CIS STAFF
Paul Jennings serves as Executive Director for the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UTCIS). UTCIS, an agency of the UT Institute of Public Service, has the mission is to deliver solutions that help Tennessee businesses grow, succeed and create high quality jobs. CIS solutions address business growth, performance, regulatory and sustainability concerns and opportunities. Jennings has held positions with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, University of Memphis and Columbia State Community College. He holds a BS from University of Evansville, MPA from Indiana University, and PhD from Tennessee State University.
Paul Jennings
Executive Director, CIS
615.532.8887 | 193 Polk Avenue, Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
paul.jennings@tennessee.edu
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum College and over twenty years of administrative experience in several areas including accounting, customer service and finance. My broad background has prepared me well for the challenges of a fast-paced work environment. My previous work experience includes positions with TVA, and Smurfit Stone Container Corporation where I held a number of positions of increasing responsibility. Each of these positions provided me with the experience necessary to succeed as an employee of the University of Tennessee. I have the desire and the ability to work well with a diverse population of all levels and my strong communication skills make it easy for me to build lasting relationships with those I serve. Kathy Barber joined UT CIS as an Economic Development Specialist in October 2017. Her primary focus is to manage the Asset Based Planning initiative, working with rural communities across the state to leverage community assets for economic development. Kathy gained her experience and passion for economic development while serving six years at the Oak Ridge Economic Partnership as Existing Industry Manager and Economic Development Project Manager for the Oak Ridge, TN community. She was also actively involved in workforce development, tech-led economic development, and promoting entrepreneurship, as part of the regional initiative – Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley. Kathy grew up in the metro area of Denver, CO and earned her BS degree in Business Administration – Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Oak Ridge. Kim Denton serves as the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Director for the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. The TCED Program provides quality training, continuing education and professional development opportunities for economic and community development practitioners and community leaders. Denton came to the university in 2014 as Associate Director in the UT Office of Corporate & Foundation Engagement, which connects industry and foundation partners to opportunities in research, innovation, technology and economic development. Denton also served as Associate Director of Corporate Relations in the UT Haslam College of Business, where she built a corporate engagement program and managed corporate partnerships. Prior to coming to UT, Denton spent 15 years as President/CEO of the Oak Ridge Economic Partnership leading the economic development efforts for greater Oak Ridge. She previously served as Marketing Director for Tennessee’s Resource Valley (now ETEDA) and as Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications for PHP Companies (now Humana). Denton is past chair of the Tennessee Economic Partnership, past president of the Tennessee Economic Development Council and currently sits on the CDFA Tennessee Advisory Committee and Blount Mansion Board of Directors. Denton earned her B.S. in Marketing Communications from the University of Florida and is a Certified Economic & Community Developer. She is married to Dennis Denton, an account manager with WW Grainger, and enjoys sports, travel and antiques. I have been in the Fire service for 37 years. I became the first Haz Mat Inspector in the City of San Jose, Califonia. I am an OSHA outreach instructor and a Past International Association of Firefighters outreach instructor. I had a Occupational Safety Company in California, from 1990 to 2008. Relocated to east Tennessee, to be close to grandkids. Keith Groves, Resource Program Manager, joined The University of Tennessee, Institute for Public Service – Center for Industrial Services in March of 2005. The Center focuses on strengthening manufacturing in Tennessee to secure jobs for the citizens of our state. Prior to joining the Center for Industrial Services, Keith worked in retail sales for 11 years and in manufacturing for 16 years. During the 16 years in manufacturing, he became involved in Lean Manufacturing and has worked extensively in Lean Manufacturing since 1995. In 2006, Keith worked in the development of a new program for the center called Business Transformation. This is a holistic approach to moving businesses into the future with the tools to increase their ability to compete in a global market and improve profitability. In 2011 Lean for Government was a program implemented in State Government to focus on improving processes and to train state employees on Lean Methodologies, Keith has been the core deliverer for this process. Bill serves as the Solutions Consultant for sixteen counties in East Tennessee including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties. Bill rejoined CIS in this Solutions Consultant role in July 2016. Prior to this Bill served in a variety of roles, both technical and managerial, in multiple Tennessee manufacturing companies and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Bill also spent 10-years as a Resource Consultant for UT CIS sharing his expertise in environmental, health and safety regulations, various management system standards and lean manufacturing. Bill is an alumni of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he received his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1991. Hannah supports the Institute for Public Service and its six agencies in the strategy, brainstorming, creation, production and implementation of graphic design and