2023 Spring Recipients

Dan Bond

Agricultural Enhancement Program Verification Coordinator
Agriculture

Dan Bond has served the State of Tennessee’s Department of Agriculture (TDA) since 2005 and is currently a Verification Coordinator for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP), where he excels in providing exemplary customer service while maintaining the integrity of the $23 million dollar grant program. When conducting verification of grant reimbursement requests, Dan handles what could be considered an unpleasant conversation with absolute and unwavering professionalism, civility, and respect.

Every day, Dan employs a common sense, down-to-earth approach when interacting with his customers. He places great importance on treating his customers the way he wants to be treated. At his core, Dan is a public servant who believes in the importance of the agricultural and forestry industries in all communities across the state.

Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Austin Peay State University. After graduation, Dan returned to his family farm and worked as a dairy farmer until joining TDA. Dan is the fourth generation to live on the family farm, where he lives with his wife, Phyllis, and is a beef cattle producer. Dan enjoys spending time with children and five grandchildren.

Robyn Witherspoon

ICPC Medical Program Coordinator
Children's Services

Robyn Witherspoon joined the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) in 2010 as a Child Protective Services investigator, where she was promoted to Team Leader in 2012. In 2021, she joined Child Health as the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Medical Program Coordinator for the entire state.

Robyn’s passion for children is evident in the way she consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefer and volunteers twice monthly to sit with custodial youth in transitional housing, providing relief to frontline workers.

Robyn is an alumna of the University of Tennessee and was inspired to pursue a career in human services by her own personal childhood experiences. Prior to joining DCS, she published a Therapeutic Visitation Services Training Manual while working for Child and Family Services, and then owned and operated Family Preservation Systems where she designed and implemented an In-Home Therapeutic Visitation Model Program. In her spare time, she can be found reading, swimming, spending time with family, and dreaming of vacations at the beach.

Philip Cameron

Plans Examiner Manager
Commerce and Insurance

Philip Cameron joined the State of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Codes Enforcement Section of the State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2016 and works as the Plans Examiner Manager to ensure that buildings are constructed safely across the state. Philip has more than 20 years of experience administering services to meet construction quality and safety standards, and his primary role is leading a staff of plans examiners that work to ensure building designs meet code requirements. His attention to detail and ability to utilize a commonsense approach to safety is unmatched. Since 2016, Philip has worked to foster an efficient and collaborative plan review process. The plans examiners are meeting goals set for response times and quality standards due to their enthusiasm for the mission of ensuring that buildings within this state are safe.

Philip holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee Martin and more recently attended Union University to study organizational leadership. In his free time, Philip enjoys fly-fishing, reading about Tennessee history, and biking Nashville’s greenways. He has three children with Sharon, his wife of 33 years.

S. Elizabeth (Liz) Stout

Correctional Unit Manager
Correction

Liz Stout began her career in state service with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) as a Correctional Officer in May 2005. Since joining the agency, Liz has been promoted through the correctional ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Unit Manager. Her primary responsibilities at the Northeast Correctional Complex include ensuring the safety and security of inmates and staff assigned to the institution. She is a valued correctional professional who consistently demonstrates excellence and high performance, and her unwavering commitment to public safety is exemplary.

Due to the recent absence of a facility compliance manager, Liz assumed the duties and ensured the successful reaccreditation of the institution through the American Correctional Association (ACA). Her involvement and commitment to the mission of TDOC and the reaccreditation of the Northeast Correctional Complex is one of several examples of how she consistently goes above and beyond to serve the state in her role, and how she embodies the core values of the agency daily.

Liz is married and has two children. Her most enjoyable pastime is spending time with her family. She is passionate about delivering excellence in her position, and her innovation and commitment has helped create a culture in the Department that supports customer’s needs.

