ETSU’s Farnor and Hoff named to Leadership Tennessee NEXT
Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, has named East Tennessee State University’s Nathan Farnor and Dr. Michael Hoff to the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program for the program’s 10th year.
A total of 31 individuals were chosen for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 11 Tennessee counties. The class brings diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.
Farnor is the coordinator for ETSU’s Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement. He is the chair of the board of directors of the Young Professionals of Johnson City and is a governor-appointed commissioner for Volunteer Tennessee.
Hoff is the vice provost of Planning and Decision Support and the university’s chief planning officer. Earlier this year, the university named him interim director of the newly formed School of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies.
The cohort is Tennessee’s only statewide leadership program focusing on existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries.
“It’s a milestone for us to announce the 10th 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.”
During each class session, members engage with those from the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee and develop personal skills.
Candidates are selected by an anonymous committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.
Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 700 members have graduated from both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization’s Signature Program.
The cohort’s work will begin in January and run through June 2025, and the class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Paris, Tennessee.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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