2026 Spring Recipients

Jacqueline "Jackie" Broeker

Prescribed Fire Program Specialist
Agriculture

Jacqueline “Jackie” Broeker has dedicated over eight years to the Tennessee Division of Forestry, where she leads efforts in wildland fire management, prescribed fire education, and forest health protection. She has enhanced Tennessee's Prescribed Fire Certified Burn Manager program by modernizing training and collaboration, while representing the state on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Fire Use Subcommittee. Jackie led major advancements in the development of Tennessee’s Fire Danger Operating Plan and helped create the state’s innovative National Fire Danger Rating System fire danger calculator tailored to Tennessee conditions.

Earlier in her career, Jackie helped establish a nationally recognized program for managing initial fire response teams, known as the Type 2 Initial Attack Handcrew, which consists of 20 trained personnel who fight wildfires across the country each year. She also served as Tennessee’s first full-time coordinator for a team dedicated to managing the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, an invasive pest that devastates hemlock trees. Through her efforts, Jackie significantly improved the state's response to this forest threat. Her work in protecting forest health has earned her two Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards and international recognition.

Jackie is known for her strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to practical solutions that improve service, safety, and stewardship. Her work has had lasting impact on Tennessee’s forests, fire programs, and public service mission.

Jennifer Hughes

Team Leader
Children's Services

Jennifer Hughes has dedicated over five years of service to the State of Tennessee and currently serves as a Team Leader in the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). In this role, she leads a high-performing team in conducting thorough investigations of abuse and neglect, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Jennifer began her career as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic before transitioning to social work, where she has excelled in various roles, including serving as a Family Therapist and County Director at the Carl Perkins Center. Jennifer earned her Master of Social Work degree with honors from Union University in 2019, following her Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2015. Her strong educational background and practical experience allow her to build effective partnerships with law enforcement and the judicial system, ultimately benefiting vulnerable children.

Outside of her professional achievements, Jennifer values her time with family and is currently focused on supporting her daughter as she explores college options for the next phase of hereducation. Jennifer finds joy in learning about others and believes in the importance of community and connection. Her dedication, both in her career and personal life, exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact on those around her.

Renee Powell

Administrative Assistant 4
Commerce and Insurance

Renee Powell started her state service in 1984 and currently serves as the Administrative Services Assistant 4 for the Department of Commerce and Insurance. In this critical role, she is responsible for managing a wide range of administrative duties, including processing applications, coordinating licensure activities, and providing essential support to both staff and licensees. Renee consistently embodies the core values of our agency through her unwavering commitment to accuracy, integrity, knowledge, and service. She follows all departmental Agent Licensing protocols with exceptional care. By doing so, she not only protects the integrity of the licensing process but also ensures that each individual she assists receives correct guidance rooted in state requirements and expectations.

Renee’s extensive experience began with the Department of Health Services and Development Agency as a Clerical Aide, and she has since advanced through various roles within the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Her journey includes notable positions such as Licensing Technician and Administrative Services Assistant, reflecting a strong alignment between her progressive responsibilities and her deep institutional knowledge.

With more than 40 years of dedicated state service, Renee has built a strong reputation for her professionalism, deep institutional knowledge, and commitment to serving Tennesseans. Her experience, reliability, and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of the Agent Licensing team.

William Watson

Correctional Officer 2 and K9 Tracking Officer
Correction

William Watson has served with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) since 2025 and currently serves as a Correctional Officer 2 and K9 Tracking Officer at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex. In this role, he is responsible for helping maintain the K9 tracking program, ensuring bloodhounds are trained and prepared to assist with escapes, emergencies, and missing-person cases. When the Correctional Emergency Response Team could no longer maintain responsibility for the tracking dogs, Officer Watson went above and beyond by stepping forward to ensure this critical public safety function continued without interruption, training two new bloodhounds, maintaining daily tracking runs for the existing dogs, and collaborating with other institutions and local law enforcement partners to support public safety across Tennessee.

