Jackson, TN – Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, has named Jackson Energy Authority President & CEO, Monte Cooper to its 2024–2025 Signature Program Class XI.
According to a press release from Janet Wilbanks – public relations coordinator – JEA – in Leadership Tennessee’s 11th Signature Program, 14 different Tennessee counties are represented with diverse professional experience in the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors.
Over the course of 10 months, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyzing challenges that Tennessee faces, and will work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and actions addressing the most serious issues uncovered.
“The opportunity to participate in this year’s Signature Program is one I do not take lightly,” stated Cooper, Class XI member. “Having lived in Tennessee all my life, I am acutely aware of the challenges our state faces, and I am personally invested in seeing Tennessee succeed and function as a role model for other states.”
The group was selected by an anonymous selection committee based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity, and a strong understanding of what challenges Tennessee faces today.
“In a time of increasing polarization, Leadership Tennessee’s mission to bring individuals together with the goal of bettering our state is something we can all be proud of,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO, Leadership Tennessee. “Year after year, we find that our programming helps folks to think critically while we are working together, and that continues long after the session has ended with professionals folding these major topics into their work.”
Previous classes have been able to facilitate numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 600 members have graduated through both the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.
The group’s work will begin in August and run through June 2025.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP TENNESSEE
Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address those issues.
(PHOTO: Monte Cooper)
