appointed to the Industrial Development Board.

    Purnell has more than 37 years of banking industry and general business experience. He currently holds the position of regional president of Tennessee with United Community Bank. In his role, Purnell is responsible for overseeing the operations of the bank's nine offices located throughout East Tennessee, which includes branches in Cleveland, Farragut and Knoxville. In addition, Purnell serves as treasurer for Cherokee Country Club and has served as chairman of several organizations, including the American Heart Association, Knoxville YMCA, Project In-Roads, Partnership for Neighborhood Improvement and Robert Morris and Associates. He earned his bachelor's degree in Finance from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, holds a MBA in finance and a master's degree in accounting and taxation from Georgia State University. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2020.

  • John Worden, appointed to Knoxville Utilities Board of Commissioners.

    Worden is a Knoxville native and an economics graduate of the University of Tennessee. A partner in the financial services firm Worden, Rechenbach & Brooke, he has been with the firm 22 years. He consults with individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout East Tennessee in matters of risk management and wealth accumulation.

    His volunteer service includes: treasurer, board of directors, East Tennessee Foundation; board of directors, Trinity Health Foundation; board of directors (past president), Arts and Culture Alliance; board of directors (past president), Community School of the Arts; vice president, board of directors, Boy Scouts of America - Great Smoky Mountain Council; vice chairman, University of Tennessee - Economics Advisory Council; former board member, YMCA of East Tennessee; past board member, University of Tennessee National Alumni Association - Knox County Chapter; Leadership Knoxville 2007; Knoxville Business Journal 40 under 40 Award 2009; and Eagle Scout. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2021.

    KUB is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, serving seven-year terms. Members cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. The board normally meets monthly on the third Thursday at noon in the KUB Board Room at the Historic Miller's building, 445 S. Gay St. 

  • Jeffrey Ashin, appointed to the Animal Control Board.

    Ashin is CEO of the Young-Williams Animal Center. He is the former CEO of Physicians Regional Medical Center, Tennova Healthcare's flagship hospital on Oak Hill Avenue in Knoxville. Previously, Ashin served as CEO of Mercy Health Partners system and oversaw its sale to Health Management Associates. He received a master's degree in public administration from California State University. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

    The Animal Control Board has the responsibility to recommend goals and objectives, qualification requirements, and specialized training courses to the Animal Control Unit. The board issues permits and establishes minimum standards for persons who operate quarters where any animals are kept, maintained, exhibited or displayed. 

  • Wright Kaminer, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Kaminer joined the Community Law Office (CLO) as a forensic social worker in 2012. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary and a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During her Master of Science in Social Work program, she completed internships with Helen Ross McNabb Jail Based Services and the VA Knoxville Outpatient Clinic. Prior to joining the CLO, Kaminer was employed as a clinical therapist at a community social service agency.

    Kaminer currently provides biopsychosocial assessments and alternative sentencing plans, links clients to community resources and offers supportive counseling services. She is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and is working toward independent licensure.

    Kaminer is the Homeless Coalition Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

    The KAT Community Advisory Committee was created in 1981 by a City ordinance to act in an advisory capacity to KAT. The committee is made up mainly of KAT customers and provides input regarding public transportation services.

  • Melinda Grimac, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Grimac is a real-estate agent in the downtown Knoxville real-estate market. She is a member of world renowned Sotheby's International Realty, with 18 years of experience as a downtown real-estate agent, property owner and developer.

    Grimac is the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

  • Karen Estes, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Estes currently works as transportation director for the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) Transit Program. Its mission is to increase access to community resources and services for residents who have no other means of transportation by providing safe, reasonably comfortable transportation. CAC Transit provides transportation for people to get to medical appointments, go shopping, find employment and other essential services.

    Estes is the CAC Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

  • Sandy Booher, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Booher is one of the first members of the Knoxville Advisory Council for the Handicapped (KACH), where she assisted in developing accessible sidewalks. In addition, she helped create the Bus Hailer program for Knoxville Area Transit, assisted in compliance issues in the Knoxville area when the ADA was signed in 1990, and worked with "Meet the Challenge," a community disability awareness program. Booher worked for CAC as a rehabilitation instructor for blind people. Before retiring, she worked as a social worker at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. She now serves as an active member of the Accessible Transportation Coalition Initiative (ATCI), where she is assisting in developing accessible transportation in the Knoxville area.

    Booher is the Mayor's Council on Disability Issues (CODI) Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

  • Nancy Wright, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Wright is an avid user of Knoxville Area Transit (KAT). Specifically, she uses the KAT Lift service for doctor visits. Wright has been active in the Town Hall East neighborhood association nearly 10 years and also volunteers at the O'Connor Senior Center.

    Wright is the Senior Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

  • Jenny Stuart, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee.

    Stuart is a senior housing finance specialist in the City of Knoxville Community Development Department.

    Stuart is the Non-uniformed Employee Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2016.

  • Kittrin Smith, appointed to the Deferred Compensation Committee.

    Smith, an analyst in the City of Knoxville Finance Department, is a Non-uniformed Employee Representative. Her term runs through Dec. 31, 2017.

    The responsibilities and makeup of the Deferred Compensation Committee are specified in the City of Knoxville Deferred Compensation Plan, which was approved by the Knoxville City Council. There are seven members of the committee. Three are standing members from the Employee Benefits Office, the Law Department and the Pension Board, and four members serve staggered terms: one from the Police Department, one from the Fire Department and two from general government. The Mayor appoints the four members who serve staggered terms. 

