Rural Fellowship Program
Overview
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE RURAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:
The Tennessee Rural Fellowship Program is a two-year professional fellowship aimed to give some of our state’s best and brightest the opportunity to serve the most economically distressed and at-risk communities across Tennessee.
Tennessee is fortunate to have many public servants already working hard to make Tennessee a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This fellowship attracts recent graduates and others interested in public service the opportunity to serve alongside the state’s top executive leaders and rural local leaders. Fellows will gain intimate public service experience and directly contribute to the continued improvement of local governing and rural community development.
It is an exciting time in Tennessee, and I hope you’ll consider applying to serve this great state. To learn more, review the recorded Information Session held on December 17, 2025 at the button below.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
Cohort 2 will run from August 2026 - July 2028.
Recruiting for Cohort 3 will begin in Spring 2027.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must:
Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program or served in the military within two years of program start date.
Demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership ability, and show involvement in extracurricular activities.
Display a passion for rural communities and public service.
Demonstrate a genuine interest in serving the people of Tennessee.All questions can be emailed to ECD.fellowship@tn.gov.
RURAL FELLOW EXPECTATIONS:
The Fellow’s involvement and placement is for the benefit of the Fellow’s experience and the rural community hosting the Fellow. Fellows are not a replacement of full-time employees.
Fellows will:
1. Develop an understanding of the state government’s core rural services.
2. Accomplish defined learning objectives in a particular area based on the community’s needs (grant writing/administration, asset-based planning, economic development, etc.).
3. Meaningfully contribute to a community project, program, or service.
4. Adhere to all state government policies and procedures.
5. Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
ABOUT TNECD & TECH:
The Tennessee Rural Fellowship Program was formed in partnership between TNECD and Tech, as both of our missions align to strategically aid rural communities. At a high level, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) works to develop and implement strategies that make Tennessee the number one location in the southeast for high quality jobs and to elevate rural economic opportunities across the state. Tennessee Tech University’s Center for Rural Innovation (TCRI) works to harness science, technology and innovation to transform rural living. The TCRI’s Rural Reimagined program is dedicated to developing and supporting the success of rural areas throughout Tennessee in a way that can be replicated to help rural areas throughout the country and the world.
Cohort 2 - August 2026 - July 2028
Julia Briggs Cocke County julia.briggs@tn.gov 615-987-3227
Julia is a public administration professional based in Knoxville,Tennessee, and a recent graduate of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a concentration in Economic and Community Development. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in German Language, graduating with a 4.0GPA.
Julia served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the UT Institute for Public Service, where she conducted workforce asset mapping and supported performance evaluation projects. Her capstone on Cocke County’s population and economy strengthened her commitment to rural communities and long-range planning.
She has also interned with the UT System’s Government Relations office and the City of Knoxville’s Office of Housing and Neighborhood Development, and continued her work with the East Tennessee Development District on Cocke County’s transportation plan. Julia brings strong analytical and policy expertise to the Rural Fellowship, with interests in economic development, education, and workforce development.
Faith Cook Lake County faith.cook@tn.gov 615-879-0876
Faith is a Mt. Juliet, Tennessee native and 2025 magna cum laude graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Secondary Education. She served as an Agriculture Teacher at Mt. Juliet Middle School in Wilson County, where she led FFA programming, secured community support, and connected students to agricultural career pathways.
Faith previously completed a Business Operations and Revenue Development internship with the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C., and served as Tennessee FFA State Secretary, engaging students, legislators, and partners statewide. Recognized as MTSU’s Outstanding Agriculture Education Student and a Collegiate FFA Exemplary Leadership Award recipient, she brings strong agricultural, education, and youth leadership experience to the Rural Fellowship. Her interests include agriculture and forestry, education, and supporting young people in building sustainable careers in their home communities.
Tierney Macon Lauderdale County tierney.macon@tn.gov 615-987-1815
Tierney is a Memphis, Tennessee native and 2025 graduate of Tuskegee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Global Humanities. She has built her experience in public service, community engagement, and strategic communications across local and national settings.
