Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Great work comes from being surrounded and supported by great people. Our Board Members are some of those people.
Meet Our Board
Director of Financial Planning Services, PYA Waltman Capital, LLC
Director of Financial Planning Services, PYA Waltman Capital, LLC
Melissa joined the board in 2019. Melissa is the Director of Financial Planning Services at PYA Waltman Capital, LLC. Her focus each day is to help the firm’s clients live more fulfilling lives with increased peace of mind surrounding their finances. Melissa earned her Business Administration degree from Queens University of Charlotte and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She was born and raised in Knoxville where she currently lives with her husband and daughter. She has served as a volunteer with Harmony’s Equine Therapy program since 2017. She was drawn in by Harmony’s targeted and impactful programs that help the most vulnerable in our community.
Director of Financial Planning Services, PYA Waltman Capital, LLC
Director of Financial Planning Services, PYA Waltman Capital, LLC
Melissa joined the board in 2019. Melissa is the Director of Financial Planning Services at PYA Waltman Capital, LLC. Her focus each day is to help the firm’s clients live more fulfilling lives with increased peace of mind surrounding their finances. Melissa earned her Business Administration degree from Queens University of Charlotte and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She was born and raised in Knoxville where she currently lives with her husband and daughter. She has served as a volunteer with Harmony’s Equine Therapy program since 2017. She was drawn in by Harmony’s targeted and impactful programs that help the most vulnerable in our community.
CEO/Founder, URise Consulting, LLC
CEO/Founder, URise Consulting, LLC
Sue Wilburn, the CEO and Founder of URise Consulting, LLC, brings over twenty-five years of extensive expertise in Human Resources and Organizational Development to the table. Her journey, spanning various roles from Vice President to consultant, reflects her dedication to empowering organizations, leaders, and individuals. Sue has long had a passion for advocating for children, their families, and the community they live in, a commitment evident in her involvement in state-level committees addressing workplace development, diversity, inclusion, family-centered care, and accessibility within pediatric hospitals. Sue, with proud Appalachian roots, says serving on Harmony’s Board was a natural place for her to serve her time and talents due to its important mission of creating opportunities for healing and growth so all may live their best lives.
A proud achievement for Sue was spearheading the introduction of Project Search, a non-profit initiative focused on providing education and employment training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As one of the pioneering employers to embrace this program in Tennessee, she has significantly contributed to fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering individuals with diverse abilities.
Sue is a graduate of The Ohio State University and has called Knoxville home since 2009, where she continues to make a positive impact on both professional and community fronts.
CEO/Founder, URise Consulting, LLC
CEO/Founder, URise Consulting, LLC
Sue Wilburn, the CEO and Founder of URise Consulting, LLC, brings over twenty-five years of extensive expertise in Human Resources and Organizational Development to the table. Her journey, spanning various roles from Vice President to consultant, reflects her dedication to empowering organizations, leaders, and individuals. Sue has long had a passion for advocating for children, their families, and the community they live in, a commitment evident in her involvement in state-level committees addressing workplace development, diversity, inclusion, family-centered care, and accessibility within pediatric hospitals. Sue, with proud Appalachian roots, says serving on Harmony’s Board was a natural place for her to serve her time and talents due to its important mission of creating opportunities for healing and growth so all may live their best lives.
A proud achievement for Sue was spearheading the introduction of Project Search, a non-profit initiative focused on providing education and employment training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As one of the pioneering employers to embrace this program in Tennessee, she has significantly contributed to fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering individuals with diverse abilities.
Sue is a graduate of The Ohio State University and has called Knoxville home since 2009, where she continues to make a positive impact on both professional and community fronts.
Vice President, Blount Partnership
Vice President, Blount Partnership
Tammi Ford serves as the Vice President of the Blount Partnership, a role she stepped up to in May 2011. Prior to that, Ford was the Executive Vice President of Communications from 1998-2011. She began her career as the Chamber’s Communications Director in 1990. Ford currently works with membership retention and recruitment while overseeing the operating budget of the Chamber. A 1998 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tusculum College with a degree in organization management, Ford graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Georgia in 1997. She is also a member of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and part of the Leadership Blount class of 2003. In addition, Ford is a current board member for the United Way of Blount County. She is also a past board member of the Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center, Kingdom Design Ministries and past president of the Knoxville Regional Celiac Support Group. An active community volunteer, she has dedicated her time to assisting the United Way of Blount County by participating in Loaned Executive, Day of Chairing Chair, Pacesetters Campaign, Allocations Panel and the Marketing Committee. She is also a Tennessee Achieves mentor and a member of the East Tennessee Regional Leadership Class of 2017. Tammi has one son, Cole.
