Memphis, TN - On June 3, 2019, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant was among 45 Class VI members to complete and graduate from the Leadership Tennessee Signature Program. Starting in August, 2018, Class VI members participated in a ten month, five session course of study that allowed them to visit each region of the state, engage in analytical conversations of importance to critical state issues, learn from state and national experts on those issues, and experience the cultural diversity of the region. The study of those issues by Leadership Tennessee members resulted in increased statewide networking, collaborative conversations, and concrete plans to continue that dialogue and actions beyond the yearlong commitment.
The 45 Class VI members represented each geographic region of the state, including the communities of Memphis, Martin, Jackson, Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City and Chattanooga. Professional sectors represented included healthcare, education, economic development, government, tourism and agriculture.
Finishing its sixth year, Leadership Tennessee selects a new class of leaders annually to visit different regions and communities of Tennessee, learning best practices and analyzing important issues faced by Tennesseans. To date, Leadership Tennessee has built a network of over 200 leaders across the state.
As part of its mission to foster dialogue and increase connection on issues of statewide importance, Leadership Tennessee hosted Sam Quinones, author of "Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic" in Kingsport and Knoxville in November, 2018, and also co-hosted the West Tennessee Opioid Summit in Memphis in April, 2019, to discuss the opioid crisis and create learning
and community collaboration to combat the epidemic and support those at risk of or recovering from addiction. In addition, throughout the ten month sessions, Class VI members focused on the issues of education and workforce development, access to healthcare, urban blight and poverty, rural economic development, public safety, and civic engagement.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Being selected to participate in the Leadership Tennessee Signature Program was a high honor for me, and I was thankful to join so many other talented and dedicated leaders in productive dialogue and learning in order to tackle the urgent challenges in our state. I am confident that the connections made and insights gained will help me better represent and protect the citizens of the Western District of Tennessee."
Leadership Tennessee, an initiative of the College of Leadership & Public Service at Lipscomb University, fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens from rural and urban communities across Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
