Ann Bryant Weaver is COO at ORNL

Ann Bryant Weaver has been named chief operating officer for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She began serving as ORNL’s deputy for operations and as executive vice president, operations, for UT-Battelle LLC on April 7, 2026. She succeeds Balendra Sutharshan, who has taken a role with Battelle Memorial Institute.

Weaver has established a record of leading large, complex organizations toward improved performance, reliability, efficiency and effectiveness in a 22-year career at ORNL, which is the largest of the 10 national laboratories in the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

“Ann is a proven leader who has played key roles in the development and improvement of infrastructure and operations across ORNL,” Laboratory Director Stephen Streiffer said. “Her expertise and experience will ensure the laboratory continues to provide the facilities, capabilities and support necessary for delivering scientific breakthroughs and translating them to real-world impacts.”

As COO, Weaver will be responsible for operations and support functions ranging from facilities and infrastructure to business services and information technology. She will lead development of integrated plans to ensure safety, reliability and alignment with the scientific priorities of ORNL and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Since August 2023, Weaver has served as director of the laboratory’s Facilities and Operations Directorate (F&O), leading seven divisions that ensure reliable round-the-clock operations, including laboratory protection, modernization, utilities and logistical services. She also oversaw planning and execution of the laboratory’s capital construction project portfolio.

Weaver previously served four years as COO for the laboratory’s Neutron Sciences Directorate, providing senior operations leadership for two of DOE’s signature user facilities, the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Spallation Neutron Source, and led the laboratory’s Facilities Management Division for seven years, providing programmatic direction for operation and maintenance of some 500 facilities.

Weaver has been active in community activities throughout her career, including serving as a board member and volunteer for Clinch River Habitat for Humanity and consistent leadership in the annual ORNL Gives campaign that raises $1 million for area nonprofits. She has been recognized with honors including the East Tennessee Economic Council’s Postma Young Professional Award.

As Ann Bryant, she graduated from Karns High School in 1999. She and her husband, Aaron, have two children.

Weaver earned a master’s in engineering management and a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and she has served on UT’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Board of Advisors since 2018.

ORNL provided information and quotes for this report. The photo is courtesy of Carlos Jones/ ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Jesse Feld to lead Knoxville Jewish Alliance

Jesse Feld

Jesse Feld is the new CEO of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance effective June 1, 2026.

Feld, a Memphis native, graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While here, he worked at KJA.

Judith Rosenberg, KJA president, made the announcement.

“Jesse has built a career in Jewish communal work across different organizations and communities, developing a skill set that I’m overjoyed will now be benefitting Knoxville. I’m inspired by the possibilities for the KJA and our entire community with Jesse in this position, Rosenberg said.

The search committee was co-chaired by Jeff Becker and Bernie Rosenblatt.

Feld wrote to the members, expressing excitement about his new post. He said his wife and two young children will be moving to Knoxville with him.

“I am fortunate to know many of you as my first role in the Jewish communal world began right here at the KJA. … I am excited about what we can build together and look forward to the journey ahead.”

CAK names Clay Carroll as chief operating officer

Clay Carroll

Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) announces the appointment of Clay Carroll, Ph.D., MBA, as chief operating officer, effective May 4, 2026.

Carroll joins CAK from the University of Tennessee’s College of Communication and Information, where he serves as assistant dean for finance, administration and operations. He oversaw the college’s $50 million operating budget and led finance, facilities, human resources and information technology functions.

Before serving as assistant dean, Carroll worked as a senior financial analyst at the University of Tennessee, where he helped design and implement the university’s Responsibility Center Management (RCM) budget model and managed large scale financial forecasting. He also brings experience in athletics administration and the private sector, where he developed strong skills in team leadership, operations management and process improvement.

“Clay brings a unique combination of operational expertise and mission-minded leadership,” said Head of School Rich Fulford. “We look forward to the impact he will make as we continue to strengthen and grow CAK.”

Carroll also serves as a captain in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He earned a doctorate from the University of Tennessee, an MBA from Mercer University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.

He and his wife, Dana, a native of Anderson County, live in the Concord area with their three children. The family attends Shoreline Church.

As chief operating officer, Carroll will lead CAK’s operational areas, including finance, facilities, admissions, information technology and human resources, helping ensure the school continues to serve students and families with excellence.

Notes & Quotes

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will address the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) on Thursday, April 30, for the 2026 Future Forward Summit at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Sessions will explore education-to-career work. Other speakers will include SCORE founder and former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist M.D. and Dr. Agenia Clark, president, Fisk University.

ProPublica has released a massive new investigation breaking down how federal guardrails that previously secured elections have been dismantled. The report is 4,700+ words, and no, I didn’t read it. But Joyce Vance did and you can find her analysis here.

Quote: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb

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