Braden Stover

Director of Legislation 
Economic and Community Development

Braden Stover has been the Director of Legislation at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) since January 2022. In his role, Braden helps the department successfully navigate policies, rules, laws, and relationships with the Governor’s Office and Legislature. Braden embodies the department’s core values, and his ability to build and maintain trusting relationships is critical to the overall success of TNECD.

Braden completed the TNECD Commissioner’s Leadership Academy in 2022, and he continuously looks for ways to improve efficiency and achieve the best possible outcomes for those the department serves. He is proud to work with a dedicated team of professionals to bring opportunity to communities within the state.

Before joining TNECD, Braden worked for U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6), and State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (TN-23). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency and enjoys serving his community through volunteering. Braden is a graduate of Belmont University and currently resides in Gallatin with his wife and daughter.

Zachary Stone

Senior Director of Data Reporting
Education

Zachary Stone is the Senior Director of Data Reporting in the Division of Program and Financial Performance and Evaluation at the Tennessee Department of Education. In this role, he oversees the collection, analysis, and reporting of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data to meet state and federal requirements and supports special education research projects that inform department priorities, policies, and practices. He is also a key member of the team that manages the state’s data management and monitoring system for individualized learning, TN PULSE.

Prior to joining the Tennessee Department of Education, Zachary was an evaluation specialist at McREL International and an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, New York. He has a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and master’s degrees from LIU Brooklyn and Vanderbilt University.

Seth McCormick

Environmental Consultant 3
Environment and Conservation

Seth McCormick has been a high-performing contributor at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for more than 10 years. Currently, Seth works in the State Water Infrastructure Grants (SWIG) Program, where he supports implementation and assists local programs with successfully navigating funding opportunities and requirements in a landmark initiative. Seth’s care, customer service focus, and creativity have fostered innovation and accomplishment across divisions and units. He has earned a reputation as being a “go-to” resource for local officials. 

Prior to his role in SWIG, Seth was the assistant manager of Compliance and Enforcement and the Emergency Services Coordinator for TDEC’s Division of Water Resources. In these roles, he supported teams that were responsible for the oversight of statewide compliance for facilities regulated under the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts. Seth also previously served in TDEC’s Division of Solid Waste Management, where he assisted regions and communities with grant opportunities to build integrated solid waste and materials management systems statewide.

Seth earned a Master of Science with honors in biology from Austin Peay State University, and he lives in Old Hickory.

NaKeisha Myles

Education and Outreach Administrator
Finance and Administration

NaKeisha Myles started her journey with the State of Tennessee as an Insurance Benefits Analyst, and later worked as an Insurance Benefits Training Specialist and Training and Administration Manager. In 2019, she was promoted to become the Education and Outreach Administrator for Benefits Administration within the Department of Finance and Administration.

NaKeisha is committed to quality, high performance, and organization. Her attention to detail and reliability come from over ten years of experience building skilled teams, streamlining processes, directing, and optimizing projects, and establishing and maintaining solid relationships. NaKeisha uses her strengths to coach talented teams in fast-paced environments. She regularly looks for ways to improve customer experience, and she leads her teams with positivity and compassion.

NaKeisha holds her Bachelor of Science in social psychology and Master of Education, both from Tennessee State University. She has two daughters.

Jack Lay

Safety & Soundness Chief Administrator
Financial Institutions

Jack Lay joined the Department of Financial Institutions in April 2005 as a Loan Examiner in the Compliance Division, which is responsible for the licensing and examination of non-depository financial institutions. Jack was subsequently promoted to several examination supervisory and management roles within the Division and assumed the role of Examination Chief Administrator in September 2017. In January 2021, Jack took on the additional responsibilities of the Licensing Chief Administrator.

Jack continuously goes above and beyond to provide direction and training to division employees while always looking for ways to improve daily operations. He has made significant improvements in the division workflows and created a more unified front within the division.

Jack is a native of Morristown, Tennessee, where he attended Morristown West High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration with honors from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Prior to coming to the State of Tennessee, Jack worked in the finance industry for approximately 15 years.