Officer Watson’s experience in corrections and K9 tracking has made him a valuable resource for Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, TDOC, and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Since taking on the K9 tracking responsibilities, he has developed hands-on experience training bloodhounds, conducting track runs, coordinating with other institutions, and helping ensure the dogs are prepared to respond when needed. His reliability and dedication extend beyond routine responsibilities, as demonstrated by his willingness to complete scheduled K9 training and then continue serving after hours to support TDOC and fellow staff during a solemn departmental assignment.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Officer Watson is a devoted husband, father, and man of strong faith. He is known for treating others with respect, kindness, and integrity, and for bringing a positive attitude to every interaction. Through his servant’s heart, strong character, and commitment to others, Officer Watson represents the State of Tennessee with honor and reflects the very best of public service.

KaNeisha Oliver Shipp

TEIS Service Coordinator
Disability and Aging

KaNeisha Oliver Shipp has served the State of Tennessee for 10 years and currently serves as a Tennessee Early Intervention Specialist (TEIS) Service Coordinator at the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), going above and beyond to support families, children, and her colleagues. In her role, she manages a demanding caseload while ensuring families receive timely, compassionate, and high-quality service. KaNeisha is often the first to step in when a teammate needs support, willingly assisting with meetings and helping ensure no colleague feels overwhelmed. Her strong organization, dependability, and follow-through enable her to serve families with care and consistency while strengthening the overall work of her team.

KaNeisha’s experience as a service coordinator is reflected in the way she connects families with resources, guidance, and support that make a meaningful difference in their lives. One parent shared, “Your kindness, expertise, and professionalism made a meaningful impact, and your dedication truly goes above and beyond.” This feedback reflects the care KaNeisha brings to every family interaction. Her commitment also extends beyond normal business hours, as she regularly volunteers for TEIS community activities and represents the department with a positive spirit and a genuine passion for serving others.

KaNeisha is happily married and the proud mother of one son. She enjoys traveling, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves to cook and is known for making delicious homemade ice cream and popcorn. Through her dedication, reliability, compassion, and service-minded heart, KaNeisha is an invaluable asset to DDA.

Amy Kosanovic

Fast Track Program Director 
Economic and Community Development

Amy Kosanovic has served with the State of Tennessee for 10 years and currently serves as FastTrack Program Director with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD). In this role, she oversees all facets of ECD’s three FastTrack discretionary grant programs. Amy has significantly improved processes by enhancing customer communication, coordinating calls, and sending detailed emails. Her efforts have helped communities and companies navigate new grant programs, improved the accuracy of Proof of Financing Letters and applications, and ensured that FastTrack grants are executed promptly and effectively.

Prior to joining ECD, she served as a Freight Planning Supervisor with the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Freight and Logistics Division. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in history and English from the University of South Carolina, as well as a master’s degree in public administration. Amy and her family spent nearly six years living and volunteering in Thailand, an experience that strengthened her ability to connect with people. Her education, professional experience, and personal commitment to building relationships align closely with her current role, where she helps communities and companies successfully navigate complex grant programs with clarity, accountability, and care.

A native of South Carolina, Amy enjoys living in Tennessee with her husband, Ric, and their two daughters, Kaity and Allie. She is known for her positive attitude, humble mindset, willingness to help, and deep pride in her work. Through her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to serving others, Amy exemplifies the values of ECD and the State of Tennessee.

Donna Shope

Senior Director of Early Literacy
Education

Donna Shope has served with the State of Tennessee for the past three years and currently serves as Senior Director of Early Literacy in the Academics and Instructional Strategy division of the Tennessee Department of Education. In this role, she works closely with district leaders and educators to identify needs, solve problems, and ensure early literacy initiatives are carried out effectively across the state. Donna has gone above and beyond by helping design and implement statewide literacy strategies and by partnering with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, the Reading Research Center at UT Knoxville, and the Tennessee Early Literacy Council to expand and strengthen Tennessee’s early literacy work.

