Think tank deepens regional representation, policy expertise on board of directors with the addition of Dr. Carol Rothstein, Dr. Paul Stumb, IV, and Dorcas Young Griffin
NASHVILLE – ThinkTennessee, a nonpartisan think tank based in Nashville, has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Carol Rothstein, president of Jackson State Community College, Dr. Paul Cavert Stumb, IV, president of Cumberland University, and Dorcas Young Griffin, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County Government. Each brings deep expertise in education, workforce development, public service, local government, and community leadership that will strengthen ThinkTennessee’s mission to build a more civically engaged and economically secure state.
“ThinkTennessee is honored to welcome these exceptional leaders to our board,” said Bob Cooper, ThinkTennessee board chair. “Their collective experience across higher education, government, business, and workforce development will be invaluable as we continue working to bring data-driven, evidence-based policy solutions to Tennessee.”
Dr. Carol Rothstein is the president of Jackson State Community College, serving a ten-county region in West Tennessee. Since assuming the presidency, Dr. Rothstein has led with a student-centered vision that has fueled enrollment growth, expanded academic and workforce partnerships, and strengthened student support services. Her career in higher education spans leadership roles at Nashville State Community College, Hagerstown Community College in Maryland, and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in West Virginia. A strong advocate for accessible education, she has been widely recognized for her transformational leadership and commitment to student success.
Dr. Paul Cavert Stumb, IV has served as president of Cumberland University since 2015 and has been part of the university community since 2003. His academic background spans engineering, education, and business, with degrees from Auburn University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Cumberland University. Prior to joining Cumberland University, Dr. Stumb enjoyed a successful private-sector career with several companies including Lockheed Martin, Georgia-Pacific, and Union Carbide Corp. Deeply engaged in Middle Tennessee, Dr. Stumb also provides consulting services to manufacturers, municipalities, and corporate entities across the region.
Dorcas Young Griffin serves as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County Government and has devoted nearly two decades to public service. Her career includes leadership roles in public health, community services, and grants management, both within county government and with organizations such as the University of Memphis Center for Community Building and Neighborhood Action and The Church Health Center. She is actively involved in civic life across Memphis and Shelby County, serving on multiple nonprofit and community boards and participating in leadership programs such as Leadership Memphis.
“With Carol, Paul, and Dorcas joining our board, ThinkTennessee gains a powerful combination of perspectives from across the state,” said Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee. “I know their leadership and guidance will be an incredible asset to our organization. I am beyond grateful for their willingness to serve in this capacity.”
