Donde Plowman Recognized as James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Donde Plowman as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award category. Before becoming chancellor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2019, Plowman served as dean of the College of Business and then executive vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She was previously a department head at UT. Plowman is a globally recognized organizational scientist whose scholarship includes the topics of leadership, change management, and strategic decision-making.

The James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award, sponsored by Stowers CAT, is given to a long-standing business leader that exhibits strength in character, resolve, a commitment to the community, and exemplary success in the regional business community. Honorees are selected by the Chairman of the Knoxville Chamber Board.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Knoxville Chamber,” said Plowman. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and partners who work every day to advance the university’s mission and strengthen our community. I am grateful to serve alongside people who are committed to excellence and to the future of the Knoxville area.”

Under Plowman’s leadership, the university has increased its research expenditures to a record $384 million by shifting its focus from individual efforts to big collaborative projects. This change in emphasis has fueled creative solutions and new technologies as well as expanded innovation and economic development partnerships with key research partners like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 National Security Complex, Volkswagen, Eastman Chemical, AT&T, and more.

“The James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award honors an individual whose leadership has left a lasting mark on our community,” said Rob Stivers, Regions Bank market executive and Knoxville Chamber Board Chair. “Through her vision and steady leadership, Donde Plowman has elevated the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and positioned it as a cornerstone of opportunity for our region. Her impact will be felt for generations of students and businesses alike.”

“Chancellor Plowman understands that the university’s success and the success of our business community go hand in hand,” said Mike Odom, Knoxville Chamber president and CEO. “Her leadership has accelerated collaboration, strengthened workforce readiness, and created a model for forward-thinking and agility within major universities.”

The annual Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy. Winners are selected by the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors. Approximately 200 companies are nominated annually for recognition.

“Congratulations to this year’s Pinnacle Business Award winners,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “At Pinnacle Financial Partners, we are guided by strong values, and those same principles are clearly reflected in this year’s honorees. Building a successful business takes vision and resilience, along with steady leadership. We are proud to celebrate these Knoxville-area companies and individuals for their excellence and look forward to supporting their continued growth as we work together to strengthen the Knoxville region’s economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2026 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.