Tierney served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation intern in the Office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, supportingcommunications, legislative research, and constituent outreach, and as a City of Memphis Urban Fellow contributing to civic engagement initiatives. She also led youth literacy programming as Program Manager for Read to Me and continues her advocacy as a board member and Advocacy Chair for the Page By Page Project.
Recognized as an AT&T Rising Future Maker, Tierney brings a people-centered perspective to the Rural Fellowship, with interests in government transformation, policy, and communications.
Noah Morrison Carter County noah.morrison@tn.gov 615-289-3689
Noah is a native of East Tennessee and a 2026 graduate of EastTennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management. Growing up in a small rural community gave Noah firsthand insight into the challenges andstrengths of rural life, an experience that drives his commitment to economic and community development. A dedicated servant leader, he served as Vice President (Pro Consul) of his Sigma Chi chapter, helping lead efforts that raised over $23,700 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His professional experience spans sales, customer relations, and golf course operations management. He further developed his leadership skills through the Krach Transformational Leadership Workshop and the Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit.
Noah brings strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine connection to rural Tennessee to the Fellowship, with particular interests in economic development, workforce development, and small business innovation.
Kylee Scarbrough Unicoi County kylee.scarbrough@tn.gov 615-879-0876
Kylee is a Knoxville, Tennessee native and 2025 summa cum laudegraduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earneda Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Her academic work focused on sustainable development in Appalachia, GIS, economics, and environmental research.
Kylee contributed to research on Knoxville’s housing crisis throughthe Appalachian Justice Research Center and supported environmental studies as a research assistant in the Laboratory of Paleoenvironmental Research. She now brings additional experience from her work in hospitality at TopGolf, where she developed strong customer service and team collaboration skills.
Grounded in a commitment to service and connection, Kylee is passionate about supporting rural Tennesseans in shaping their economic and environmental futures. She brings curiosity, empathy, and a strong research background to the Rural Fellowship, with interests in economic development, outdoor recreation and natural resources, and small business innovation.
Kirby Lewis-Gill Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development kirby.lewis-gill@tn.gov 615-651-5383
Kirby Lewis-Gill leads the Tennessee Rural Fellowship, working with Fellows and host communities throughout the two-year program to build local capacity, strengthen connections to statewide resources, and advance meaningful economic and community development work in rural Tennessee. He oversees the Fellowship’s recruitment, community matching, training and professional development, and ongoing support for Fellows and their host communities.
Kirby has been with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development since 2014 and currently serves as Director of Site Development, where he leads the Select Tennessee site development programs and works with communities across the state to prepare for economic development opportunities. His experience at TNECD has also included roles in business development, project management, and marketing.
Kirby holds a master’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Union University. He is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
Stefanie Byrd Tennessee Tech University Center for Rural Innovation sbyrd@tntech.edu 217-371-7258
Stefanie Byrd is the Assistant Director for Rural Resilience with the Center for Rural Innovation at Tennessee Tech University. Her work focuses on strengthening rural resilience by supporting community-led efforts that integrate economic opportunity, digital access, leadership development, and mental health and well-being. Through partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and regional stakeholders, she works to build capacity and address barriers that affect long-term community success.
As part of her role, Stefanie manages institutional, regional, and statewide initiatives, including the Tennessee Rural Fellowship, Internet Better, and projects supported through the EMPOWER Upper Cumberland initiative. Her approach emphasizes relationship-building, local leadership, and collaborative problem-solving to help communities create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life.
Stefanie's professional background spans higher education, behavioral health, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision at Tennessee Tech University and is on the path to becoming a Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED). Her work is driven by a commitment to helping rural communities thrive through innovation, partnership, and long-term resilience.