Vice President, Blount Partnership
Vice President, Blount Partnership
Tammi Ford serves as the Vice President of the Blount Partnership, a role she stepped up to in May 2011. Prior to that, Ford was the Executive Vice President of Communications from 1998-2011. She began her career as the Chamber’s Communications Director in 1990. Ford currently works with membership retention and recruitment while overseeing the operating budget of the Chamber. A 1998 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tusculum College with a degree in organization management, Ford graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Georgia in 1997. She is also a member of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and part of the Leadership Blount class of 2003. In addition, Ford is a current board member for the United Way of Blount County. She is also a past board member of the Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center, Kingdom Design Ministries and past president of the Knoxville Regional Celiac Support Group. An active community volunteer, she has dedicated her time to assisting the United Way of Blount County by participating in Loaned Executive, Day of Chairing Chair, Pacesetters Campaign, Allocations Panel and the Marketing Committee. She is also a Tennessee Achieves mentor and a member of the East Tennessee Regional Leadership Class of 2017. Tammi has one son, Cole.
Executive Director of Muse Knoxville
Executive Director of Muse Knoxville
Allison Comer is the Executive Director of Muse Knoxville, a nonprofit children’s STEAM museum in East Knoxville. With a background in visual arts and expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion, she is the youngest CEO/Executive Director among Tennessee science centers.
Allison holds K-12 visual art teaching licenses in Tennessee and Colorado, and has obtained certificates on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Nonprofit Executive Leadership. She chairs the Tennessee Science Alliance and is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers. She is the President of the East Knoxville Business and Professional Association and is active on many boards. Allison is dedicated to making play accessible to all families.
Executive Director of Muse Knoxville
Executive Director of Muse Knoxville
Allison Comer is the Executive Director of Muse Knoxville, a nonprofit children’s STEAM museum in East Knoxville. With a background in visual arts and expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion, she is the youngest CEO/Executive Director among Tennessee science centers.
Allison holds K-12 visual art teaching licenses in Tennessee and Colorado, and has obtained certificates on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Nonprofit Executive Leadership. She chairs the Tennessee Science Alliance and is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers. She is the President of the East Knoxville Business and Professional Association and is active on many boards. Allison is dedicated to making play accessible to all families.
Realtor
Realtor
Ann Drake is a top producing realtor in the greater Knoxville area. Through hard work and results, Ann has earned the distinction of being recognized as one of Realty Executives elite Double Diamond realtors. Ann’s certifications include Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) , Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), and she is a Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI.). Ann has also earned the distinction of being a Guild member of the Institute for Luxury Marketing. Ann is extremely passionate about her real estate career and enjoys helping buyers and sellers in all price ranges.
Ann is committed to involvement in, and giving back to, the community. She volunteers countless hours and provides resources to several non profit boards and organizations. Ann is a member of the Leadership Blount Class of 2019 and has been recognized as Ambassador of the Year for the Blount Chamber of Commerce.
Ann has called East Tennessee home all her life. Ann and her husband, Bill, live in Maryville, TN. They have twins–Madison and Taylor who both now reside in Nashville, TN.
Realtor
Realtor
Ann Drake is a top producing realtor in the greater Knoxville area. Through hard work and results, Ann has earned the distinction of being recognized as one of Realty Executives elite Double Diamond realtors. Ann’s certifications include Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) , Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), and she is a Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI.). Ann has also earned the distinction of being a Guild member of the Institute for Luxury Marketing. Ann is extremely passionate about her real estate career and enjoys helping buyers and sellers in all price ranges.
Ann is committed to involvement in, and giving back to, the community. She volunteers countless hours and provides resources to several non profit boards and organizations. Ann is a member of the Leadership Blount Class of 2019 and has been recognized as Ambassador of the Year for the Blount Chamber of Commerce.
Ann has called East Tennessee home all her life. Ann and her husband, Bill, live in Maryville, TN. They have twins–Madison and Taylor who both now reside in Nashville, TN.
CEO, PMG Benefits Consulting
CEO, PMG Benefits Consulting
Debbie began her insurance career over 25 years ago working for Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company, marketing health and life insurance products to property & casualty brokers. She also represented Safeco, establishing payroll deduction arrangements for hospital employees, allowing them to access coverage for their homes and automobiles at more affordable rates.
The next phase of Debbie’s career was spent working as the Manager of PPO Operations for a large regional insurance carrier. After several years in this position, Debbie was promoted to Director of Third-Party Administrative Services where she provided marketing administrative services to large area employers. Debbie coordinated plan implementation, including enrollments, plan-building, system set-up, plan document preparation and claims processing. This invaluable experience now allows Debbie to provide our clients with a unique, ‘inside-out” perspective of employee benefits. When a plan problem arises, she can quickly ascertain the appropriate solution, saving clients valuable time and money.