Wendy Bentley

Senior Business Analyst
General Services

Wendy Bentley is a Senior Business Analyst with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in the Department of General Services (DGS). She has been a dedicated state employee for 18 years and has a long track record of going above and beyond to deliver meaningful improvements OFM and DGS.

Daily, Wendy impacts the entire department through the management of payroll, financial reporting and billing, and the tracking of personnel equity. Department leadership frequently asks Wendy to assist with enterprise-wide efforts to improve processes and reporting tools because of her valuable knowledge and skills. In addition to Wendy's dedication to her work and delivering excellent customer service, she is also known for her humility, warmth, and kindness towards everyone she works with and every project she works on.

Wendy is married to Chris and has four amazing daughters, Shelby, Emily, Lizzie, and Bella. She is deeply rooted in her faith and spends her free time serving her church and local community.

Gail Harmon

Assistant Regional Director
Health

Gail Harmon began her career in public health in December 1984 as a secretary within the East Region. Today, Gail is the Assistant Regional Director of TN Department of Health East Region, County Director for Scott County, and interim County Director for the Blount Count Health Department.

Throughout her 40 years of service, Gail has continuously grown her knowledge of public health and been promoted into many leadership and management positions. From secretary, she proceeded to become a Word Processing Operator, Administrative Service Assistance, Administration Services Director, Program Director 1 for Tennder Care, Regional Hospital Coordinator in Emergency Preparedness, Director of Family Health and Wellness, and finally, to the Assistant Regional Director in 2012, where she continues to serve.  

Gail is a certified professional secretary and graduated from Tusculum University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management in 2010. Her experience and knowledge of all aspects of public health in the East Region has been invaluable to her colleagues and communities alike. She is an active member of the TN Public Health Association and organizes regional participation efforts.

Kimberly Hall

HR Manager
Human Resources

Kim came to the Tennessee Department of Human Resources (DOHR) – HR Business Solutions Division in October 2021. As an HR Manager, Kim is always willing to jump in and support the team no matter the task, activity, or need. She is a true team player who provides the optimal customer service experience through partnership, support, and focused attention on what the customer needs.

Prior to working for DOHR, Kim began her career with the State at the Department of Children’s Services. She was later employed with the Department of Corrections, and then worked for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She is a Certified Learning Facilitator with DOHR’s Learning and Leadership Development Division and recently completed DOHR’s Next Level Leadership Academy. 

Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Michigan University and went on to complete a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology at Austin Peay State University in 2010. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with family and her dog, Zola, hiking, and cooking. She loves all things Star Wars, is a supporter of Nashville Soccer Club, and enjoys watching hockey and basketball with her family.

Heath Campbell

Field Business Solutions, Director of Technological Modernization
Human Services

Heath Campbell is the Director of Technological Modernization with the Department of Human Services (DHS). In his 18 years of career service to the State, Heath has demonstrated a passion for continuous improvement and customer service.

Heath worked tirelessly to help implement a new computer system that addresses the needs of customer-facing teams in the pursuit of increased benefit accuracy, improved timeliness, and expanded customer service delivery. His ability to network and assist other divisions, especially those with overlapping roles, showcase his drive for collaboration toward a shared vision.

Alicia Taylor

Eligibility Specialist, Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS)
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Alicia Taylor began her career with the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) in October 2007 as a Social Counselor 2 service coordinator. She then worked as part of the TEIS evaluation team and currently holds the position of Eligibility Specialist.

Since joining TEIS, Alicia has consistently gone above and beyond for the department, division, and customers. Her interactions with customers are enthusiastic, positive, and friendly. Alicia goes out of her way to ensure that the customer’s needs are met and that they have a complete understanding of the department’s processes and best practices to assist their family’s needs. Alicia is a trusted and valuable member of the DIDD TEIS Team, and she consistently keeps the goal of serving children and families in a positive and meaningful way at the forefront of her work.

Alicia holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood special education from East Tennessee State University. She is married to her husband of 25 years and has two children.

