Board members, regional partners, guests, and staff gathered for the 56th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting of the First Tennessee Development District on Thursday, June 16, 2022.
This year’s event was held at Grace Meadows Farm in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Each year, the board utilizes the June Semi-Annual Meeting to adopt a budget for the coming fiscal year as well as an updated Work Program, which guides the District’s efforts. This year’s Work Program includes the keystone areas of focus for the FTDD, and the addition of the responsibilities the FTDD will assume once the recently funded Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) launches this fall. “Each year, the District brings the broad array of services it provides before the board for approval,” said Mike Harrison, Executive Director, “and this year, we have, what I believe to be some of our most impactful work, in economic development, aging services, workforce development, and now services funded by the new TOPI grant.”
During the course of the meeting, Representative Rebecca Alexander and Representative Tim Hicks paid tribute to Kathy Whitaker, long-time Director of the Area Agency on Aging & Disability with a proclamation passed by the General Assembly. The proclamation, which honors Whitaker for her nearly 50 years of service to the region has announced her forthcoming retirement. “I’ve known Kathy for many years, our children grew up together” said Representative Alexander, “but as a representative, I’ve had the opportunity to learn what an amazing and impactful role she’s played in our region. She’s deserving of our gratitude and deep appreciation for her life’s work,” Whitaker whose retirement will become effective on September 30th, will be succeeded Angie Gwaltney, CHOICES Manager of the FTAAAD.
The full board of the FTDD will meet next in early October to receive updates on the District’s work and take part in strategic planning sessions.
For questions related to the Semi-Annual Meeting, please contact Mark Stevans, Director of Communications & Special Projects, mstevans@ftdd.org.