Debbie has served on both the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and John Deere Health Broker Advisory Boards. She has also been recognized numerous times as a top broker in East Tennessee by several insurance carriers.
CEO, PMG Benefits Consulting
CEO, PMG Benefits Consulting
Debbie began her insurance career over 25 years ago working for Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company, marketing health and life insurance products to property & casualty brokers. She also represented Safeco, establishing payroll deduction arrangements for hospital employees, allowing them to access coverage for their homes and automobiles at more affordable rates.
The next phase of Debbie’s career was spent working as the Manager of PPO Operations for a large regional insurance carrier. After several years in this position, Debbie was promoted to Director of Third-Party Administrative Services where she provided marketing administrative services to large area employers. Debbie coordinated plan implementation, including enrollments, plan-building, system set-up, plan document preparation and claims processing. This invaluable experience now allows Debbie to provide our clients with a unique, ‘inside-out” perspective of employee benefits. When a plan problem arises, she can quickly ascertain the appropriate solution, saving clients valuable time and money.
Debbie has served on both the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and John Deere Health Broker Advisory Boards. She has also been recognized numerous times as a top broker in East Tennessee by several insurance carriers.
Bush Brothers & Company
Bush Brothers & Company
Emily leads consumer research for Bush Brothers & Company, reflecting a career-long interest in how culture and experience guide human behavior. She was drawn to Harmony Family Center because her son Thomas is adopted, and she is interested in helping other adoptive and foster families have a positive and impactful experience. She lives in Knoxville with her husband Rich and their two sons. Emily received her Master’s in Marketing Research from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Bush Brothers & Company
Bush Brothers & Company
Emily leads consumer research for Bush Brothers & Company, reflecting a career-long interest in how culture and experience guide human behavior. She was drawn to Harmony Family Center because her son Thomas is adopted, and she is interested in helping other adoptive and foster families have a positive and impactful experience. She lives in Knoxville with her husband Rich and their two sons. Emily received her Master’s in Marketing Research from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Principal, KNS Consulting, LLC, Richmond, VA
Principal, KNS Consulting, LLC, Richmond, VA
We are pleased to have had Kathy on the Board since 2009. Kathy retired from the international law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP after thirty-three years in management and human resources roles. She now consults with law firms and private services firms in the areas of disaster preparedness, business continuity and risk management and is a frequent speaker on these topics. Kathy holds a master’s degree in Business. Her past board experience includes the Board of Directors of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), Trustee of the Foundation of ALA, Chair of the International Relations Committee of ALA, the Knoxville YMCA, and the Old Dominion Chapter of the Association of Continuity Professionals. Kathy shares her experience in human resources, leadership roles in the community, and her commitment to support Harmony’s mission. As an adoptive parent of two children (now adults), Kathy became involved with Harmony through participating in the Adoption Tour, a 433.9-mile bicycle ride across the state to advocate adoption.
Principal, KNS Consulting, LLC, Richmond, VA
Principal, KNS Consulting, LLC, Richmond, VA
We are pleased to have had Kathy on the Board since 2009. Kathy retired from the international law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP after thirty-three years in management and human resources roles. She now consults with law firms and private services firms in the areas of disaster preparedness, business continuity and risk management and is a frequent speaker on these topics. Kathy holds a master’s degree in Business. Her past board experience includes the Board of Directors of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), Trustee of the Foundation of ALA, Chair of the International Relations Committee of ALA, the Knoxville YMCA, and the Old Dominion Chapter of the Association of Continuity Professionals. Kathy shares her experience in human resources, leadership roles in the community, and her commitment to support Harmony’s mission. As an adoptive parent of two children (now adults), Kathy became involved with Harmony through participating in the Adoption Tour, a 433.9-mile bicycle ride across the state to advocate adoption.
Morning Show Co-Host, STAR 102.1
Morning Show Co-Host, STAR 102.1
Kim Hansard Davis is an adoptive mom and devoted community member with a wealth of marketing and management experience. During her 34-year media career, she has served in a variety of positions across radio and television platforms, including creative, production, and executive roles. She is currently a Morning Show Co-Host on The Marc & Kim Show, STAR 102.1. She lives in Knoxville with her husband, Ralph, son, Eli, and pets, Mabel and Lacie. She is a 7-year Breast Cancer Survivor and serves as Vice President of the Knox County Schools Teacher Supply Depot.
