In Touch with Tennessee: Recent Episodes
Susan Robertson
A podcast of The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS). IPS, through its six agencies, is the university's source of outreach for public service entities across the state. Through interviews with our expert consultants and trainers who advise Tennessee's state and local governments, industries and law enforcement, we highlight how the institute makes an impact across the state.
A single blurry photo can unravel a case, and a “perfect” AI-enhanced image can be even more dangerous. We sit down with Jason Jones, training specialist with the National Forensic Academy at the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center, to unpack what modern forensic science really looks like when the goal is evidence that holds up in court.
We sit down with Danny Norman, Advanced Manufacturing Consultant with the Center for Industrial Services at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, to talk about what it really takes to put artificial intelligence to work on the factory floor without getting lost in hype.
We dig into the AI for manufacturing training delivered with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and why the first win is often basic but powerful: learning how to prompt well. From there, we explore a practical use case many plants feel every day, shift planning.
Tennessee is growing fast, and the pace of change is showing up in the most tangible way possible: land. New research shared with state and local leaders shows massive conversion of agricultural and forestry acres into development, with losses continuing at a striking daily rate.
We sit down with the partners and class members behind the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLIP), a new 18‑month, statewide initiative built to equip working producers and industry pros with the skills and networks to lead well beyond their operations.
A five‑week academy that changes careers—and cultures—doesn’t happen by accident. We sit down with Jeff Lindsay and Dereck Stewart from the Law Enforcement Innovation Center to unpack how the Southeastern Leadership Academy (SELA) helps mid‑level managers become clear communicators, thoughtful decision‑makers and credible leaders at every rank. From the program’s evolution beyond SECLA to its largest class yet, the story is about growth with purpose: stronger people, safer operations, and communities that feel the difference.
They're in your pocket, on your wrist, powering your car, and hiding in dozens of devices throughout your home and workplace. Lithium-ion batteries have silently revolutionized modern life, but their convenience masks significant danger that most people remain completely unaware of.
In this eye-opening discussion, safety experts from across the University of Tennessee system reveal why these energy-dense power sources demand our attention and respect.
The workplace is changing at breakneck speed, and Tennessee is actively responding to these shifts through innovative workforce development initiatives. This eye-opening conversation with workforce experts Tim Waldo and Autumn Derrick from the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services reveals both encouraging progress and persistent challenges in our evolving labor market.
Contact Tim: tim.waldo@tennessee.edu
Contact Autumn: autumn.derrick@tennessee.edu
For more information:
https://cis.tennessee.edu/economic-development
The Tennessee Language Center and Nashville Mayor's Office have pioneered an approach to civic communication that's transforming how local government connects with all residents. Through professional simultaneous interpretation, Mayor Freddie O'Connell's State of Metro addresses have reached over 6,000 Spanish-speaking Nashvillians who might otherwise miss critical information about property taxes, public safety initiatives, and the city's $3 billion transit improvement program.
The language barrier between law enforcement and the communities they serve presents unique challenges that impact both officer safety and public welfare. When 8.7% of Tennesseans speak a language other than English at home—with Spanish being the most common at 5.3%—police departments must adapt or risk serious communication failures during critical moments.
The University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) and Tennessee Language Center (TLC) have responded by developing an intensive Spanish training program specifically designed for officers.
Chief Freddie Montgomery of Clarksville Fire Rescue shares how watching his father battle blazes as a child shaped his future, including a poignant promise to "leave it better than you found it." MTAS consultants Donald Pinnell and Steve Cross reveal their unexpected paths into firefighting—one originally aiming for federal agency work, the other laid off from a chemical plant when a newspaper ad changed his life trajectory.
When public trust is at an all-time low and emergencies unfold at lightning speed, who prepares the people responsible for communicating critical information? The UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center offers a certification rapidly becoming the gold standard for public information officer training across the United States.
Join us as we discuss innovative programs initiated by the Law Enforcement Innovation Center and the Center for Human Identification, which aim to equip tribal law enforcement with the necessary tools and training to address MMIP cases more effectively. Hear firsthand accounts from experts in the field who share their insights on building stronger investigative methodologies, networking across agencies, and fostering community engagement.
