2022 Fall Recipients

Greg Whitehead

Special Agent in Charge, Agriculture Crime Unit
Agriculture

Greg Whitehead began his tenure with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) in 1995 as a Forestry Aide in Sullivan County. Greg was among the first officers appointed to the Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) in 2000. He was promoted to Captain of the unit in 2008, and then Special Agent in Charge in 2021.

Under Greg's leadership, the ACU is responding faster, resolving cases quicker, and conducting more outreach for resolution before citations are issued. When charges are filed, the ACU is winning more cases, leading to increased safety and security for the citizens of Tennessee.

Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management from the University of Tennessee at Martin, an associate degree in ministry from Welch College, and will graduate with a master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from East Tennessee State University in 2023. Greg and his wife, Celena, have been married for 20 years and have a son, Seth. Greg is actively involved in his community, and his family runs a small cattle operation on the family farm in Carter County.

Aisha Abu-Asaba

Program Coordinator
Children’s Services

Aisha Abu-Asaba began her career with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) in 2016 in the Smoky Mountain Region as a frontline CPS worker. She quickly developed a reputation for being passionate and thorough in her service to her families, and she transitioned into a lead role for the Relative Caregiver Program.

Aisha often volunteers to be deployed to assignments that include assisting with management of caseloads, supervising children and youth awaiting placements, and supporting Relative Caregiver vendors with training and guidance. Most recently, Aisha played a major role in the development of policies and procedures that will guide the Governor’s expansion of the State’s Relative Caregiver Program. In all of her daily work, Aisha embraces and reflects a professional respect and commitment to cultural sensitivity and timely service to children and families, regardless of the challenges faced.

Aisha holds a bachelor’s degree in social work.

John (Perry) Warden

Securities Examiner III
Commerce and Insurance

Perry Warden joined the Securities Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (C&I) in 1999. Today, he serves as a Securities Examiner III working to protect the investors of Tennessee.

During his 20+ years of customer service, Perry has experienced the transition and implementation of various new technologies used in the registration of broker-dealer agents. Throughout each transition, Perry has helped his fellow regulators and team members learn the new technology and ensure a smooth transition for all end-users. His consistent work ethic, coupled with his fantastic customer service, is the reason he is routinely recognized and complimented by his peers and leaders within both the C&I team and the leading securities industry organizations. Throughout his years of service, Perry has built strong relationships with both his internal and external customers based upon a foundation of mutual respect, hard work, transparency, and honesty.

Perry is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and East Tennessee State University, from which he holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration. Perry is a member of the Methodist Church and enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Billy (Jerome) Green

Vocational Instructor
Correction

Jerome Green began his career with the State of Tennessee in 2009 and currently works as a Vocational Instructor for the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). He works tirelessly to teach incarcerated students skills that will help them become successful. He also serves as TDOC’s NCCER Primary Sponsor Representative, a non-mandatory responsibility he voluntarily took charge of an addition to his regular duties.

Jerome acts as a mentor and positive role model to his students, and he selflessly ensures that TDOC maintains its accreditation. His NCCER duties include monitoring seven facilities with eight various CTE curriculums and 34 NCCER instructors, as well as maintaining instructor and student certifications, overseeing the NCCER online testing portal, and conducting certification submission file reviews. Jerome selflessly puts in extended hours to ensure that all tasks are completed and records are appropriately maintained.

Jerome demonstrates integrity and trust, and he proves without a doubt that he is mission driven. At the end of every challenging day of his regular duties, he never neglects the NCCER responsibilities and consistently represents the State in the most professional and positive manner.

Lyndi Berrones

Regional Director - Greater Nashville
Economic and Community Development

Lyndi Berrones returned to her home state of Tennessee in 2017 to work for the Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) as a Statewide Recruitment Director. She is now the department’s regional director for Greater Nashville, and she spends her days creating jobs for Tennesseans by recruiting new companies to her thirteen-county region and helping existing companies expand. 

Lyndi has directly assisted in the creation of more than 25,000 new jobs and $3 billion in new capital investment for the State across various industry sectors from headquarters and IT to heavy manufacturing and distribution/logistics. Over the last year, Lyndi has managed the busiest region while also juggling the hiring process of new employees. Her ability to pivot easily and manage internal fluctuations while also monitoring the activity across her region’s counties shows her high degree of strategic agility. Lyndi strives regularly to improve existing policies and procedures within the department, and she enjoys brainstorming ideas and solutions with her colleagues.

