FTDD Celebrates 60 Years of Service at Annual Board Meeting

First Tennessee Development District (FTDD) celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, October 29, as its Board of Directors gathered at Grace Meadows Farm in Jonesborough for the District’s 60th Annual Meeting. The meeting highlighted another year of accomplishments, recognized outstanding leadership, and celebrated six decades of service to Northeast Tennessee.

FTDD’s Executive Leadership Team shared departmental updates highlighting the District’s work throughout Fiscal Year 2026. Among the year's notable accomplishments was the administration of many in grant-funded projects across multiple departments.

These investments support infrastructure improvements, economic development, workforce initiatives, aging services, housing, and other programs that strengthen communities throughout the eight-counties in our region.

Kristina Peters, FTDD’s Director of Workforce Recovery and Reentry Initiatives, recognized Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter with an award celebrating the county’s ACT Work Ready Community designation. Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy received a maintenance award, recognizing the county’s continued success in meeting ACT requirements to retain its designation.

This summer, Carter, Unicoi, and Johnson counties earned their Work Ready Community designations, completing the milestone of all eight Northeast Tennessee counties achieving this recognition. Together, these accomplishments earned Northeast Tennessee the prestigious Work Ready Region designation, making it one of only 14 regions nationwide to achieve this distinction.

The District proudly recognized Tennessee State Representative David Hawk as FTDD’s Legislator of the Year, honoring his longstanding supp

ort of Northeast Tennessee and the District’s programs.

Serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2003, Rep. Hawk has been a strong advocate for initiatives that benefit the region. His sponsorship of the TANF Opportunity Act helped make programs like FTDD’s STRONG Families initiative possible, providing families with resources to overcome challenges, secure employment, and build brighter futures.

Executive Director Mike Harrison expressed his appreciation to Greeneville Mayor Cal Doty for his dedication and leadership as FTDD Board Chairman over the past year.

The Board also elected new officers:

• Chairperson: Mayor Larry Potter, Johnson County

• Vice-Chair: Mayor Bill Carter, Elizabethton

• Treasurer: Mayor Kevin Morrison, Greene County

As FTDD celebrates 60 years of service, the District remains committed to strengthening partnerships, supporting local communities, and creating opportunities across Northeast Tennessee.

Here's to 60 years of progress, partnership, service, and to an even brighter future for our region!