This year the nonprofit welcomes nine new trustees reflecting regional growth in leadership and representation.
At the outset of 2024, Thrive Regional Partnership welcomed nine new trustees to its board that reflect growing county representation and corporate leadership across the tri-state, 16-county greater Chattanooga region. The newly elected Board trustees are April Cameron, Carol Eimers, Chuck Hammonds, Craig Bock, Dan Merriman, Dr. John Squires, Kelsey Keener, Mark McKnight, and Pete Conroy.
“As Thrive continues to advance programs and investment in sustainable initiatives in local communities, it is critical that the work is guided by leaders from across the region. We are pleased to welcome these new trustees, representing businesses and towns across northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia, and southeast Tennessee, to ensure that we continue to practice Thrive’s mission authentically and inclusively across the tri-state.”
Meet the New Trustees
Craig Bock
Craig Bock, representing Whitfield County, is an Engineer at Engineered Floors in Dalton, Georgia. Bock earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Polytechnic State University in Marietta and later earned an MBA from Kennesaw State University. In 2008, he worked as an Engineer at North Georgia EMC and then went on to work for Dalton Utilities as manager of electric and gas engineering and regulatory. He has since been with Engineered Floors for the past 8 years. In 2016, he was listed in Dalton’s 20 Under 40 list of the community’s most successful young entrepreneurs and executives.
April Cameron
April Cameron, representing Hamilton and Rhea counties in TN, is a 25-year aviation executive, currently serving as President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. During her tenure with CMAA, Cameron previously served as Vice President of Finance and has been integral to the airport’s growth, including the development of the airport-owned Fixed Based Operator, a world class facility that has been consistently named “Best in the U.S.” by Professional Pilot Magazine. Cameron also administered over $200 million in state and federal grants along with passenger facility funds, which played an essential part of the success the Chattanooga Airport enjoys today, including the airport’s first parking garage, the airport’s largest terminal expansion in history, as well as the development of additional areas on Lovell Field. A dedicated aviation professional, Cameron actively serves in key trade organizations and sits on several boards in the Chattanooga community. Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and an MBA from Tennessee Tech University.
Pete Conroy
Pete Conroy, representing DeKalb County, AL, is the Director of Jacksonville State University's Environmental Policy and Information Center (EPIC). Throughout his career he has been appointed to Chair the Alabama Geographic Information Council and the Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives. Conroy is commonly known for his interest in public lands, leading to the following designations:
Little River Canyon National Preserve - Bush, 1992
Dugger Mountain Wilderness - Clinton, 2000
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge - Bush, 2005
Freedom Riders National Monument - Obama, 2017
Additionally, Pete spends time on numerous projects related to conservation and economic development. The establishment and operation of the Little River Canyon Center, the Talladega Mountain Center, Longleaf Studios, entertainment complex, the re-use of the former Fort McClellan, the Chief Ladiga Rail-Trail, and several Alabama-based initiatives promoting smart growth, environmental education, arts, conservation, tourism, water policy and sustainable hospitality.
CAROL EIMERS
Carol Eimers, representing Hamilton County, TN, serves as the Regional Vice President, East Region, at Tennessee Valley Authority. She has been a growing part of TVA since 2001. Carol is known as a leader with success in fostering relationships, developing and executing strategic plans, building organizational talent, and allocating resources to achieve operational objectives and maximize functionality and efficiencies. Eimers leverages sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in communicating challenging issues, resolving conflict, and finding common ground. Able to identify emerging issues, generate ideas, and develop differentiated solutions that yield measurable and sustainable results.
CHUCK HAMMONDS
Chuck Hammonds, representing southeast Tennessee, serves as the Executive Director of the Southeast Tennessee Development District/Chattanooga Area Regional Council of Governments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Mr. Hammonds previously served as the Deputy Director / Director of Community and Economic Development with the primary responsibility of supervising the Community & Economic Development Division of the agency. This department of the agency includes Historic Preservation, Tourism, Housing, Local Government Planning and GIS functions, Infrastructure Development, Transportation Planning, Economic and Industrial Development, and other various functions.
KELSEY KEENER
Kelsey Keener, representing Marion County, is a managing partner of his family farm, Sequatchie Cove Farm. Over the years the farm has produced and directly marketed dozens of agricultural products ranging from Organic Vegetables, Native Plants, Grass Fed Meats, Mushrooms, Fruits and Berries, Farmstead Cheese and Pasture Raised Eggs. Kelsey has been passionate about agriculture his entire life from growing up on the farm since he was 8 years old. Kelsey has now settled down with his wife and three children living on his family farm amongst four generations. While managing the farm, Keener also is on the leadership committee of South East TN Young Farmers coalition. It’s a grassroots organization that is working towards a more just, equitable and sustainable future for young farmers in our area.
DAN MERRIMAN
Dan Merriman, representing Bradley County, is the Supply Chain Manager at Newly Weds Foods, INC. Merriman, has gained his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Masters in Business. Prior to being the Supply Chain Manager he spent eight years as a Human Resources Manager. Throughout his career he was awarded the State of TN Job Creation Fast Track Grant and developed an Intern program to help match college graduates with supervisor positions.
MARK MCKNIGHT
Mark McKnight, representing Hamilton County, TN, serves as the President of Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. He is also leading Thrive’s Natural Treasures Alliance as its newly appointed Chair. While serving as Marketing Director for outdoor retailer Rock/Creek for more than a decade, Mark led an expansion online and into regional brick-and-mortar. While there he co-founded RootsRated, a media startup answering the question of where to go outdoors. Mark uses photography and storytelling to highlight the natural beauty of this region.
DR. JOHN SQUIRES
Dr. John Squires, representing Bradley County, TN, serves as the VP of Economic & Community Development for Cleveland State Community College. Dr. Squires also serves on Thrive’s Freight Mobility Coalition and is a formidable partner in Thrive’s TRIP database. Previously, Dr. Squires worked for the Southern Regional Education Board, working with states to launch a national college readiness program. Squires has a Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Drake University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Iowa State University.
“Each Thrive trustee brings valuable local perspective and distinct industry skill sets to the table. As Thrive enters its twelfth year, 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.”
With these appointments, the Thrive board consists of 30 trustees. Chaired by Connie Vaughan, Government Relations Manager for McKee Foods, the board of trustees includes: Barry Allen of Tower Community Bank; Darren Bakkestuen of Nokian Tyres; Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors; Chuck Dobbins of Dobbins Investments, LLC; Evann Freeman of EPB; Carey Garland of Lodge Manufacturing; Bryan Griffin of Georgia Power; Mike Griffin of the Cleveland Bradley County Chamber of Commerce; Joel Houser of Open Space Institute; Amy Jackson of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce; Courtney Keehan of Chambliss, Bahner, Stophel; Nathan Lee of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority; Jennifer McCurdy of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce; Mark McKnight of Reflection Riding Nature Center and Arboretum; Dan Merriman of Newly Weds Foods; Jason Mock of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce; Mike Shirey of the Fort Payne Improvement Authority; John Squires of Cleveland State Community College; Debra Stone of McKee Foods; Hariette Stokes of North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation; Greg Vital of Morning Pointe Senior Living; and Charles Wood of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.