Leadership Sevier

The Leadership Sevier Planned Development & Economy Team knocked it out of the park with an incredible day focused on the growth, infrastructure, and future of Sevier County! 🏗️📈🏔️

We began the morning at the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport with a delicious breakfast from Five Oaks Farm Kitchen before hearing from Mark Miller, Chris Kirby, and David Hinkle about the Douglas Lake Waterline Project, transportation infrastructure, and exciting developments surrounding the new stadium project. The class even enjoyed helicopter rides courtesy of Scenic Helicopter Tours!

Next, we traveled to HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company, shared insights into new developments that continue to strengthen our local economy. We also heard from Allen Robbins of SCES about the critical role utility infrastructure plays in supporting growth throughout Sevier County. Dollywood graciously hosted lunch and provided a fantastic setting for learning and discussion.

The afternoon continued at Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, where Corey Divel, David Taylor, James Temple Jr., and Dalton York shared their expertise on planning for the future while balancing the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid growth.

We then heard from Mark and Lisa Williford of SkyLand Ranch about rebuilding after tragedy and the resilience required to move forward. The class also enjoyed a ride on the Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster!

We wrapped up the day at Soaky Mountain Waterpark, where “Soaky Dave” and Victoria Hurst discussed future development, workforce needs, and what it takes to support a growing tourism destination. And of course, no visit would be complete without frozen yogurt! 🍦

A huge THANK YOU to all of our speakers, hosts, sponsors, and donors who invested their time, resources, and expertise into our class.

“Planned Development & Economy: Building today while planning for tomorrow.“

Please join us in welcoming Leadership Sevier’s new Office Manager, Ally Fortner! 🎉

We are excited to have Ally join our team as we continue our mission to introduce, inform, inspire, and involve leaders across Sevier County.

As Office Manager, Ally will play an important role in supporting our Leadership Sevier, Leadership Tomorrow, and Smoky Mountain Youth Leadership programs.

Welcome to Leadership Sevier, Ally! We are thrilled to have you on board!

Thank you, Karen Bentz, founding and managing partner of Anakeesta, for an incredible Legacy Leader Luncheon and Fireside Chat at one of the most beautiful destinations in the Smokies!

Karen shared her inspiring journey from landscape architecture and environmental planning to helping create and grow Anakeesta into a nationally recognized mountaintop attraction. Her passion for thoughtful design, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, and creating memorable experiences for families has helped shape a destination that continues to bring people together while celebrating the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

In your honor, the book, “The Mighty Mountain” was donated to the Anna Porter Public Library. Thank you for sharing your leadership story, vision, and wisdom! We are grateful for the impact you continue to make on our community! 💚⛰️

The LS Health and Human Services Team planned an exceptional session! The class gained valuable insight into the health and human services available throughout our community that help improve quality of life from beginning to end.

We started the day at the Sevierville Civic Center with a delicious breakfast from Reagan’s House of Pancakes - thank you for helping us kick off the morning!

Our first stop was LeConte Medical Center, where we heard from Aaron Burns- President and CAO, and toured the hospital to learn more about the top-notch medical services provided to our community.

Next, we traveled to Dollywood’s International Residence Hall for a wellness panel featuring Susan Loveday- VP of HR (and current LS participant!), Joey Buck- Wellness Chaplain, Samantha Rivera- Health Services Specialist, and Linda Woodward- Culture Ambassador and Chaplain. Pete Owens- VP of Marketing and PR (and LS Board Member!) made a special appearance! We also had the opportunity to see Dollywood’s wardrobe department, and Dollywood treated us to a fabulous lunch.

Our next stop was the My People Senior Activity Center. We heard from Ashley Sellers- Senior Center Activities Coordinator, and Danielle Rinker- 4-H Extension Agent. The group enjoyed an interactive drumming activity with Kaysie Adkins- FCS Extension Agent, and a fun movement session with Brandy Ball- PJ Parkinson’s Movement Leader (and current LS participant!).

We wrapped up the day at the Sevierville Community Center with a tour of the fitness and children’s areas led by Kelcey Carpenter- Sevierville Parks and Recreation Fitness Supervisor.

It was such a fun and educational day! THANK YOU to all of our speakers, hosts, and sponsors for investing your time, resources, and expertise into our class.

“Health and Human Services- more than you know, closer than you think.”

Leadership Sevier and Leadership Tomorrow members and graduates volunteering at Career Quest today! We had a blast being “Noodlers!” 💚

⭐️ THANK YOU Joe and Jessi Baker, founders of Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, LT Classes of 2003 and 2004, for a wonderful Legacy Leader Luncheon and Fireside Chat! ⭐️

From building nationally recognized brands, to honoring the spirit, resilience, and traditions of Appalachian people through Mountain Ways, to empowering young dreamers through Moonshot, Joe and Jessi continue to make a tremendous impact on our community and beyond. They shared their inspiring story of entrepreneurship, leadership, and giving back to the place they call home.

In their honor, the book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” was donated to the Anna Porter Public Library.

Thank you to Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg for hosting us and for preparing a delicious lunch! And thank you to everyone who attended! 💚

GOVERNMENT DAY!

Leadership Sevier Class of 2026 kicked off their first program day while Leadership Tomorrow Class of 2026 wrapped up their final one. They spent the day exploring how our local governments operate, collaborate, and serve Sevier County.

We started at the Sevierville Civic Center, hearing from Sevierville City Administrator Dustin Smith and Sevierville City Traffic Operations Manager Joseph Dodgen. Thank you to the Civic Center for hosting and to the City of Sevierville for a delicious breakfast from Collier Restaurant Group!

Next stop: the Gatlinburg Convention Center- with a police es**rt! 🚔 Gatlinburg truly rolled out the red carpet. We heard from Mayor Mike Werner, City Manager Greg Patterson, and Pittman Center City Administrator Tammy Watts, followed by a hands-on tradeshow tour of 15 city departments led by Gatlinburg’s department heads. Thank you to the City of Gatlinburg for hosting and for a fabulous lunch from Holston’s Kitchen!

We then visited the Pigeon Forge City Hall campus, toured the gorgeous new fire station (and yes- the slide!), and heard from Mayor Kevin McClure, City Manager David Wear, Special Events Manager Daniel Barnhart, and Public Information Officer Craig Cruise. The LT group even got a sneak peek of the new police station currently under construction, courtesy of Police Chief Richie Catlett. Thank you to the Pigeon Forge Fire Department for hosting!

We wrapped up at the beautiful new Rex Henry Ogle Courts Building with Mayor Larry Waters, Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter, Sevier County Elected Officials, many Sevier County department heads, and Economic Development Council Director Allen Newton. Thank you to Sevier County for the warm welcome and refreshments!

A powerful reminder that strong communities are built on collaboration, communication, and leaders willing to serve. Thank you to all who invest in making Sevier County thrive! And a HUGE thank you to everyone from our city and county governments who gave their time to be with us today!

Thank you, Logan (LT Class of 2005) and Mignonne (LS Class of 2015) Coykendall, President/Owner and Co-Owner of Hospitality Solutions, Inc., for an inspiring Legacy Leader Luncheon and Fireside Chat!

Mignonne and Logan are true examples of leaders in our community who give back. Their passion for service, leadership, and investing in others is felt across our community, and we are grateful for all they do.

In their honor, the book Hotel Fantastic was donated to the Anna Porter Public Library.

Thank you to Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg for hosting us and for the delicious lunch!

We are thankful for leaders like Logan and Mignonne who continue to introduce, inform, inspire, and involve others across our community.