Thank you for your interest in the Rural Fellowship Program. The application period will open in Fall 2027. Applications must include the following:
- A completed application form
- A PDF copy of your resume
- A cover letter - Cover letters should be a maximum of 750 words and should explain to the committee why you are interested in the Fellowship, public service, and working in rural Tennessee.
- PDF copies of your unofficial transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation - Details below
Who is eligible?
Applicants who have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program or served in the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard) within two years of the program start date are eligible to apply. Competitive candidates also demonstrate academic and leadership merit and a commitment to public service.
Are there age restrictions?
No. To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must meet the requirements listed in eligibility section.
How do I apply?
Applications for Cohort 3 will be made available in Fall 2027. The application requires a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript(s), and two letters of recommendation scanned and uploaded as PDF files.
How are letters of recommendation submitted?
Letters should be submitted as part of your application or emailed to ECD.fellowship@tn.gov on or before the application deadline. Recommendation letters should reveal information about you that is not necessarily included in your application. It is best to have recommendations from people who know you well; a recommendation from a prominent individual is not helpful if he or she does not personally know you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
What is the Rural Fellowship Program?
The Tennessee Rural Fellowship Program is a two-year professional fellowship aimed to give some of our state’s best and brightest the opportunity to serve the most economically distressed and at-risk communities across Tennessee.
What counties in Tennessee are considered distressed or at risk?
A map of the counties can be found here.
What is the purpose of the fellowship?
To expand partnerships, to build local capacity and to increase prosperity for rural communities.
What determines eligibility?
Eligibility is merit-based, will have demonstrated excellence in academics, proven leadership ability, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to public service. Applicants must have graduated from an undergraduate institution or graduate program and are chosen without regard to race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation.
What is the Fellowship Executive Committee?
The Fellowship Executive Committee is a team of government leaders who work with communities regularly and will score applications. They will also play an integral part of the Fellowship Program.
What are the expected fellowship program costs?
There is no program fee for participation in the program. The program will be responsible for paying an annual salary, benefits and all travel and lodging costs to attend the training sessions.
What is the compensation and benefits?
Compensation and benefits are commensurate of other competitive fellowship programs and will be determined based on applicants experience and qualifications.
Does the program provide housing?
No. The program provides full time employee pay, but housing expenses are not included.
What is the orientation process?
Fellows are oriented to state government during the first few months of the fellowship. Orientation includes a high-level overview of government operations, an overview of the Governor’s priorities and those of each department’s rural initiatives and an exposure to economic development, Federal, statewide and department-specific grant funding opportunities, and examples of various successful rural community projects.
What is involved in the leadership and economic development components?
The leadership and economic development components run throughout the 1st year of the fellowship and will consist of several full day summit trainings on competencies needed to maintain successful placement and understand state and local economic development.
How will fellows be placed?
The Executive Committee will match fellows with a rural community or multi-county region that has a need for increased capacity. The program attempts to match Fellows with compatible assignments according to background, interests, and future goals.
Is there any opportunity for job placement following the program?
The Tennessee Rural Fellowship Program does not guarantee job placement following the completion of the fellowship. However, fellows will be connected to resources, professional networks, and contacts that can assist in identifying future employment opportunities. Host communities are encouraged to consider hiring fellows long-term as a way to build and sustain local capacity.
What is community capacity?
Community capacity is the combined influence of a community’s commitment, resources, and skills that can be deployed to build on community strengths and address community problems and opportunities. It includes the ongoing ability of a community to accomplish the goals they set for themselves, rather than the ability to accomplish one particular project through technical assistance.
Is there a residency requirement?
Yes. The program requires all fellows live in the State of Tennessee in the region of placement within three months unless otherwise approved.
Is the fellowship remote or in person? Will I travel?
Fellows serve a specific community for two years. Work is primarily in person in the region of placement, with some tasks performed virtually. Fellows relocate to the placement region within three months of the start date (unless otherwise approved). Travel varies by placement and is typically more frequent in the first six months, then 2–3 trips per month as projects advance.
What kinds of projects do fellows support?