Unlock the secrets of effective economic development with insights from Tennessee's experts! Join us on "In Touch with Tennessee" as we sit down with Tintin Czach from the Center for Industrial Services to explore the fascinating journey of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TSEB) Program. From its humble beginnings with the Tennessee Basic Economic Development course in 2006 to its significant evolution in 2014, discover how this program has equipped leaders with the skills needed to drive economic growth.
Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing workforce development in Tennessee's manufacturing sector with insights from Todd Reeves of the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) and Jackie Larson from Tooling U SME. Discover how their collaborative effort is empowering small and medium-sized manufacturers through an extensive online training platform, offering over 600 courses tailored to the needs of the industry. From foundational skills like basic shop math and blueprint reading to advanced manufacturing technologies and lean Six Sigma, you'll learn how these flexible, accessible programs are making continuous improvement and employee engagement more achievable than ever.
Can employment be the key to breaking the cycle of recidivism? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking initiatives led by the Tennessee Office of Reentry, featuring Dr. Andre Temple and Dr. William Arnold Jr. Discover how the nation's first labor-based reentry office is transforming lives by empowering incarcerated individuals with critical manufacturing skills, ensuring they have a chance to rebuild their lives post-incarceration.
Discover the transformative power of the Tennessee Certified Public Manager (CPM) program in our latest episode, where we're joined by Trent Clagg, the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership Center Program Manager, and Terry Bell, a CPM graduate and current Director of Community Corrections in Madison County. Unpack the secrets behind the program's successful expansion, its tailored leadership modules like conflict management, and the exclusive career perks it offers, including potential salary bumps for dedicated state employees.
Step into a celebration of service and knowledge as we toast to the 75th anniversary of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). With the agency's long-standing dedication to Tennessee municipalities, this episode is a treasure trove of history, evolution, and triumph. Hear the voices of MTAS veterans and a steadfast customer who'll share how the service has expanded from simple assistance to sophisticated management, especially in police services and training programs.
The heart of our episode lies in the tales of camaraderie and professional growth that have defined MTAS's legacy. We pay homage to those who've built and nurtured the agency's knowledge base, from dedicated librarians to the consultants who've fortified city financial administration through certification programs. Their stories, interspersed with anecdotes of international outreach in Romanian local governments, underscore the profound connections and shared expertise that continue to shape MTAS's contributions to public service.
Ever wondered how the power of language can transform community service? Join us as we uncover the story of how Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, together with Maya Campbell from the Tennessee Language Center and Jessica Goode from Second Harvest, is bridging language barriers to better support Nashville's Spanish-speaking community. This episode promises a heartening look at cultural responsiveness in action, showcasing the impact that learning Spanish has had on the organization's staff, volunteers, and the lives of those they serve.
Ever wondered how the intricate world of Human Resources operates in Tennessee cities? Can you distinguish between the HR practices in the public and private sectors? Join us, along with our brilliant HR consultants, Betsy Cunningham, John Grubbs, and Peter Voss, as we unravel the complexities. We'll tackle everything from goals and recruiting processes to regulatory oversight in both sectors.
Are you ready to navigate the complex waters of opioid settlements with us? We look into Tennessee's opioid crisis and the SMART initiative's role in guiding counties and cities on the use of funds from the lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. SMART Executive Director Jennifer Tourville and CTAS County Government Consultant Heather Duncan discuss their meetings with counties across Southeast Tennessee.
Six former executive directors and Jon Walden, the agency's current executive director sit down to talk about 50 years of history at the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS).
Richard Ponce de Leon with the Tennessee Langauge Center and Heidi Mariscal with Nashvilles Emergency Management Office discuss the Cultural Ambassadors for Disasters program. The program places ambassadors in immigrant areas in the event of a disaster to help residents of the area understand what is happening.
The Naifeh Professional Excellence Series, a program of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership provides quarterly leadership development courses in Knoxville, Nashville, and Jackson. One day of training includes two courses, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Courses are provided from a library of 30 classes in a variety of Lominger Leadership competencies in three Naifeh Center domains: self, relational, and organizational. The library includes courses for individual contributors and frontline supervisors, to middle managers and executives.
CIS Solutions Consultant Kevin Cooper and Dwaine Raper, CIS director of manufacturing extension discuss CONNEX Tennessee. CONNEX is a powerful online capabilities and connectivity platform that enables manufacturers to find additional suppliers or to become a supplier to others. This state-of-the-art platform is provided through the UT Center for Industrial Services’ Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership in collaboration with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a no-cost resource for Tennessee manufacturers.