Lyndi holds a master’s degree in international business from the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business and an executive certificate from Harvard Business School. Prior to joining TNECD, Berrones lived and worked in Santiago, Chile and then served as the economic development director for Miami-Dade County until 2016. She received the prestigious Excellence in Economic Development Award in 2019, TNEDC’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021, and was just recently awarded Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2022.  In her free time, she serves as the head cheerleading coach for the Hermitage Seahawks recreational league.

Katie Ward

Director of Academic Supports for Special Education
Education

Katie Ward joined the Tennessee Department of Education in 2016 as the Northwest CORE Special Education Consultant. In 2022, she became the Director of Academic Supports for Special Education. In her current role, Katie supports the eight regional CORE Special Education Consultants as they serve all of the school districts in the state of Tennessee.

Katie works diligently to coordinate the efforts of regional consultants by collaborating with partners in multiple divisions on a weekly basis. She ensures that all district leaders receive the best support possible in order to improve the outcomes of all students with disabilities in Tennessee. She routinely leads data meetings with division partners to align the team’s progress toward their collective goals, as well as to seek feedback and ideas on how her team can better support their ability to meet the goals and continuously see progress. The humility that Katie operates with at all times is a true model for others, but she is also courageous in her decision making and keeps what is best for students at the heart of her work. She doesn’t back away from difficult decisions to pursue what is right for Tennessee students and achieving ambitious outcomes.

Katie received her bachelor’s degree in special education from Union University and her master’s degree in educational leadership in administration from Capella University. She is married to her husband, Jeremy, and they have two children, Elijah and Addie Kate.

Jacquelyn Wade 

Human Resources Data Specialist
Environment and Conservation

Jacquelyn Wade began her career with the state in 2012 and joined the Department of Environment and Conservation in 2019 as a Human Resources Analyst 2. She quickly became a subject matter expert in human resources and was recently promoted to Human Resources Data Specialist.

Jacquelyn is consistently recognized for her exceptional support, technical expertise, and positive attitude. Her customers feel valued and supported because she allows their needs to be recognized and listens to their concerns. She is recognized as a lead trainer and a trusted advisor. Her aptitude in process improvement and data management is consistently at a higher level, bringing major improvements to the division.

Jacquelyn holds a Master of Professional Studies in HR management from Middle Tennessee State University. When not working, she loves to bake desserts with her two children and spend time with her husband and five huskies.

Renee Christiansen

Enterprise IT Business Program Support Lead
Finance and Administration

Renee Christiansen began her career with the State of Tennessee in 1997 as a contractor for what is known today as the Strategic Technology Solutions (STS) division of Finance and Administration (F&A). Renee was hired on as a full-time State employee in 2004 and currently serves as an Enterprise IT Business Program Support Lead.

Renee excels at complex procurements and has an invaluable attention to detail and commitment to best serving her customers, which regularly results in cost savings and quality solution delivery for IT customers and, ultimately, Tennessee citizens. Renee conducts herself with integrity and accountability, and she embodies the core values of F&A.

Renee moved to Tennessee in 1994 and holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin. She currently resides in Rutherford County with her dogs, Wallace and Gromit. Renee is an avid sports fan and enjoys boating the lakes of Tennessee, spending time with friends, and playing on recreational volleyball, softball, and basketball teams.

Daniel Espensen

Senior Associate Counsel 
Financial Institutions

Daniel began his career with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (TDFI) as an Associate Counsel in 2015 and was promoted to Senior Associate Counsel in 2018. In his current role, Daniel prioritizes service to TDFI’s internal and external customers and ensures that all his completed assignments reflect the highest level of professionalism.