Joella Holland

Career Specialist
Labor and Workforce Development

Joella serves as a Career Specialist in the Athens American Job Center (AJC) for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.  Clients, employers, and her team members describe her as "extremely hard working." She goes above and beyond in service at the AJC, supporting clients and employers. She coordinates the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training, Reentry, and general AJC duties involving job seekers and employers. Joella not only exhibits tremendous work ethics in her service to the citizens of Tennessee; she also genuinely cares about the success of her clients and the center. Her efforts in serving those with barriers and great needs, and doing so with great dedication, epitomize the agency’s values of integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Joella is a college graduate, and before becoming a Career Specialist, she worked in the healthcare industry. Her daughter recently graduated from Cleveland State Community College and will begin attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall of 2023. Joella enjoys the water, water activities, and water sports.

Sam Boukli

Assistant Deputy Counsel
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Sam Boukli joined the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) in February 2020 and is the Assistant Deputy Counsel in the Division of General Counsel. In this role, he advises department employees and leadership in diverse legal issues including privacy law, ethics compliance, and legislative review.

Sam always provides excellent service to both internal and external customers through his quick and thorough responses and positive can-do attitude. He acts with integrity, inspired purpose, and excellence. Sam embodies compassionate leadership, and he consistently provides strong legal advice to TDMHSAS leadership while assisting all parties in making the right decisions that impact Tennesseans.

Sam earned his bachelor’s in political science from the University of Georgia and his J.D. from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law. Prior to joining the department, Sam worked in the private section in Memphis, Tennessee and in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sean Shanahan

Facilities Construction Specialist 3, State O&M Supervisor
Military

Sean Shanahan began his career with the Tennessee Department of Military in June 2014 as a Maintenance Electrician 2. Sean was promoted to become a maintenance supervisor and began his current position of Operations and Maintenance Supervisor in March 2022. He supervises 13 employees at Berry Field and manages $1.8M in combined state and federal funds.

Sean achieved his leadership roles through his recognizable attention to customer service and his unique ability to solve maintenance problems, as exemplified through his dedicated response to several water pipe bursts on Christmas Eve in 2022. Sean’s quick thinking prevented mission failure for the 118th intelligence, cyber, and remote piloted aircraft missions and saved over $850,000 in critical communication equipment.

Sean is an Air Force Veteran, where he served as a maintenance electrician. That experience propelled him into a 28‐year career in the field of construction and facility maintenance. Because of skillset, he held several supervisory roles working for private maintenance companies before joining the State. He is a dedicated father to his 17‐year‐old son, Josh.

Lisa Rousseau

Taxpayer Services Manager
Revenue

Lisa Rousseau started her career with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TDR) in March 2014 as a Taxpayer Service Representative. She was promoted to supervisor in 2016, then to the manager of the East Regional offices in July 2019.

Lisa is the primary point of contact for several Mennonite communities in rural East Tennessee. She recognized the difficulty these communities were having in performing business activities, including fulfilling their responsibility of filing tax returns due to their requirement of non-web-based tools. Lisa has fostered a relationship with the communities and has helped identify creative solutions that meet the needs of their belief systems. Her empathy and proactivity embody the spirit of service TDR strives to foster.

Before beginning her career with TDR, Lisa worked in law enforcement as a patrol sergeant and as a school resource officer. Her service to the public continues with the TDR. Lisa attended the Revenue Leadership Academy in 2017, is certified as a training facilitator through the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, and currently serves on the Speakers Bureau. Lisa received her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in May 2018, and she has one daughter, Melanie. She created a nonprofit organization, Jessie’s Deck, and is also an ambassador for TN Donate Life Services.

Christiana Dunn

Administrative Services Assistant 4
Safety and Homeland Security

Christiana Dunn is an Administrative Services Assistant 4 with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS), Office of Homeland Security, a position she accepted in 2022. Prior to joining the TDSHS, Christiana began her career with the State as an Administrative Services Assistant 2 in the Department of Transportation's Operations Department in 2018, where she was promoted to Program Monitor 1 in 2021.