Learn more about the history and mission of the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC). The guests are Warren Nevad, a management consultant and TREEDC co-founder, and Dwain Land, president of the council and former mayor of Dunlap, Tenn.
MTAS Municipal Management and Finance Program Manager Angie Carrier and Farragut Town Administrator discuss the new Tennessee Retail Alliance. Tennessee cities are the economic engine of our state. For many communities, sales tax is the predominant revenue stream to provide services to the citizens of Tennessee. The Municipal Technical Advisory Service or MTAS created the Tennessee Retail Alliance in 2019 to provide a vehicle to assist communities in promoting economic development through retail recruitment, to increase jobs and increase their sales tax revenue.
At the end of 2022, the Law Enforcement Innovation Center launched a Master of Public Information Officer certification. The certification is geared toward first responder PIOS throughout Tennessee.
LEIC Training Specialist Jeff Hundley and Sgt. Evie West, PIO for the Cleveland (TN) Police Department join this episode to talk about the program and its curriculum.
In 2022, the East Tennessee Local Workforce Development Area, under grant funds from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, tabbed the UT Center for Industrial Services or CIS to operate the American Job Centers in East Tennessee. As the One-Stop Operator, CIS will coordinate multiple American Job Center partners and service providers throughout the East Tennessee Local Workforce Development Area.
Podcast host Susan Robertson chats with CIS Executive Director Paul Jennings and Jennifer Eppley who leads the American Job Centers in East Tennessee.
The Tennessee Language Center's interpretation and translation services program provides language interpretation across the state. Clients include medical offices, courts, school systems and various state departments.
Hear more about the program from Interim Director Eric Amos and from Barbara Tallent with the Nashville Children's Alliance.
The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the Tennessee County Services Association (TCSA) work hand-in-hand to benefit the state's 95 counties. CTAS Executive Director Jon Walden, TCSA Director David Conner and TCSA Board president and Roane County Commissioner Ron Berry discuss the CTAS and TCSA partnership through the years.
Before they take office, newly elected sheriff's in Tennessee attend a training course. The course, developed by the County Technical Assistance Service and the Tennessee Corrections Institute, orients new sheriffs with everything from personnel matters to jail management.
CTAS Field Consultant Manager Jim Hart, Tennessee Corrections Institute Executive Director Will Wall and new Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis discuss the school on this episode of In Touch with Tennessee.
Center for Industrial Services Program Manager Beth Phillips discusses the agency's manufacturing resiliency initiative. Through this initiative, UT CIS is connecting manufacturers and communities to resources including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the University of Tennessee EDA University Center, Tennessee Development Districts, state and regional economic development organizations (EDOs) and others to strengthen business, retain jobs and build long-term economic resiliency.
Catch up with the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership with the center's Executive Director Kim Harmon. Harmon discusses the agency's newest training offering Civility, Respect and Engagement in the Workplace (CREW).
MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge interviews Tennessee Open Records Counsel Maria Bush about the Open Records law. They discuss the law, how it works and how citizens can understand it.
Consultants with the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) and County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) worked with communities surrounding Ford's Blue Oval City development to help them plan for the growth.
In this episode, MTAS Municipal Management Consultants Chuck Downham and Ronnie Neill discuss their presentations to regional municipalities and how these cities can plan for the anticipated growth.
Donnie Ross, a training specialist, with the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC), talks about the rural law enforcement training initiative at the center. He travels across the state and nation to take the top-notch training offered by LEIC to small law enforcement departments.
MTAS Municipal and Finance Program Manager Angie Carrier discusses the Successful Connections program. Successful Connections is a joint venture with MTAS, CTAS and the Tennessee Comptroller's office. It brings together city, county and utility officials to discuss issues that are keeping them up at night.
Jennifer Tourville, executive director of the Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee (SMART), talks about the mission of the organization and becoming an initiative under the UT Institute for Public Service. She discusses the vision of SMART becoming a resource for the state's local governments, industries and law enforcement.
smart.tennessee.edu
We interview Workforce Development Specialist Tim Waldo, who works with the UT Center for Industrial Services. Waldo discusses the Great Resignation, how it's affecting the workforce as well as the employers in Tennessee.