Events
ThinkTennessee 2025 Policy Forum
“Driving Tennessee’s Prosperity”
When: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Where: Music City Center, Nashville, TN
This first-of-its-kind policy forum will bring together leaders, advocates, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue around some of the most pressing issues facing Tennesseans today: housing, transportation, childcare, and workforce development.
To tackle these pressing policy issues, our sessions throughout the day will feature panelists and speakers from across Tennessee, from city mayors and regional leaders to issue-area experts and policymakers.
We can’t wait to host these valuable discussions and begin the hard work of moving Tennessee forward.
Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? View our sponsorship packages and then contact us for more information.
Agenda
8:00-8:30 AM: Networking & Breakfast
8:30-9:00 AM: Welcome Speaker
9:00-10:15 AM: What’s Next for Tennessee’s Economy – Panel of business leaders explore what’s on the horizon for the state’s economy
10:15-10:30 AM: Break
10:30 AM-12:00 PM: Morning Panels (Housing & Childcare)
12:00-1:15 PM: Lunch Session – Regional leaders explore how our state’s regions are thriving
1:15-2:45 PM: Afternoon Panels (Transportation & Workforce Development)
2:45-3:00 PM: Break
3:00-4:00 PM: Closing Session – Making Politics Work for Tennesseans: Bipartisan leaders explore how we can be builders together
(speaker details coming soon)
Host Committee
Nicole Austin, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
Hal Cato, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Dhathri Chunduru, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Stephanie Coleman, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Alfred Degrafinreid, Leadership Tennessee
Kevin Dubose, Housing & Neighborhood Development, City of Knoxville
Tammi Ford, Blount Partnership
Matt Largen, Williamson, Inc.
Bill (William) Lyons, UT Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs
Dr. Kimberly McCorkle, East Tennessee State University
Mayor Paul Montgomery, City of Kingsport
Dr. Carol Rothstein, Jackson State Community College
Dr. Mina Sartipi, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Lesley Scearce, United Way of Greater Chattanooga
Gary Shorb, Urban Child Institute