Daniel is the primary attorney entrusted with drafting TDFI’s proposed legislation and amendments because of his ability to transform a concept or program initiative into a well-drafted legislative proposal. He can be counted on to employ active listening and balance the interests of various stakeholders. When a complicated issue arises, Daniel takes the initiative to ask how he can help create a solution. He does not simply “check boxes,” but thinks outside of those boxes to find creative solutions, within the bounds of the law, that make TDFI’s regulatory processes less burdensome.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from George Mason University and received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Kim Colvard

Executive Administrative Assistant
General Services

Kim Colvard serves the Tennessee Department of General Services (DGS) as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner-Chief of Staff and has been in the position since July 2016. She also provides administrative support to the General Counsel and works with the conference center coordinator to manage meeting spaces across the state.

Kim specializes in keeping her executives informed and prepared for anything that comes their way. She believes that knowledge might be power, but it’s much more powerful when it’s shared. Her experience in the hospitality industry and commitment to the DGS core values are exemplified by the adaptive solutions she creates when engaging with customers. Kim has developed a thriving customer service culture in the business unit, and she and her team regularly receive great reviews on customer surveys.

Kim has one daughter, Emily, a registered nurse in Nashville, and one pet, Gus-Gus, a long-haired dapple miniature dachshund. In her free time, Kim likes traveling to new places, visiting new countries, learning about other cultures and people, and trying new cuisines.

Amy Riggins

Director of Nutrition Services
Health

Amy Riggins joined the State of Tennessee Department of Health in 1999. Today, Amy is the West Tennessee Region Nutrition Director overseeing the nutrition services within the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), community outreach, and medical nutrition therapy.

Amy strives to protect, promote, and improve the health and prosperity of Tennesseans by guiding clients with research-focused, practitioner-approved approaches to nutrition services. In 2022, Amy formulated a TEAMS Telehealth Process for Nutrition Services. The state-wide process enabled WIC clients to be provided nutrition services by improving customer service, reducing cost, and increasing the availability of nutrition staff. Amy’s compassion and enthusiasm for her work are evident in her servant leadership, and she fosters a collaborative culture within her team that prioritizes open dialogue and mutual respect.

Amy is married and has one daughter, Linsey. In her free time, Amy enjoys visiting any vacation destinations and cooking.

Steve Brown

HR Program Director 4
Human Resources

Steve joined the State of Tennessee in 2013 and currently serves as the Workforce Development Director for the Tennessee Department of Human Resources (DOHR). Steve is responsible for all statewide Commissioner Leadership Academies.

Over the last 30 years, Steve has held multiple leadership positions and prides himself on his extensive knowledge in adult learning, process and efficiency improvements, quality control, project management, Safety and Homeland Security, and leading teams. In 2015, Steve was recognized by Governor Bill Haslam for reducing DOHR’s records operating cost by 47%. During the COVID 19 pandemic, Steve and his team fully transitioned all leadership academies to a virtual platform resulting in a 60-80% reduction in operating cost.

Before transitioning to state government, Steve served 26 years in the United States Marine Corps and retired in 2013 as a Sergeant Major. Steve’s other achievements include a bachelor’s degree in homeland security with a specialization in disaster management, a Master of Business Administration, Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), LEAD TN Alliance-6, TGMI (2018), TGEI (2019), and membership on the Tennessee Board of Examiners (TNCPE).

Nicholas Brindle

Senior Associate Counsel
Human Services

Nicholas Brindle began his career with the State of Tennessee in 2005 as an Associate General Counsel in the Department of Human Services (DHS) and currently serves as a Senior Associate Counsel.

Nicholas has been a valuable DHS team member for various projects over the past few years. He was indispensable during execution of the new TANF Opportunity Act requirements; being involved at the inception of the legislation, and a prominent contributor to the development of the pilot program and contracting needs. Nicholas also stepped in to steer much of the legislative work during a time of transition and vacancies, providing experience and patience that allowed the DHS to continue the volume and pace of the last legislative session. He was also able to absorb the additional work caused by pandemic related projects, from additional special sessions, numerous executive order requirements, and research into federally permissible options.

Nicholas brings years of institutional knowledge, analysis, and research to the DHS. He excels at legislation, rulemaking, and policy review. This allows him to better serve his department and its clients. Nicholas remains positive, service-oriented, and hardworking throughout all his endeavors, embodying the core values of DHS.

Nicholas earned his undergraduate degree as a chemist and then received his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School.