Assignments vary by community. Project scope is defined by the host community in collaboration with TNECD and regional partners. Typical projects could include: Disaster recovery coordination and resilience planning, industrial site readiness and property evaluation support, tourism and outdoor recreation asset mapping and branding, small business, main street, and community events support, or grant development, data collection, and reporting.
Is the program based in a particular county or city?
Yes. Fellows are placed in a specific rural Tennessee community for the duration of the two-year fellowship. Placements are determined based on community needs, as well as each fellow’s background, experience, and interests. The program prioritizes economically distressed and at-risk counties, which are designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
How are placements decided?
Placement is a matching process that considers both community demand and fellow fit. Steps include:
- Review of community project needs and host capacity
- Interviews with community leadership and regional organizations
- Consideration of each fellow’s skills, interests, and future goals
- When possible, we also consider regional preferences (e.g., proximity to your home region). Final matches are made to support the best outcomes for communities and fellows.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
Thank you for your interest in the Rural Fellowship Program. The application period will open in Fall 2027.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
How do communities become hosts?
Local governments apply to host a fellow by outlining project goals, supervision, workspace, and support plans. Communities distressed or at-risk counties receive priority consideration.
What are the benefits of applying and hosting a fellow?
- Expanded capacity: Gain support for special projects and initiatives that may have been difficult to pursue with existing resources and staffing.
- Access to talent: Bring a talented, dedicated, and highly motivated individual with a fresh perspective to your community.
- Staff development: Your team can grow their skills through mentoring the fellow.
- Networking: Connect with a broader network of organizations committed to rural development and community engagement across the state.
- Funding: Connect to expanded grant funds with the added bonus that if you submit a strong project, it may be eligible for no match Fellowship Program project funding.
- Retain the best and brightest: Showcase public service opportunities that can help you retain people in your community and show them that a career in public service is attainable.
What determines eligibility?
Applicants must be classified as economically distressed or at-risk by the Appalachain Regional Commission, complete an application, and have substantive tasks, projects and responsibilities established. All applications will be scored, and communities will be selected on a competitive basis.
What are a participating community’s responsibilities?
Responsibilities typically include:
- Providing meaningful and challenging projects for the fellow to work on as well as regular day-to-day responsibilities.
- Committing time weekly for shadowing, management, and feedback.
- Creating a welcoming and supportive work environment.
- Offering insight into the community and its needs.
- Providing a dedicated workspace for the fellow.
- Assigning a local team member to serve as a mentor and provide integration support and feedback.
- Introducing the fellow to local and regional leaders to ensure they have the contacts needed to complete projects.
- Developing projects with the fellow to ensure they are working to their full potential.
Is a fellow a replacement for a full-time employee?
No. Fellows are not a replacement for permanent staff members. Their involvement is for the mutual benefit of their experience and the community that is hosting them. Their projects are designed to add capacity, not fill an existing job opening.
Do we need to pay the fellow or provide housing?
The community has no fiscal commitment or responsibility. The financial responsibilities are funded by the program through TNECD and will cover the fellow's salary, benefits, and necessary travel. Salary is paid directly to the fellow through program administration with Tennessee Tech University. Housing is not provided, but if the fellow is relocating to your community, they may need connections to housing opportunities.
What is the time commitment for our organization? What is the duration of the fellowship?
The program duration is two-year time commitment. In addition to supervising the fellow, TNECD may ask you to participate in check-in meetings, community visits, or other program-related activities.
What kind of work should the fellow perform?
The fellow is there to assist with specific projects or initiatives that the community identifies and perform core duties as assigned by the Mayor or County Executive. This can include a wide range of tasks based on the fellow's skills and the community's needs. Examples include:
- Project support, grant administration, or grant writing
- Economic development initiatives
- Community outreach and communication strategies
- Strategic planning based on community needs
- Assistance with economic and community development initiatives
- Developing relationships with state and federal officials and departments to facilitate community projects