Leadership Knoxville

What Leadership Knoxville does

Leadership Knoxville is a 501(c)-equivalent nonprofit organization founded in 1984 and headquartered at 17 Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It operates a multi-generational leadership development continuum consisting of six core programs: the Flagship Program (a 10-month immersive experience for established senior leaders and executives at $5,000 tuition, ~55 participants annually), Introduction Knoxville (a six-week program for mid-career professionals and newcomers at $2,250), Youth Leadership Knoxville (10-month program for rising high school juniors at $150, with college credit via Pellissippi State), Leadership Knoxville Scholars (two-year collegiate program in partnership with the University of Tennessee Jones Center), Encore (five-session post-professional program launched 2023 at $250), and Connect Knox (community-neighboring initiative launched 2023). A separate Consulting & Training division delivers custom workshops, retreat facilitation, and strategic planning to outside organizations.

The organization is staffed by a seven-person team led by President & CEO Tammy White (joined 2009) and is governed by a Board of Directors whose composition includes senior executives from TVA, Home Federal Bank, Denark Construction, and the City of Knoxville Mayor's office. Core programmatic technology consists of a curriculum and facilitation methodology grounded in servant leadership principles, delivered through in-person cohort-based sessions, site visits, retreats, and a required Nashville state government trip. Adjacent technology assets include the NeonCRM event registration platform and standard website/social media properties.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid mix: program tuition (Flagship $5,000, Intro $2,250, Youth $150, Encore $250), tiered corporate sponsorships (Tennessee Valley Authority as Flagship Sponsor, Covenant Health as Introduction Knoxville Sponsor, Home Federal Bank, First Horizon, Bandit Lites, Denark Construction, South College, United Way as session-day sponsors), alumni association dues and donations, and fees from the Consulting & Training division. Marketing relies primarily on alumni word-of-mouth referrals, the annual 17th Leadership Luncheon hosted by both city and county mayors, employer sponsorship-driven candidate flow, and digital channels including the website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Geographic scope is limited to the Greater Knoxville region.

Name

Leadership Knoxville

Legal name

Leadership Knoxville

Website

https://leadershipknoxville.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Leadership Knoxville is a 1984-founded nonprofit operating a six-program leadership development continuum in Greater Knoxville, serving high school students, University of Tennessee scholars, mid-career professionals, senior executives, and post-professional leaders through tuition-based cohort programs, corporate sponsorships, and alumni dues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Leadership Development

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Coaching Leadership & Mentoring Skills (EDABAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Leadership, Character Education & Values Development (EDAMAIAG), Team & Group Executive Coaching (Leadership Teams) (EDABANAF)

Keywords

• Community leadership development
• Executive leadership programs
• Civic engagement training
• Nonprofit leadership consulting
• Organizational leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Flagship Program Tuition: The flagship 10-month Leadership Knoxville program charges $5,000 tuition per participant. Partial need-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition are available for nonprofit organization employees. Payment plans are also offered.
2. Introduction Knoxville Tuition: Six-week Introduction Knoxville program charges $2,250 per participant, with limited scholarships for nonprofit organizations. Employers frequently fund participant tuition from professional development budgets.
3. Youth Leadership Knoxville Tuition: Youth Leadership Knoxville charges $150 per student with scholarship assistance and payment plans available.
4. Encore Program Tuition: Five-session Encore program for post-professional leaders charges $250 tuition with partial scholarships available.
5. Consulting & Training Engagements: Custom consulting and training services for businesses, nonprofits, government, and education organizations. Pricing is tailored based on scope, length, and preparation needs, with proposals provided after a discovery conversation.
6. Corporate Sponsorships: Program sponsors (such as Tennessee Valley Authority as Flagship Program Sponsor) and session day sponsors provide funding and in-kind support for individual program sessions and events.
7. Alumni Dues & Donations: Annual Alumni Association membership dues and general donations support programs, education, and events connecting graduates across all programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Leadership Knoxville operates a multi-generational continuum of community leadership development programs serving participants from high school through post-professional careers. Core offerings include a 10-month Flagship Program for senior executives ($5,000 tuition), a 6-week Introduction Knoxville program for newcomers and mid-career professionals ($2,250), a 2-year Leadership Knoxville Scholars collegiate program, a 10-month Youth Leadership Knoxville program with college credit, a 5-session Encore program for post-professional leaders, the Connect Knox neighboring movement, and custom Consulting & Training services for organizations.