Donna brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served as an educator, instructional coach, and school administrator in East Tennessee before becoming a senior leader at the department. As a first-generation college student, Donna credits her parents’ belief in her and the lasting impact of teachers who helped shape her path. Those experiences align directly with her work today, fueling her belief that every student deserves the opportunity to become a strong reader and reinforcing why early literacy matters so deeply.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys reading, traveling, staying active, spending time with her family, and playing with her dogs. She is widely respected for her professionalism, integrity, humility, and collaborative spirit, and she models the Tennessee Department of Education’s values through every interaction.

Marty Gentry

Facilities Maintenance Supervisor at Henry Horton State Park
Environment and Conservation

Marty has served with the State of Tennessee for over 10 years and currently serves as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor at Henry Horton State Park. In this role, he helps oversee the daily maintenance and operation of park facilities, supports staff, and ensures guests have a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience. Marty’s commitment to transforming customer concerns into lasting improvements has enhanced accessibility, refurbished the interpretive waterwheel, added learning panels, and improved trails and facilities throughout the park.

Prior to joining the Tennessee State Parks system, Marty built a diverse and extensive background in the construction industry. He is a skilled electrician and HVAC specialist, as well as an entrepreneur, with hands-on experience in mechanics, auto body work, and a wide range of trades. His thoughtful and solutions-oriented approach enables him to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the park's long-term sustainability.

A native of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Marty now resides in the Lynchburg community near Tim’s Ford Lake with his wife of 21 years, Gwen. Together, they have four children and six grandchildren who remain central to his life. In his free time, Marty enjoys traveling, spending time on the lake, and being with his family. He has also recently taken an interest in exploring the outdoors through trips in his Jeep Wrangler. Through his dedication to visitors, staff, and the natural and cultural resources entrusted to his care, Marty represents Henry Horton State Park, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation with excellence.

Freeman Ramsey

Senior IT Manager
Finance and Administration

Freeman Ramsey has served with the State of Tennessee since October 1994 and currently serves as IT Manager SR with the Department of Finance and Administration. In this role, Freeman helps ensure essential systems remain stable, functional, and accessible for staff who depend on them each day. He supports customers by troubleshooting complex system issues, addressing access concerns, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring staff have the tools they need to deliver quality care. Freeman has gone above and beyond by taking ownership of critical challenges, involving system issues and complex user role concerns, working nights and weekends to identify root causes, restore functionality, and minimize disruption. His responsiveness, clear communication, and commitment to follow-through have made him an indispensable resource to his team and the customers they serve.With more than 30 years of public service experience, Freeman brings deep technical knowledge, strong problem-solving skills, and a customer-first mindset to every challenge. His experience has made him highly skilled at recognizing patterns, evaluating system needs, coordinating across teams, and finding practical solutions that support both security and functionality. Freeman describes his work as having “the ability to recognize the right pieces and patterns to put puzzles together and overcome any obstacle to getting the job done,” reflecting the persistence, accountability, and technical expertise he brings to his role.Freeman is a devoted husband and proud father of two children. He is respected by his peers and leadership for his reliability, professionalism, integrity, and willingness to support those around him. Through his dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to customer service, Freeman exemplifies the Department of Finance and Administration's values and proudly serves the State of Tennessee.

Bill Hodge

Director of IT Examinations
Financial Institutions

Bill Hodge has served the State of Tennessee for more than four years and currently serves as Director of IT Examinations with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. In this role, he oversees the team responsible for regulating state-chartered financial institutions across cybersecurity, risk management, business continuity, and regulatory compliance. Bill provides clear and thoughtful guidance during IT examinations, helping both bankers and examiners understand technical findings and address potential issues early. He has gone above and beyond by helping develop an IT examination inherent risk profile and work program for banks and credit unions, then creating a software application that automated the work program to increase examiner efficiency and capacity. This work is now being piloted by several other state banking regulatory agencies and used as part of national IT examination modernization efforts.

Bill brings more than three decades of cybersecurity and risk management experience across the financial services, government, energy, and technology sectors. He served as Chief Information Security Officer at a private payment technology company and operated a successful consulting practice providing cyber and physical security advisory services to major financial and government clients, including the Department of Human Services, WorldPay, and U.S. Bank. He holds a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration from East Tennessee State University, an A.A.S. in Computer Science from Pellissippi State, and respected industry credentials including CISA and CISSP.A former U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance Team Leader, Bill brings a disciplined, mission-focused approach to every responsibility.