digital resources. She helps promote the mission and statewide impact of the Institute for Public Service through strategic electronic and print communication. Hannah graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2014 with BFA in Graphic Design. Beth Phillips leads the Economic Development Team of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services, an agency of the Institute for Public Service. Working with partners across the state, the team focuses on connecting businesses, governments, and economic development organizations with the assets of the university to grow Tennessee’s economy. Phillips is also the Director of the University’s EDA University Center, which leverages university resources to build regional economic competitiveness, help existing companies innovate and expand, and advance entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. Her team also manages the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer program, and coordinates its technology-led economic development efforts, including the SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer) Assistance Center. Phillips has over thirty years’ experience in economic and community development in Tennessee, including working with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to recruit new businesses to the state, support existing industry retention and expansion, and enhance community economic competitiveness. Phillips received her undergraduate degree in marketing and transportation from the University of Georgia, and her MBA from the University of Tennessee. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Knoxville, where she is active in many community organizations. Dwaine Raper leads the Solutions Consultant Team at the University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services(CIS). CIS is an agency of the Institute for Public Service, and the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partner Center serving the state of TN. The CIS Solutions Consultant Team provides industrial extension services throughout the state of TN, working with manufacturers and industry partners, helping them improve performance and profitability, and to grow. Before joining CIS in 2007, Dwaine gained 15 years of manufacturing operations and supply chain management experience with manufacturing companies in the automotive and electronics industries. Dwaine holds two business degrees from East Tennessee State University (MBA and BBA). He also maintains supply chain management related professional certifications; Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), both from APICS – The Association for Operations Management. UT-CIS Responsibilities: Gordon is the Solutions Consultant for the Upper Cumberland Region. He helps companies and communities succeed, grow and create high quality jobs. Career Overview: Gordon is a senior level manager with experience managing and growing customer relationships, leading project teams to exceed customer, contractual, and corporate requirements, and creating and managing project schedules, resources, and financials. He has 5 years of Supply Chain Management experience coupled with 24 years of Project and Program Management. He has experience across a variety of industries, Automotive, Medical, Aerospace, Defense, Consumer and Industrial Elecronics. Areas of Expertise: · Operations Management · Supply Chain Management · Project/Program Management · Account Management/Business Development · Product Development/Design Management Education / Credentials: Kenny Smith has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience in both Textiles and the Bearing Industry holding Quality Assurance positions from Quality Engineer, site level Quality Manager and multi-site Director of Quality. From 2004 through 2015, he helped launch NN Inc’s Continuous Improvement (CI) program in their Erwin, TN factories that reduced manufacturing costs by approximately 2.5% of sales annually. Kenny is trained in the skills of lean manufacturing and TPM and is an ASQ certified Black Belt in 6-Sigma. He has taught these skills to students in Italy, Slovakia, China and multiple sites around the US and participated in many rapid deployment teams to help troubleshoot for the root cause of specific problems and eliminate or improve these problems. In 2015, Kenny came to work for the Center for Industrial Services as a resource, helping the factories in Northeast Tennessee. In 2016, he began working full time for the University as the Solutions Consultant for Region 9, Northeast Tennessee. Doctor of Education Master of Business Administration BS Public Administration Certificate in Community College Teaching & Leadership Jackson Housing Authority Commissioner Member American Institute for Certified Planners Adjunct College Professor Tim’s passion for helping people discover their potential has been a primary motivator over a career that includes 17 years in manufacturing and 10 years focusing exclusively on workforce and workplace development. Five years were spent in the nonprofit sector helping establish new development programs for marginalized audiences and studying the complexities of the greater workforce development system. In 2017, Tim joined UTCIS to assist Tennessee manufacturers with workplace development strategies. In support of these efforts, he facilitates training in problem solving, leadership development, and continuous improvement activities for internal workforce development systems. Tim earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Tusculum College and from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology focused on adult education. Job Skills: Norma Wilcox is a Solutions Consultant for The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. Ms. Wilcox is responsible for promoting the resources of UT CIS to business and industry in the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee. Ms. Wilcox previously worked with the Small Business Development Center at The University of Central Missouri counseling small businesses on marketing and promotion. She also helped create and manage MoPAL( Missouri Product Assistance Laboratory) at UCM. MoPAL provided quality measurement services for product design and development for small businesses. Her industrial experience was with The General Electric Company as a Sales Engineer for the motors and motor control division and with The Eaton Corporation as a product application coordinator. Ms. Wilcox graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Central Missouri and was awarded the Lucas F. Sterne Outstanding MBA Graduate Student Award