  • Danny Gray, appointed to the Neighborhood Advisory Council.

    Gray, an active member of South Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, is appointed to replace Debbie Sharp, who resigned when she joined the city as the assistant neighborhood coordinator in the Office of Neighborhoods.

    Gray will fill Seat 1-A for the 1st Council District. His term ends March 31, 2017.

    Consisting of neighborhood leaders from around the city, the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) serves in an advisory and partnership capacity to: give advice and feedback on the programs and policies of the Office of Neighborhoods, bring neighborhood issues and concerns to the attention of the city administration, propose responses and solutions to address these concerns; and serve as a sounding board for city initiatives and proposals affecting neighborhoods. 

  • David Gillette, appointed to the Neighborhood Advisory Council.

    Gillette, who is vice president of Mechanicsville Community Association, is appointed to fill the remaining few months of the unexpired term of Dennis Murphy, who resigned due to schedule conflicts, and to serve a full three-year term ending March 31, 2018.

    Gillette will fill Seat 6-B for the 6th Council District. His term ends March 31, 2017.

  • Dennis Owen, appointed to the City Pension Board.

    Owen has more than 30 years of professional experience in the financial services industry and a history of community and civic involvement in Knoxville. He joined Merrill Lynch in 1978 and served as vice president and senior financial advisor-Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management, and as branch manager in the late 1990s. Owen is former president and active board member of the Kingston Pike - Sequoyah Hills Neighborhood Association, serves on the City of Knoxville Neighborhood Advisory Council, and has worked as a volunteer for Compassion Coalition. He is a member of the FINRA arbitration panel roster, the largest U.S. independent securities regulator. In addition, he was an instructor in financial markets for the University of Tennessee Career Development Program.

    Owen has a bachelor's degree in business administration (economics) from the University of Tennessee. His term runs through March 31, 2016.

    The City of Knoxville Pension Board consists of seven members: four elected employee representatives, the Mayor, the finance director, and a City Council representative. 

  • Linda Gay Blanc, appointed to the City Pension Board.

    Blanc has been an Edward Jones financial advisor since 1995. She assists individual investors and their families with planning for retirement and helps them reach their long-term financial goals, such as education savings, asset protection and estate considerations. Additionally, she assists business owners and nonprofit boards. Blanc is a member of the boards of directors of the Fort Sanders Foundation and of the Knox County Library Foundation. She also volunteers with Knox Heritage, Covenant Health's Hope Center and the Tennessee Clean Water Network and is a member of PEO and of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Circle of Friends.

    A former president of the North Knoxville Rotary, she has been active in projects for Cerebral Palsy Group Home, Adopt-A-Road and Flu Shot Saturday. Prior community involvement includes serving on boards of directors for Helen Ross McNabb Center, Race Relations Center of East Tennessee and Knoxville YWCA (where she co-chaired The Big Read project). The Jefferson City, Tenn., native holds a bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, in directed studies from Carson-Newman College and a master's degree from Boston University, School of Public Communication. Her term runs through March 31, 2017.

  • Mark Campen, appointed to the Food Policy Council.

    Campen is a native Knoxvillian and City Councilman for the 5th District who lives with his wife, Emily, son, Parson, and daughter, Phoebe, in the Fountain City area. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries science and a minor in forestry. Professionally, Campen works full-time as executive director of the Tennessee chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. Since 2000, he has been employed with this non-profit organization, which addresses conservation issues, specifically water quality, in Knox and surrounding counties. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, bird-watching and gardening. His term runs through Dec. 31, 2017.

    The Knoxville-Knox County Food Policy Council monitors and evaluates the performance of Knoxville's food system, in terms of costs, availability, accessibility and implications for public health/economic efficiency, public awareness of food issues, improvement of food supply and distribution network in Knoxville. 

    Knoxville City Council made the following board appointments in December and January:

  • Beth Waters, appointed to Community Television Board of Directors.

    Waters has produced the CTV program "The Arts Calendar" for more than 20 years. In addition to her work with CTV, she has served on the boards of Baptist Health Foundation, the Knoxville Symphony and the City Ballet. In 1991, Waters spearheaded efforts to build the Fort Kid playground at the World's Fair Park. Her term expires Jan. 31, 2018.

    Community Television of Knoxville provides, manages and regulates a non-profit and non-commercial community programming service to cable television in Knoxville and Knox County. This service provides the necessary facilities and operation assistance for program production for various organizations, agencies, communities and institutions, such as educational, scientific, civic or cultural organizations. 

  • Shannon McCullock, appointed to Community Television Board of Directors.

    McCullock is the WOW! Cable Senior Operations Director and General Manager. Her term expires Jan. 31, 2018.

  • Jeff Ownby, appointed to Community Television Board of Directors

    Ownby serves as a Knox County commissioner representing the 4th District. His term expires Jan. 31, 2018.

  • Louis Crossley, appointed to Community Television Board of Directors.

    Crossley is a lawyer with Long, Ragsdale and Waters. He has been selected by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee to serve as one of its certified mediators. Crossley also currently serves as the chairman of Community Television of Knoxville Board of Directors, the local public access television channel. His term expires Jan. 31, 2018.

  • Ken Bradley, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee. His term expires Dec. 31, 2016.

    The KAT Community Advisory Committee was created in 1981 by a city ordinance to act in an advisory capacity to KAT. The Committee is composed mainly of KAT customers and provides input regarding public transportation services. 

  • Michelle Neal, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2015.

  • Juanita Goodman, appointed to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) Community Advisory Committee. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2016.