Morning Show Co-Host, STAR 102.1
Morning Show Co-Host, STAR 102.1
Kim Hansard Davis is an adoptive mom and devoted community member with a wealth of marketing and management experience. During her 34-year media career, she has served in a variety of positions across radio and television platforms, including creative, production, and executive roles. She is currently a Morning Show Co-Host on The Marc & Kim Show, STAR 102.1. She lives in Knoxville with her husband, Ralph, son, Eli, and pets, Mabel and Lacie. She is a 7-year Breast Cancer Survivor and serves as Vice President of the Knox County Schools Teacher Supply Depot.
President, Pellissippi State Community College
President, Pellissippi State Community College
Anthony Wise has been president of Pellissippi State Community College since 2011, overseeing the College’s participation in KnoxAchieves, tnAchieves and now Tennessee Promise and Reconnect. When he was a faculty member, Wise was instrumental in the development of the College’s Foundations of Excellence initiative, which outlined strategies for student success. Today, he continues to encourage student engagement through high-impact practices like service-learning, study abroad and experiential learning. Wise earned a Ph.D. in history in 1997 from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in United States history in 1993 from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s degree in history and business economics in 1990 from Wofford College. He is a graduate of Leadership Blount, Leadership Knoxville, East Tennessee Regional Leadership, and Leadership Tennessee.
President, Pellissippi State Community College
President, Pellissippi State Community College
Anthony Wise has been president of Pellissippi State Community College since 2011, overseeing the College’s participation in KnoxAchieves, tnAchieves and now Tennessee Promise and Reconnect. When he was a faculty member, Wise was instrumental in the development of the College’s Foundations of Excellence initiative, which outlined strategies for student success. Today, he continues to encourage student engagement through high-impact practices like service-learning, study abroad and experiential learning. Wise earned a Ph.D. in history in 1997 from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in United States history in 1993 from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s degree in history and business economics in 1990 from Wofford College. He is a graduate of Leadership Blount, Leadership Knoxville, East Tennessee Regional Leadership, and Leadership Tennessee.
Audit Manager, PYA, P.C.
Audit Manager, PYA, P.C.
Laura is an Audit Manager at PYA, P.C. She specializes in financial institution services. She primarily performs regulatory compliance services, including Bank Secrecy Act, internal audit outsourcing, loan reviews, and internal control testing for financial institutions. She also assists with financial statement audits for financial institutions. Laura earned her accounting degree from Carson Newman University. She is originally from Morristown, TN but has called Knoxville her home since 2015. She lives with her husband, Daniel and their son and daughter. She is currently on the Board of Governors for the East Tennessee Chapter Institute for Internal Auditors and previously served as the Treasurer and President.
Audit Manager, PYA, P.C.
Audit Manager, PYA, P.C.
Laura is an Audit Manager at PYA, P.C. She specializes in financial institution services. She primarily performs regulatory compliance services, including Bank Secrecy Act, internal audit outsourcing, loan reviews, and internal control testing for financial institutions. She also assists with financial statement audits for financial institutions. Laura earned her accounting degree from Carson Newman University. She is originally from Morristown, TN but has called Knoxville her home since 2015. She lives with her husband, Daniel and their son and daughter. She is currently on the Board of Governors for the East Tennessee Chapter Institute for Internal Auditors and previously served as the Treasurer and President.
CEO, Harmony Family Center
CEO, Harmony Family Center
Nicole Coning, Chief Executive Officer, has over 27 years of experience in the child welfare field with specialization in pre and post adoption support, family preparation for prospective foster and adoptive caregivers, and program development and organizational leadership. Nicole is a member of Harmony’s Executive Team and Board of Directors; she has been with the agency since 2008. She transitioned to her most recent role after serving as Harmony’s Chief Operations Officer. From 2015 – 2021, Nicole provided leadership as Tennessee’s Site Implementation Manager for the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption and Guardianship Support (QIC-AG), a federally funded cooperative agreement sponsored by the Children’s Bureau. It is Nicole’s privilege to provide leadership and support to Harmony’s 100+ staff who provide excellent, innovative services statewide so all may live their best lives.
CEO, Harmony Family Center
CEO, Harmony Family Center
Nicole Coning, Chief Executive Officer, has over 27 years of experience in the child welfare field with specialization in pre and post adoption support, family preparation for prospective foster and adoptive caregivers, and program development and organizational leadership. Nicole is a member of Harmony’s Executive Team and Board of Directors; she has been with the agency since 2008. She transitioned to her most recent role after serving as Harmony’s Chief Operations Officer. From 2015 – 2021, Nicole provided leadership as Tennessee’s Site Implementation Manager for the Quality Improvement Center for Adoption and Guardianship Support (QIC-AG), a federally funded cooperative agreement sponsored by the Children’s Bureau. It is Nicole’s privilege to provide leadership and support to Harmony’s 100+ staff who provide excellent, innovative services statewide so all may live their best lives.