Ellen "Elle" Lipinski

Production Technician 3
General Services

Ellen “Elle” Lipinski has been with the State of Tennessee for nearly nine years and currently serves as a Procurement Program Manager with the Central Procurement Office in the Department of General Services. In this role, she serves as a front-line supervisor on the Services Category Team, where she supports customers, leads her team, and helps ensure agencies receive timely, high-quality procurement services. Elle goes above and beyond by engaging directly with complex, high-priority requests, anticipating challenges, removing barriers, and keeping customers informed throughout the process. Her impact was especially evident during the State’s response to Winter Storm Fern, when she worked extended hours to help develop and issue an emergency solicitation for debris monitoring and removal services, resulting in fully executed contracts within days for TEMA, TDOT, and local governments.

Elle has gained extensive experience in the Central Procurement Office, mastering procurement operations, supplier accountability, contract management, and stakeholder engagement throughout State government. By using focus groups, feedback loops, service-level agreements, and performance tracking, she has enhanced supplier responsiveness, contract usability, and the customer experience. Under her leadership, the Services Team has achieved a 99.8% customer satisfaction rate.

Elle holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies, and she and her husband, AJ, are the proud parents of two children. Her dedication to excellence, both professionally and personally, reflects her commitment to serving the people of Tennessee through the mission of General Services.

Steffany Cavallo

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Program Director
Health

Steffany Cavallo has dedicated over 10 years to the State of Tennessee and currently serves as the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Program Director at the Tennessee Department of Health. In this role, she leads statewide efforts to enhance disease surveillance and treatment strategies for sexually transmitted infections, with a particular focus on the rise of congenital syphilis. Steffany’s leadership has advanced automation efforts that improved workflows for health staff, led to the creation of one of the first automated syphilis decision-support tools in the U.S., and contributed to legislation that standardized prenatal syphilis testing to protect newborns in Tennessee from infections. Under her direction, the STI program has successfully created solutions that automate the review of about 65% of over 13,000 annual syphilis lab results.

Steffany joined the Tennessee Department of Health in 2015 as an enteric disease epidemiologist and was promoted to STI Program Director in 2021. She holds a master’s degree in public health from the University at Albany and completed an Applied Epidemiology Fellowship with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists before serving as an infectious disease epidemiologist with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Steffany’s dedication to public health and commitment to serving all people in Tennessee have made a lasting impact on communities across the state. Her ability to combine data-driven decision-making with compassion and collaboration has strengthened Tennessee’s public health infrastructure and improved the effectiveness of disease prevention efforts statewide.

Heather Kettle

Talent Management Program Manager
Human Resources

Heather Kettle has dedicated eight years and currently serves as Talent Management Program Manager with the Department of Human Resources’ Office of People Performance and Culture. In this role, Heather leads the Jobs Management team, managing job posting processes, system functionality, applicant communications, and improvement initiatives to enhance hiring across State government. She anticipates customer needs, identifies issues early, and creates practical solutions to strengthen agency operations and candidate experiences. During the January 2026 State of Emergency, she proactively drafted a formal request for a 14-day extension covering more than 300 job postings across 23 agencies before any agency identified the need. The request was approved by the Governor’s Office, preventing widespread hiring disruptions, protecting customer timelines, and preserving the candidate experience.

Since joining DOHR in 2018, she has played a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing job management workflows that include job titles, descriptions, postings, automation, and applicant communications. She showcased her exceptional problem-solving skills by identifying and resolving a critical system issue that prevented applicants from receiving timely updates on their application status. By coordinating across multiple teams, she was able to restore reliable communication workflows and significantly enhance the candidate experience.

Heather’s education and professional development align closely with her work: she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Adolescent Health and is a graduate of DOHR’s Next Level Leadership Academy and the Tennessee Government Management Institute. Her leadership, innovation, and dedication to helping every employee and applicant succeed reflect the Department of Human Resources’ commitment to excellence in service.