Product overview

Leadership Knoxville is a non-profit leadership development organization offering a continuum of programs across sectors and generations. The organization operates as a unified program portfolio with seven distinct offerings: the Flagship Program (10-month immersive experience for senior leaders, established 1984), Introduction Knoxville (6-week introductory program for newcomers and mid-career professionals), Leadership Knoxville Scholars (2-year college program in partnership with University of Tennessee), Youth Leadership Knoxville (10-month high school program with college credit), Encore (5-session program for post-professionals), Connect Knox (neighboring movement and community connection initiative), and Consulting & Training (custom organizational development services). The organization also hosts the annual Leadership Luncheon and maintains an Alumni Association for graduate engagement. Programs range from $150 to $5,000 in tuition, with some offerings free to eligible participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Flagship Program: 10-month immersive community leadership experience for established leaders, established 1984, with approximately 55 annual participants.
• Introduction Knoxville
• Youth Leadership Knoxville
• Leadership Knoxville Scholars
• Encore
• Connect Knox
• Consulting & Training

Products and services

• Flagship Program A 10-month immersive community leadership development experience for established senior executives and community leaders in the Greater Knoxville area. Includes orientation, overnight retreat, monthly sessions, Nashville state government visit, and team community projects. Approximately 55 annual participants selected through a nomination-and-application process with an anonymous Selection Committee. $5,000 tuition with up to 50% need-based scholarships available for nonprofit employees.
• Introduction Knoxville A six-week introductory program for leaders in new management positions, newcomers to the community, and lifelong residents seeking to plug into civic life. Covers Knoxville history, education, business, entrepreneurship, quality of life, regional vision, volunteerism, and arts and culture. Approximately 50 participants per class. $2,250 tuition with limited scholarships for nonprofits and employer funding common.
• Consulting & Training Custom consulting and training services for businesses, nonprofits, education, government, and community groups. Services include strategic planning, team building, retreat facilitation, conflict management, and leadership development delivered via 90-minute workshops, half-day, full-day, or multi-session engagements. Pricing is tailored based on scope, length, and preparation needs after a discovery conversation.
• Leadership Knoxville Scholars A two-year cohort-style leadership development program for rising junior leaders at the University of Tennessee, co-developed with the Jones Center for Leadership and Service. Features 50 annual participants in two cohorts of 25, alumni mentors, community action projects, and UT academic courses (ELPS411 LKS Fall Seminar and Senior Capstone). Free for full-time UT students.
• Youth Leadership Knoxville A 10-month program for rising high school juniors in Knox County (public, private, or homeschool) to develop leadership skills and learn about their community. Includes a week-long summer camp, monthly evening sessions, and a community service project. Participants earn 3 hours of college credit through Pellissippi State Community College at no additional cost. Approximately 50 participants per cohort at $150 tuition with scholarships available.
• Encore A five-session program for senior leaders transitioning away from full-time careers, helping them find post-professional purpose and community engagement opportunities. Approximately 50 participants per class. $250 tuition with partial scholarships available; tuition includes materials, food, and beverages for all sessions.
• Connect Knox A community-centered initiative focused on connecting people to people and new ideas. Includes a Neighboring Movement encouraging residents to build relationships with neighbors through structured challenges and hosts The Big Table dining experiences designed to create connections across cultural, professional, and geographic differences.
• Alumni Association A membership program for graduates of all Leadership Knoxville programs, providing ongoing engagement, networking opportunities, and connection with community leaders across all programs. Supported by annual membership dues and general donations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 55 participants graduate from the Flagship program each year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTVA serves as the Flagship Program Sponsor and Encore Program Sponsor, providing major funding support for core programs. TVA employees (including Jan Brown, VP People & Culture CAO/Human Resources) also serve on the Board of Directors.
• Home Federal BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome Federal Bank sponsors the Flagship Program Orientation session, demonstrating long-term commitment to leadership development in the Knoxville community.
• Covenant HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCovenant Health is the Program Sponsor for Introduction Knoxville, covering program-level sponsorship costs and providing venue/speaker support.
• Jones Center for Leadership and Service at University of TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-develops and co-delivers the Leadership Knoxville Scholars program with UT, providing academic courses (ELPS411 LKS Fall Seminar and Senior Capstone), facilities, and administrative support. Applications are submitted through the Jones Center.
• Pellissippi State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Youth Leadership Knoxville, providing college credit (HUM 2100 Leadership Development) for program participants at no additional cost. Also sponsors sessions for multiple programs.
• First Horizon BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst Horizon Bank sponsors Flagship Program Retreat and Introduction Knoxville sessions as session day sponsors.
• Denark ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDenark Construction (whose President Frank Rothermel serves as Board Chair) sponsors Connect Knox programming as a session day sponsor.
• Bandit LitesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBandit Lites serves as the Program Sponsor for Youth Leadership Knoxville.
• United Way of Greater KnoxvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUnited Way of Greater Knoxville is a session day sponsor for Connect Knox, supporting the community connectivity initiative.
• South CollegeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouth College is a session day sponsor for the Flagship Program November session.
• City of KnoxvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Knoxville, along with Knox County, hosts the annual Mayors' Leadership Luncheon. The Mayor's Chief of Staff (David Brace) serves on the Board of Directors. City Council meetings are a required component of the Flagship program.
• Knox County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnox County co-hosts the annual Mayors' Leadership Luncheon. Knox County Commission and School Board meetings are required components of the Flagship program. County leaders serve on the Board.
• Oak Ridge National LaboratoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerORNL is represented in the Leadership Knoxville network. Current Flagship Class of 2026 includes Shaun Gleason, Director of Partnerships at ORNL. The organization supports connecting leaders to ORNL's innovation ecosystem.

