Leadership Tennessee Names Don Mueller to Class XIII
Chattanooga Resident Selected To Collaborate With Professionals Statewide To Address Tennessee’s Most Serious Issues
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, has named Don Mueller to its 2026–2027 Signature Program Class XIII.
In Leadership Tennessee’s 13th Signature Program, 12 different Tennessee counties are represented with diverse professional experience across the business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors, including Hamilton County leaders Don Mueller, President & CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute; Mark Feemster, Area Executive, Client Advisory Group at Pinnacle Financial Partners; Emily Mack, President & CEO of River City Company; Andy Wood, President & CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium; and Keri Randolph, President of the Benwood Foundation, reflecting the region’s strong presence in statewide leadership.
Congratulations to all selected participants on this well-deserved honor.
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. 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.
“Supporting children and families is at the heart of Siskin’s mission, and that work is deeply connected to the strength of our communities and thoughtful leadership,” said Don Mueller, CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute and a member of Leadership Tennessee’s Class XIII. “I look forward to learning from leaders across Tennessee and working together to make a positive impact for future generations.”
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.
“We take great pride in challenging our cohorts to think deeply, lead courageously and engage meaningfully in shaping Tennessee’s future,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “The 2026 class represents an exceptional group of leaders, chosen not only for their demonstrated accomplishments, but also for their capacity to inspire progress and create lasting impact across our state. Through this program, they will gain valuable insights, meaningful relationships and a broader perspective on Tennessee’s opportunities and challenges. We are excited to see how this class will leverage those experiences to strengthen their communities and help shape the next chapter of leadership in Tennessee.”
Previous classes have facilitated numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 900 Tennessee residents have become class members of the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.
The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through June 2027.
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.
President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee
Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II
alfred@leadershiptennessee.org
615-999-1082
