Business

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. 

Ralph Cross is currently employed with The University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) as Finance and Accounting Consultant. MTAS provides technical assistance to municipal government officials statewide in the areas of municipal management, finance, public works, police and fire services, and legal issues.  Ralph has primary responsibility in the finance area for cities in Middle Tennessee and has written numerous publications dealing with finance related topics for distribution to municipal officials statewide.  In addition, he has co-developed and taught several finance courses for municipal officials in various educational programs sponsored by the University of Tennessee. 

Before coming to MTAS, Ralph served eight years as the Secretary/Treasurer for the City of Lawrenceburg.  In 1998, he was named “Clerk of the Year” by the Tennessee Association of Municipal Clerks and Recorders (TAMCAR).  His experience prior to employment in the public sector includes general administration and engineering.  Ralph is a Certified Government Finance Manager and has an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from the University of Memphis.

Ralph has two daughters, Kathryn Cross and Audrey Keown.  He also has one grandson, Liam, the son of Audrey and Grant Keown.

Brad came to MTAS in 2012 after 5 years as the Finance Director for the City of Athens, TN. Before that he served as the Finance Director for Rhea County, TN.  Previously he worked for CPA firms in the Chattanooga and Tullahoma areas.  He has been a CPA since 2000.  He is married to the stunningly gorgeous Beth Harris and has two incredible daughters. Hannah is 24 and lives in Pulaski, TN where she operates a video and photography business (yes, she would be happy to do your work). Katie is 12 and attends CHattanooga Christian School currently in the 6th grade.  She was recently chosen by the UT College of Agriculture to star in a statewide video promoting 4-H camps. You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5CDzrG2lKs&sns=em

Brad's passion is making a difference in the lives of other people - this is why he came to MTAS. In his spare time, he enjoys singing, and in August of 2014 will be inducted into the Tristate Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  He spent several years touring the country singing gospel and some country music, and has performed on the Grand Old Opry and sang with artist such as Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, McBride and the Ride and a host of 'Gaither Homecoming' gospel singers. He is now completing a new CD (orders being taken!) and has previously been a part of several other recordings.  He can be found on youtube singing with groups, but hell will freeze over before he tells you where to find these less-than-stellar performances (a cell phone 100 ft. from the stage recording a singer... PULEEEZE!) He enjoys golf as well, but realizes that playing 5 times per year is detrimental to breaking '90'. 

Brad is an accomplished cook, once having co-owned a reestaurant with his sister (probably the most fun I have ever had in a job... before MTAS, of course!).  He enjoys his 'Big Green Egg' and you are welcome to come over for a meal at any time.

Brad also works as a minister of music at the Wolf Creek Baptist Church in Spring City, TN. He has served in that capacity since 2001, and previously served in that role for three other churches. He sings tenor (like a full grown woman someone once said!) and enjoys singing with his wife Beth who is an incredible singer as well. 

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.

Gail came to the IPS Chief Business Officer position in March 2011 after 17 years of experience in the UT Controller's Office as Assistant Controller where she specialized in sponsored project administration and accounting, financial reporting and analyses, IRIS, and training.  Gail received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and is a Certified Public Accountant.  Gail grew up on Fort Loudon Lake in Lenoir City where she enjoyed swimming and water skiing.  Gail has numerous hobbies including reading, walking, traveling, home improvement projects, and gardening.