Scale indicators7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Leadership Charlotte: Charlotte, NC-based community leadership development nonprofit operating a flagship 10-month program and alumni-driven model nearly identical to Leadership Knoxville. Most directly comparable peer given matching structure, civic immersion approach, and mid-size regional city footprint.
• Leadership Nashville: Tennessee-based peer running a flagship leadership program plus ancillary programs, supported by a major annual leadership luncheon. Same state and same mid-size metro model, with shared employer base (healthcare, banking) and overlapping sponsor network.
• Leadership Memphis: Memphis-based community leadership program offering a flagship cohort plus youth and executive programs. Closely comparable multi-program portfolio, tuition-based model, and Tennessee/Southeast regional footprint.
• Leadership Atlanta: Atlanta-based community leadership program with a flagship 10-month cohort plus alumni and youth programming. Operates in a larger metro but follows the same civic-immersion, servant-leadership-adjacent model and alumni-driven governance structure.

Broad incumbents

• Center for Creative Leadership: Globally-recognized executive education provider specializing in leadership development research and training. Larger, broader incumbent that competes for the same corporate consulting/training dollars as Leadership Knoxville's consulting arm, but at national scale and price points.
• Dale Carnegie Training: Global leadership and management training franchise with broad course catalog. Competes for the same corporate training budget as Leadership Knoxville's Consulting & Training practice but at much larger scale and lower-touch delivery.
• Toastmasters International: Global membership-based leadership and communication training organization. Addresses overlapping leadership/communication development needs for adult professionals but at lower price points and via a distributed club model rather than cohort-based programs.
• Brookings Executive Education: Policy-research-anchored executive education program that competes for senior-executive leadership development dollars. Larger, more prestigious national brand that overlaps with Leadership Knoxville's Flagship and Encore audiences when employers compare programs.

Regional players

• Leadership Huntsville: Huntsville, AL-based peer with a flagship program plus youth and alumni offerings. Comparable in scale and structure to Leadership Knoxville and serves a similar mid-size Southeast innovation economy anchored by aerospace/defense.

Emerging players

• Junior Achievement: National youth leadership and workforce-readiness nonprofit with a similar youth-development mission to Leadership Knoxville's Youth Leadership Knoxville program. Comparable in youth segment but with much larger national reach and corporate footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LeadKnox
• Facebookfacebook.com/leadershipknoxville
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leadership-knoxville-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/leadknox

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leadership Knoxville