Linda Arms
Administrative Coordinator I, CIS
865.974.6621 | 1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921-6741
linda.arms@tennessee.edu
George Aslinger
Solutions Consultant, CIS
423.634.0850 | Political Science & Public Service, Dept. 6356, Pfeiffer 302, Chattanooga, TN 37403
george.aslinger@tennessee.edu
Jutta Bangs
PTAC Consultant, CIS
865-483-0623 | 1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
jutta.bangs@tennessee.edu
Debbie Barber
PTAC Field Consultant, CIS
615.532.8885 | 193C Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210
debbie.barber@tennessee.edu
Kathy Barber
Economic Development Specialist, CIS
(865) 974-6621 | 1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
kathy.barber@tennessee.edu
Harold Booker
Solutions Consultant, CIS
(865) 974-6621 | 1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
harold.booker@tennessee.edu
Donna Bridges
Accounting Specialist, CIS
615.253.6927 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
donna.bridges@tennessee.edu
Veronica Clark
Procurement Consultant, CIS
615.532.6381 | 193C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
veronica.clark@tennessee.edu
Jen Dangelo
APEX Specialist
(615) 532-8657 | 193 C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
jen.dangelo@tennessee.edu
Kim Denton
TCED Director, CIS
865.974.8464 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
kim.denton@tennessee.edu
Misty DePriest
Resource Program Manager, CIS
931.626.5321 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
Misty.DePriest@tennessee.edu
Sherri Duru
Financial Specialist, CIS
615.532.9363 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
sduru@tennessee.edu
Jennifer Eppley
Program Administrator, American Job Center One Stop Program
(865) 594-5500
jennifer.eppley@tennessee.edu
Tammy Gage
Administrative Specialist, CIS
615-532-8657 | 193C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
tammy.gage@tennessee.edu
Chuck Gluck
Safety Consultant, CIS
865.974.6621 | 105 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996
chuck.gluck@tennessee.edu
Keith Groves
Solutions Consultant, CIS
731.425.4779 | 605 Airways Blvd., Suite 109, Jackson, TN 38301
keith.groves@tennessee.edu
Mary Guzman
Career Advisor, American Job Center One Stop Program
(423) 317-1060
mary.guzman@tennessee.edu
Owen Harvey
IT Technologist III, CIS
615.532.8657 | 193C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
owen.harvey@tennessee.edu
Jo Ann Hatcher
Career Advisor, American Job Center One Stop Program
(865) 504-5500
joann.hatcher@tennessee.edu
Bill Hicks
Solutions Consultant, CIS
865.974.6621 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
william.hicks@tennessee.edu
Hannah Holder
Information Specialist, CIS
865.974.1548 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
hannah.holder@tennessee.edu
Walter Idol
Health and Safety Team Leader, CIS
865.974.2009 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
walter.idol@tennessee.edu
Carol Jones
Administrative Specialist I, CIS
615.532.8657 | 193C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
carol.jones@tennessee.edu
Martha Kelley
IPS Consultant, CIS
615.532.3012 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
martha.kelley@tennessee.edu
Bryan Lane
OSHA Safety Consultant, CIS
615.319.7462 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
bryan.lane@tennessee.edu
Lee Leonard
Solutions Consultant, CIS
411 B.H. Goethert Parkway, Tullahoma, TN 37388
lee.leonard@tennessee.edu
Kathryn McDermott
Career Advisor, American Job Center One Stop Program
(865) 594-5506
kathryn.mcdermott@tennessee.edu
Paul Middlebrooks
PTAC Team Leader, CIS
423.634.0848 | Political Science & Public Service, Dept. 6356, Pfeiffer 302, Chattanooga, TN 37403
paul.middlebrooks@tennessee.edu
Danny Norman
Consultant II, CIS
615.532.8657 | 2360 Cherhala Blvd. National Transportation Research Center, Knoxville, TN 37919
dnorman3@tennessee.edu
Tamera Parsons
Public Service Professional, Economic Development
(615) 532-4926 | 193 Polk Avenue, Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
tamera.parsons@tennessee.edu
Beth Phillips
Economic Development Team Leader, CIS
865.974.0268 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
beth.phillips@tennessee.edu
Audra Pinson
Consultant, CIS
615.532.8657 | 193C Polk Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
audra.pinson@tennessee.edu
Dwaine Raper
Solutions Consultant Team Leader, CIS
423.926.8282 | 2112 North Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601
dwaine.raper@tennessee.edu
Gordon Reed
Solutions Consultant, CIS
423.426.2606 | 104 Peace Pipe Bend, Crossville, TN 38572
gordon.reed@tennessee.edu
Lynn Reed
Productivity Consultant, CIS
615.532.8883 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
lynn.reed@tennessee.edu
Todd Reeves
Business Development Manager
(865) 974-2249 | 1610 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
todd.reeves@tennessee.edu
Keith Ridley
Energy and Environmental Team Leader, CIS
615.532.4922 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
keith.ridley@tennessee.edu
Felicia Roberts
Administrative Specialist, CIS
615.253.6371 | 193 C Polk Ave, Nashville, TN 37210
felicia.roberts@tennessee.edu
Kenny Smith
Solutions Consultant, CIS
865.926.8282 | 2112 North Roan St., Suite 604, Johnson City, TN 37601
ksmit262@utk.edu
Andre Temple
Solutions Consultant, CIS
731.425.4740 | 605 Airways Boulevard, Suite 109, Jackson, TN 38301
andre.temple@tennessee.edu
Mary Kate Thomas
Accounting Specialist, CIS
615.532.8657 | 193C Polk Ave, Nashville, TN 39210
marykate.thomas@tennessee.edu
Tim Waldo
Workforce Development Consultant, CIS
865.974.3185 | 1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
twaldo@tennessee.edu
Norma Wilcox
Solutions Consultant, CIS
615.500.7208 | 193 Polk Ave., Suite C, Nashville, TN 37210
norma.wilcox@tennessee.edu