Nate Eichelman

Senior Associate Counsel & Chief Clerk
Human Services

Nate Eichelman has served with the State of Tennessee since November 2015 and currently serves as Senior Associate Counsel and Chief Clerk for the Appeals and Hearings Division with the Department of Human Services (DHS). In this role, he manages the administrative and procedural work that enables appeal hearings, including supporting hearing schedules, case communications, filing and mailing deadlines, customer inquiries, and coordination between appellants, staff, and other partners involved in the appeals process. Nate goes above and beyond by remaining personally engaged with appellants, returning calls, researching case-specific questions, explaining next steps, and helping customers navigate the hearing process with patience, professionalism, and respect.

Nate brings a strong legal background and years of public service experience to his role. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law and began his legal career in Ohio, where he worked in private practice before serving as a Child Support Enforcement Attorney for nearly a decade. He joined Appeals and Hearings as a DHS Administrative Judge and was promoted in January 2022 to Senior Associate Counsel and Chief Clerk, a newly created role that he helped define and expand.

Nate is married and has two children, Gavin and Claire. Nate’s favorite part of his job is solving complex problems in the modern public service environment.

Kala Bailey

Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (TOSHA) 
Labor and Workforce Development

Kala Bailey joined the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) in 2016 and currently serves as Health Compliance Manager. In this role, she leads health compliance programs that ensure Tennessee's workforce follows safety standards. Kala goes above and beyond by anticipating customer needs, addressing concerns before they escalate, and helping employers and employees navigate complex workplace safety matters with clarity and care. She is known for remaining composed and solution-oriented in high-pressure situations, explaining technical findings in a way customers can understand, and following up to ensure solutions are effective.

Kala brings a strong background in science, occupational health, and workplace safety compliance to her role. A Tennessee native, she earned her degree in Microbiology from Middle Tennessee State University, laying the scientific foundation for her work evaluating workplace environments and identifying potential health hazards. She began her career in the Department as an Industrial Hygienist, where she assessed workplace conditions and ensured compliance with health and safety standards. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion first to Health Compliance Supervisor and then to Health Compliance Manager.

Kala is a dedicated wife and mother. She and her husband, Kevin, have been married for five years and are the proud parents of two children, Alec and Piper. Kala’s career reflects her commitment to public service, scientific excellence, and the promotion of safe and healthy workplaces.

Shaundra Easley

Licensure Assistant Director
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Shaundra Easley has served the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) since December 2004 and currently holds the position of Licensure Assistant Director. In this role, she provides key leadership within Licensure by supporting the Director, serving as the primary liaison for electronic systems and technical issues, applying Standard Operating Procedures, and helping develop best practices for inspections and investigations. Shaundra goes above and beyond by serving as a trusted resource for her team, training and mentoring new employees, and regularly stepping in to handle inspections, investigations, and high-profile cases when staffing shortages or operational needs arise.

Before joining TDMHSAS, Shaundra worked with the Shelby County Department of Corrections, where she managed a substance abuse treatment program for offenders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and African-American Studies from Washington University and a master’s degree in education from Christian Brothers University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Tennessee Lead Program and a State of Tennessee-certified fire inspector. During her career with the department, she has held various positions, including West Tennessee Licensure Surveyor and Chief Investigator, IT-Licensure Liaison, Manager of the Middle Tennessee Office of Licensure, and Quality and Training Assurance Manager.

Shaundra enjoys crocheting blankets, reading, and watching movies. She is also a proud mother and grandmother whose passion for education, service, and supporting others is reflected in the impact she continues to make across Tennessee

Thomas Macmillan

Assistant Chief of Operations with the 164th Fire and Emergency Services Flight
Military

Thomas Macmillan has served with the State of Tennessee since June 2015 and currently serves as Assistant Chief of Operations with the 164th Fire and Emergency Services Flight. In this role, he helps lead fire and emergency operations, oversees customer-based fire safety and hazard concerns, and helps ensure personnel and facilities across the 164th Airlift Wing remain safe and mission-ready. Thomas goes above and beyond by treating every customer concern as a priority, often scheduling in-person appointments to resolve issues rather than relying on email. He is also recognized for taking on new challenges and improving key programs, including mastering the Fire and Emergency Services Information Management System to accurately track deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are completed in a timely manner.

