Thrive Regional Partnership Announces New Trustees in 2026

At the outset of 2026, Thrive Regional Partnership welcomed four new trustees to its board that reflect growing sector representation and corporate leadership across the tri-state, 16-county greater Chattanooga region. The newly elected Board trustees are Jake Battles, Tangela Johnson, Ryan Keel, and Andy Wood.

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"As Thrive continues to drive more investment and capacity programs in local communities, strong organizational leadership is paramount. We are pleased to welcome these new trustees that represent diverse businesses and communities across the region, to ensure that we continue to practice Thrive’s mission authentically and inclusively across the tri-state."

Bridgett Massengill, President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership

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Jake Battles

Jake Battles is the President of MaDex Associates, leading a capacity-focused consulting and transportation management organization that supports logistics companies across Thrive Regional Partnership’s 16-county region. His team works with carriers, fleets, brokers, and shippers to strengthen freight networks and build sustainable growth opportunities that keep transportation dollars and jobs rooted in the region.

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A member of Thrive’s Transportation and Infrastructure Steering Committee, Jake has contributed industry insight to regional freight and infrastructure planning and workforce development for the past eight years. He and his family live in Hixson.

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Tangela Johnson

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Tangela W. Johnson is a seasoned organizational strategist and change agent with nearly three decades of experience. As the Founder and President of North Georgia Corporate Consulting, she has earned the reputation of "The Fixer" for her intuitive ability to catalyze change and cultivate healthy, high-performing corporate cultures across diverse industries.

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A respected board leader, Tangela was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Board. She has served on many boards throughout the region.  Her current service includes: SmartBank, Thrive Regional Partnership, Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia, and Co.terie.

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Ryan Keel

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Ryan Keel is the President of Energy and Communications at EPB where he leads the company’s operation to deliver reliable energy and cutting-edge communications services to customers across EPB’s 600 square mile service area. Since joining the organization in 1997, Ryan has played a critical role in the design and deployment of EPB’s Advanced Grid which is one of the most highly-automated power distribution systems in the country.

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Ryan is a native of Chattanooga and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Tech University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing many different sports as well as spending time with his wife, Keri, and their three children.

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Andy Wood

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Andy Wood became President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium in March 2025, where he is leading the development of a refreshed strategic vision. His career spans advertising, regional tourism marketing, and senior leadership roles at Mystic Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium, including oversight of major guest experience and mission-driven programs. He has guided teams across conservation, education, operations, and marketing, launching signature initiatives such as a $45 million expansion of The Florida Aquarium.

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A longtime advocate for species conservation and community engagement, he brings a deep commitment to the Tennessee Aquarium’s mission and to the Chattanooga region he now calls home.

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“Each Thrive trustee brings valuable local perspective and distinct industry skill sets to the table. As Thrive enters its tenth year as an independent incorporated organization, we are pleased to welcome these new board members who will help steer the organization’s continued growth and drive impact across the tri-state.”

Connie Vaughan, Chair, Thrive Regional Partnership

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With these appointments, the Thrive board consists of 27 trustees. Chaired by Connie Vaughan, Government Relations Manager for McKee Foods, the board of trustees includes: Barry Allen of BrightBridge Capital; Darren Bakkestuen of Nokian Tyres; Jake Battles of MaDex; April Cameron of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority; Pete Conroy of Jacksonville State University; Craig Bock of Engineered Floors; Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors; Carol Eimers; Carey Garland of Lodge Manufacturing; Mike Griffin of the Cleveland Bradley County Chamber of Commerce; Chuck Hammonds of Southeast Tennessee Development; Joel Houser of Open Space Institute; Amy Jackson of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce; Tangela Johnson of North Georgia Corporate Consulting; Courtney Keehan of Chambliss, Bahner, Stophel; Ryan Keel of EPB; Nathan Lee of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority; Jennifer McCurdy of Northeast Alabama Community College; Mark McKnight of Reflection Riding Nature Center and Arboretum; Jason Mock of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce; Rick Roden of Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce; John Squires of Cleveland State Community College; Debra Stone of McKee Foods; Mark Rogers of North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation; Andy Wood of the Tennessee Aquarium; and Charles Wood of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

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