Christiana has thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to serve with an incredible team of special agents and intelligence analysts to protect and serve the citizens of Tennessee. She brings a considered and thoughtful approach to her job, along with a willingness to learn. She as an integral member of the TDSHS team, and her colleagues regularly commend her stellar performance. Her honesty, friendliness, and considerate nature make her a natural leader and a positive representation of the division and department.

Christiana holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Middle Tennessee State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, three rescue dogs, and one rescue cat.

Natasha Flener

Administrator, Compliance and Policy Group
TennCare

Natasha Flener joined the Division of TennCare in August 2004 working in medical appeals. In 2013, she joined member services as an Eligibility Policy Analyst, and she was most recently promoted in 2018 to Administrator for Eligibility Policy and Member Communications.

Natasha played a vital role in the development and implementation of TennCare's new eligibility determination system (TEDS), leading several critical areas in decision-making and policy setting. Prior to joining the TennCare team, Natasha advocated for children in state custody in need of TennCare services throughout her four years at the TennCare Advocacy Line. She continues to advocate for TennCare members today. Natasha is a highly respected and incredibly valued member of the TennCare team, always going above and beyond for the division’s customers, staff, and the State of Tennessee.

Natasha's degree is from Western Kentucky University. She is married and has two children. 

Andi Grindley

Outreach Projects Coordinator
Tourist Development

Andi Grindley currently serves as Outreach Coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD). She began her service in state government in 2016, where she served as Sales Manager for the department. In 2019, she was asked to serve as Outreach Coordinator. She works internally, with other agencies, and externally, developing, implementing, and executing any available grants for tourism partners.

Additionally, Andi provides support on key tourism initiatives such as Adventure Tourism, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Semiquincentennial. Before joining TDTD, she worked with the Nashville Sounds Baseball Club.

Andi is a Southeast Tourism Society Tourism Marketing Professional. She is a graduate of Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communication, as well as a master’s in sports management.  

Matthew Inyart

Network Ops Administrator Lead
Transportation

Matthew Inyart began his career with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, in the IT Division in the Business Technical Support Team, in June 2015. He was promoted to Business Technical Support-Lead in July 2017 and then promoted to Network Operations-Lead in July 2019. Matthew has gone above and beyond to ensure the Department and its vendors are supported. He has a strong “will to serve” and exhibits a keen customer focus to ensure a positive end result. Matthew’s interactions have always been professional and courteous. He ensures that all needs are met to help them complete their jobs. When asked what he enjoys most about his job he said, “I love finding solutions for people to harness technology to make their jobs easier. It’s always a new and exciting challenge which is why I love my job.”

Matthew is active in his personal life. He is a County Commissioner in Smith County, representing District 4 (Rome/Rock City) and serving as the Chairman for Steering Committee B. He also serves as the Cub Scout Pack 367 Committee Chairman, River City Ball Committee, Southside Lions Club, New Middleton #249 and Carthage Benevolent #14 Masonic Lodges, and helps coach his son’s soccer and baseball teams. Matthew is married to his wife Stephanie and has two sons, Cooper, age 7, and Coleman, age 8.

Ashley Manning

Administrative Assistant 1
Veteran's Services

Ashley Manning joined the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services in 2017 at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, where she has continued her life of service by honoring Tennessee veterans at their final resting place. Ashley ensures the families receive the personal care and service they have earned and deserve.

To improve customer service for veteran families, Ashley has worked to improve the internet application process and has made it consistent statewide. Her efforts have created a more efficient scheduling system, allowing the department to improve daily operations and provide dignified interment for veteran families.

Ashley Manning is a veteran of the United States Navy. She served six honorable years stationed in Washington and Illinois before residing in Knoxville, Tennessee. Following her service with the Navy, Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2017.