He began his career with the 164th Fire and Emergency Services Flight as a firefighter/driver, then was promoted to Station Captain and later to Assistant Chief of Operations. Before joining the fire department, he served as a civilian aircraft instructor, bringing valuable technical knowledge, professionalism, and mission-focused experience to the team. Through this work, his knowledge and diligence help safeguard more than 350 personnel and 15 facilities valued at over $250 million.

Thomas is married to Amanda and is the proud father of two children, Easton and Emma Grace. He is known for his genuine character, professionalism, reliability, respectful communication, and commitment to service before self. When asked what he enjoys most about his job, he shared that he values the different challenges that come with the career and the camaraderie among firefighters.

Katelin Hughes

Administrative Services Assistant 5
Revenue

Katelin Hughes has served with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (DOR) since May 2022 and currently serves on the Vehicle Services County Clerk Support team. In her role, Katelin supports county clerks and the public with title and registration inquiries, document reviews, and exceptional customer service through both written requests and the call center. Over the past year, she has successfully resolved more than 7,000 customer service requests, placing her in the top 10 within DOR. Handling 20 to 30 calls daily, and exceeding 50 on peak days, Katelin consistently maintains her professionalism and composure. Additionally, she leverages her expertise in document examination while assisting customers over the phone. By proactively drafting letters for additional documentation and identifying forms that need updates, she enhances support for county clerks and their teams.

Katelin brings strong customer service and management experience to her role, including prior experience with Walgreens in Bowling Green. That background helped her adapt quickly to the fast-paced, detail-oriented work of the Vehicle Services County Clerk Support. Her attention to detail and clear communication have made her a trusted resource for her team and county clerks, who appreciate her reliable service and support.

Katelin lives in Bowling Green with her husband, Nathan, and their daughter, Piper. Her customer-focused mindset, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others make her an invaluable member of the Department of Revenue’s Vehicle Services team.

Misty Walker

Grants Administrator 
Safety and Homeland Security

Misty Walker has served with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (Safety) since May 2025 and currently serves as Grants Administrator. In this role, she manages the full grant lifecycle for major state-funded public safety programs, including the School Resource Officer Grant and the Houses of Worship Security Grant, overseeing more than $145 million in funding that supports school and community safety initiatives across Tennessee. Misty goes above and beyond by serving as the primary point of contact for stakeholders statewide and providing clear, consistent guidance to law enforcement agencies, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and community partners. Her meticulous record-keeping, professionalism, and proactive communication help ensure funds are used effectively, requirements are understood, and grant recipients receive the support they need.

Prior to joining the Safety, Misty held federal positions with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory and the U.S. Small Business Administration, where she managed complex, large-scale grant portfolios and led monitoring, audit, and financial oversight efforts. That background has allowed her to strengthen new grant programs, standardize responses to recurring questions, and create a guideline document for recipients to promote consistency and clarity across the state.

Misty is known for her positive attitude, professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to the Department’s mission to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee. Stakeholders across the state have praised the way she approaches questions and concerns with patience, consistency, and care. Misty’s work ensures that critical public safety funding reaches the agencies and organizations working every day to protect Tennesseans.

Tonya Snortan-Fletcher

Legal Asiistant
TennCare

Tonya Snorton-Fletcher has dedicated 38 years to Tennessee state service and currently serves as a Legal Assistant handling medical eligibility appeals for TennCare’s Long-Term Services and Supports programs. In this role, she schedules medical eligibility hearings, prepares and sends hearing notices, supports the appeals process, and helps members understand and participate in their hearings. Tonya goes above and beyond by actively listening to members’ needs and taking action to remove barriers. Whether rescheduling a hearing for dialysis appointments, finding the right interpreter, enlarging notices for visually impaired members, or offering alternative delivery options for those with mobility challenges, her efforts help members feel seen, heard, and supported during stressful times.T

onya’s state career has included roles with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Mental Health, and TennCare, giving her a broad understanding of public service and the needs of Tennesseans. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Business Administration in General Management, both of which she earned while working full-time for the State.