Jessica Shook

Program Coordinator
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Jessica Shook began her career with the State of Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) in 2009 as a Service Coordinator with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) program. In that role, she provided direct support to children and their families in rural Dickson County. Jessica currently serves as Program Coordinator, where she has continued her dedication to the children and families in the TEIS program.

Jessica consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the children and families in the program receive needed services in a timely manner by working closely with staff to ensure timelines are met, while also providing direct support when needed. She is quick to cover a meeting for a staff member if they have a scheduling conflict, so that a family does not have a delay in getting the support and resources they need for a child. Jessica also keeps an open line of communication with the vendors and providers who serve families to stay current on availability of services and communicates this information to staff.

Jessica excels at customer relations and works hard to ensure the families in her program receive the needed services in a timely and efficient manner. Jessica conducts herself with the utmost integrity and trust, embodying the very values of DIDD.

Jessica earned her B.S. in psychology from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. She is happily married and has one son, Zane.

Donnell Hathaway

Facilities Team Member
Labor and Workforce Development

Donnell Hathaway began his career with the State of Tennessee in 1992 at the Clover Bottom Developmental Center in Nashville. Today, as part of the facilities team, Donnell impacts every division and staff on every floor of the central office in Nashville for the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWFD).

Donnell brings years of expertise, conflict management, and customer service to the department, and he truly shapes the customer experience and works tirelessly to meet his client’s expectations. Not only does Donnell excel within his role, but he also goes above and beyond for his colleagues, providing a safe and welcoming work environment. Donnell remains a positive, trustworthy, and dependable employee. He truly embodies the core values of LWFD.

Donnell has made outstanding contributions to his community. Outside of his role in LWFD, Donnell has volunteered for his grandson’s football and baseball teams and provided snacks and refreshments for his granddaughter’s cheer squad. Donnell has one son and two daughters and is a proud grandfather of four incredible grandchildren.

James Thornton Jr.

Lead Psychiatric Technician
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

James Thornton Jr. began his career with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in 2012 as a Psychiatric Technician at Memphis Mental Health Institute (MMHI) before being promoted to Lead Psychiatric Technician in 2015.

James is the true foundation and leader of MMHI’s psychiatric technician corps. He excels at customer care, conflict management, and is continually looking for ways to better himself and his colleagues. His mastery of “proactive patient care” enables him to recognize potential conflicts before they occur and skillfully diffuse tension between patients. This proactive practice helps maintain a calmer, more therapeutic environment where, ultimately, patients recover and return to their families and communities sooner. James’s patient-centric work makes him one of the most valuable parts of a department charged with protecting some of our State's most vulnerable citizens.

James is a native Memphian who graduated from Trezvant High School in 1990. He is happily married and is the proud father of four children and two grandchildren.

Janet Eimer

Payroll Supervisor
Military

Janet Eimer began her career with the State of Tennessee in 2020 after leaving her position at the Air Force National Guard at Berry Field in the financial office. Janet now serves full-time for the State as the Payroll Supervisor for the Tennessee Department of Military.

Janet brings over 18 years of extensive financial knowledge to the department, and she used her experience to succeed at the Department despite joining in the height of the COVID pandemic. Janet obtained her training with no hands-on assistance from the previous incumbent but overcame hurdles to ensure that soldiers and state employees maintained pay each period. She was also instrumental in developing and implementing a new State Active-Duty program for the National Guard during the activation of over 1,500 soldiers. Janet is hardworking, innovative, and timely with all her work and is a valuable member of the department.

Janet holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources. Janet is happily married and loves to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter.

Deyon Southall

Tax Auditor 4
Revenue

Deyon Southall began his career with the State of Tennessee in 2016 and continues to serve as a Tax Auditor for the Department of Revenue. Deyon works on complex taxpayer issues and provides critical support and development to the department’s programs.

Deyon has had a significant role in improving letters issued from the Audit’s Discovery Unit. Additionally, he works with a team of other auditors on a letter committee. Deyon has been instrumental in working with applicants and taxpayers in the Tennessee Business Relief Program, as well as through the Supplemental Employer Relief Grant. Deyon is always willing to go the extra mile in research and communication and works relentlessly for the benefit of Tennessee taxpayers.

Deyon graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a minor in business administration. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking and learning new recipes, and watching sports.

