About

Commerce, transportation and industry have long been a vital part of Knoxville's history. In 1855, the expansion of the railroad improved the ability of the wholesale businesses to transport goods and helped put the Knoxville business community on the map. In early 1870, Knoxville businessmen organized the Board of Trade. The mission of the newly formed board was to promote the business prosperity of the city, but the organization's first goals were to establish a customhouse and to lower the rates for rail transportation.

Over the years the Chamber has been known by several different names. The original Board of Trade became known as the Board of Commerce. Then in 1887, it became the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, in 1963 the Greater Knoxville Chamber, and finally in 1998 the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership was formed.

While the organization has changed its name many times the overall goals and mission have remained the same; to unite business, industry, service and professionals in the pursuit of economic success. The formal mission of the Chamber is: Driving Regional Economic Prosperity

The Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership was founded to be a one-stop for businesses in the Knoxville area. The Partnership brings together organizations focused on providing advice, council and services to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, large businesses, professionals and relocating or expanding companies. The Chamber serves as the administrative lead of the Partnership, managing the facilities and providing administrative support.

Knoxville Chamber
17 Market Square, #201
Knoxville, TN 37902-1405

Phone (865) 637-4550
Fax (865) 523-2071

General Information

Administration
President & CEO
Mike Edwards
246-2648

Executive Vice President
Rhonda Rice
246-2648

Executive Assistant
Jenny Anderton
246-2648

Economic & Community Development
Director of Economic Development
Doug Lawyer
246-2645

Economic Development Project Manager
Kyle Touchstone
246-2647

Director of Operations - Central Business Improvement District
Michele Hummel
246-2654

CBID
Tracy McBroom
246-2652

Existing Industry Manager
Charlie Gray
246-2653

Technology & Manufacturing Consultant
Sam Hart
246-2652

Research Specialist
Joe Riley
246-2655

Economic Development Assistant
Patrice Collins
246-2646

Director of Workforce Development & Education
Jennifer Evans
246-2641

Workforce Development Manager
Ahnna Estes
246-2658

Membership
Vice President of Membership
Mark Field
246-2607

Director of Member Services
Melissa Spangler
246-2606

Events Manager
Lori Fuller
246-2605

Sales Support Associate
Lisa Coulter
246-2623

Membership Development Manager
Michelle Kiely
246-2617

Senior Membership Account Executive
Ashleigh Adkins
246-2616

Membership Account Executive
Jennifer Elkins
246-2602

Customer Service Representative
Gail Hinton
246-2600

Database Coordinator
Tonya Harper
246-2608

Membership/Communications Assistant
Kathy Bryant
246-2610

Communications
Director of Communications & Government Relations
Garrett Wagley
246-2661

Communications Coordinator
Justin Kropff
246-2603

Graphic Designer
Kellie Hamblin
246-2604

Website Content Specialist
Katie Kolt Hall
246-2665

Finance & Operations
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Randy Vineyard
246-2634

Director of Accounting
Gretchen Sandidge
246-2635

Accounting Assistant
Treva Allen
246-2630

Operations/HR Manager
Diana Pacey
246-2636

Customer Service Specialist
Barbara Teague
246-2612