A native of Clarksville, Tennessee, Tonya still calls Clarksville home. She is inspired daily by her husband, children, and growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoys serving in her church and family life center, decorating, and perfecting her made-from-scratch macaroni and cheese. Tonya is known for her heart, humility, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to service, and her work reflects TennCare’s commitment to providing a member experience that is respectful, accessible, and truly human-centered.

Dontez Copeland

Welcome Center Manager
Tourist Development

Dontez Copeland has served with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) for 16 years and currently serves as Welcome Center Manager at the I-24 Montgomery Welcome Center. In this role, he regularly meets with security vendor management to proactively address concerns, identify potential issues early, and resolve them efficiently before they impact customers. He oversees daily operations, supports staff, and helps ensure travelers receive a welcoming, safe, and positive first impression of Tennessee. Dontez goes above and beyond by leading by example. He takes time to understand his team members, builds strong relationships, and creates a supportive environment where employees feel motivated to provide excellent service to Tennessee travelers.

Dontez brings valuable experience in facility operations, customer service, and team leadership to his current role. He began his career with TDTD in building maintenance and has steadily advanced through the ranks through hard work and dedication.

Dontez is known for his integrity, empathy, accountability, dependable leadership, and positive attitude. His professionalism and respectful demeanor help build trust, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the welcoming environment visitors experience at the I-24 Montgomery Welcome Center.

Emily Burgess

Tennessee Department of Transportation Manager
Transportation

Emily Burgess has served with the State of Tennessee for nearly nine years and currently serves as Engineering Concepts Manager with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). In this role, she leads concept development and preliminary engineering efforts across the state, helping ensure project managers and TDOT stakeholders receive timely, accurate information to support critical transportation decisions. Emily goes above and beyond by monitoring statewide programs to identify emerging needs, alerting project teams early to prevent delays, and coordinating across multiple technical disciplines to ensure customer expectations are met. She also takes the initiative to develop new processes, tools, and training that help TDOT adapt to industry standards, improve consistency, and deliver high-quality products on expedited schedules.

Emily holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, with a specialization in Transportation Planning and Operations, and is a licensed professional engineer in Tennessee. She developed TDOT’s Safety and Operational Analysis Report process document for minor adjustments to interstate interchanges and has taken a leadership role in developing TDOT’s Design Traffic Forecasting Manual, both of which help clarify expectations, standardize methodologies, reduce downstream confusion, and support TDOT’s long-term transportation goals.

Emily enjoys baking, staying active, and spending time with her family. She lives in Hendersonville with her husband, Jeff, and their three sons, Aiden, Oliver, and Miles.

Sophia Rodriguez

Veterans Services Advocate
Veterans Services

Sophia has served with the State of Tennessee since October 2018 and currently serves as a Veteran Services Advocate with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS). In this role, she guides veterans through claims and appeals, reviews complex records, develops evidence-based arguments for benefits, and prepares persuasive submissions for Board of Veterans’ Appeals matters. Sophia goes above and beyond by serving as a trusted regional escalation resource, coordinating with VA contacts to resolve difficult cases, and helping veterans understand complex benefits processes during some of the most stressful moments in their lives. She also mentors county service officers, veteran service officers, veteran service assistants, and supervisors in claims review, case development, and argument writing, helping employees and partners get answers right the first time and strengthening service delivery.

Sophia began her career with the department as an Administrative Assistant, supporting walk-in visitors, phone calls, claims review, hearing preparation, and critical document management before becoming a Veterans Services Advocate in August 2019. She has supported direct veteran outreach and benefits education at Columbia State Community College, participated in national outreach efforts, graduated from the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services, and serves on the Tennessee Government Leadership Council.

Sophia is known for her professionalism, advocacy, leadership, and commitment to honoring Tennessee’s veterans through daily action.