Patrick Dolan

Statistics Office Manager
Safety and Homeland Security

Patrick Dolan began his career with the State of Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in 2007 as a Statistical Analysts in Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, where he successfully deployed TITAN 1.0 and the CRASH Predictive Analytics Program. In 2014, Patrick was promoted to manager of the Statistics Office where he continues to serve.

Patrick oversaw the release of TITAN 2.0, which addresses the issues front-line field users faced. He works tirelessly to better serve his customers, including a new “Map It” function that allows officers in the field to push a button for geolocation, improving data accuracy and reducing the danger risk for officers when documenting a crash. Roadways represent a major controllable risk of harm for Tennessee residents and visitors and Patrick is constantly thinking of ways to increase safety.

Patrick is also the President of the Association for Transportation Safety Information Professionals and has held this leadership role for the past several years. He has made Tennessee one of the trendsetters in traffic and safety data and has helped shaped policy in an ever-changing transportation safety landscape.

Karen Gonzales

Assistant Deputy of LTSS Clinical Operations
TennCare

Karen Gonzales began her career with the State of Tennessee Division of TennCare in 2013 where she currently serves as the Assistant Deputy of Clinical Operations in Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS). Prior to becoming a full-time State employee, Karen worked as a certified pediatric nurse at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. In her 29-year nursing career, Karen has also been both a clinical consultant and hands-on caregiver for individuals and families across the age continuum.

Karen has extensive programmatic knowledge, as well as years of clinical expertise. She excels in creative problem solving and customer care. She has a strong desire and passion to serve others and has the unique ability of seeing through the lenses of her members and remaining member centric. Karen is diligent, driven, and hardworking, and she prioritizes the care and needs of her members above all.

Karen is an honors graduate of Wheaton College and Rush University.

James (Jim) Elbert

Welcome Center Regional Manager
Tourist Development

Jim Elbert began his career with the State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2015 as a third shift Building Maintenance Worker. He was promoted through the Welcome Center structure to Welcome Center Manager before his most recent promotion to Regional Welcome Center Manager.

Jim embodies the very mission of both the agency and its Welcome Centers. Even with staffing decreases, he was able to keep his centers open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. He consistently receives a 4.92 favorable rating, with 5 being the highest, and his region alone saw a little over 3 million travelers last year. He also received the Tennessee Welcome Center of the Year award.

Jim in an innovative manager who regularly overcomes building and staffing issues. However, he remains dedicated to the cause and still serves his employees and the state’s travelers well. He is a huge asset to the state and its tourism industry.

Harrison Vineyard

Operations Technician Supervisor
Transportation

Harrison Vineyard began his career with the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in 1985 as a Highway Maintenance Worker in Region 1 Operations. He has held various technical leadership roles in regional operations and currently serves as a TDOT Operations Technician Supervisor in Region 1 Floating Maintenance.

Harrison continues to support the department through his leadership of the Knoxville Floating Maintenance crews. To date, Harrison and his crew have completed 24 projects, including slide repair projects, an extensive pipe repair project, and the construction of approximately a half mile of interstate lane on I-75. Additionally, his team hauled and placed 6,044 tons of boulders, 15,523 tons of asphalt and milled 81,276 square yards of asphalt. In fiscal year 2021-2022, Harrison’s crew was one of the most productive in the state, steered by his innovative problem-solving and willingness to help.

Harrison consistently sets the bar for his leadership and dedication to providing a level of service that customers appreciate. Harrison and his wife live in Grainger County.

Patricia (Pat) Couk

Administrative Assistant 2
Veterans Services

Pat Couk began her career with the State of Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) in 2015. Since beginning her career with the State, her responsibilities have developed from regional to statewide Administrative Assistant for Benefit Operations.

Pat holds a green belt in Six Sigma and excels in data management. She works hard to provide meaningful information to decision makers that help in the preparation and implementation of improving the services and care veterans and their families receive. Pat accomplishes and completes the tasks given to her in a timely manner with a very positive attitude. She embodies the mission of the department by providing dynamic, effective, and compassionate customer service at all times.

Pat volunteers with the homeless ministry, is active in her local church, and serves as a planning commissioner for her county. Patricia has two children, Jason and Jen, and loves spending time with her grandchildren.