Leadership is not always measured by a title or an award. Sometimes its greatest impact is found in the work that continues after someone is gone.
This week, we remember a former Knox County commissioner whose dedication to a cleaner community left a lasting legacy. We also recognize Knoxville business owners, healthcare executives and arts organizations whose work is making a difference across East Tennessee.
Carson Dailey leaves a lasting legacy of service
Former Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey is being remembered for his dedication to public service, environmental stewardship and the community he loved.
In its November newsletter, Keep Knoxville Beautiful paid tribute to Dailey, recognizing his years of advocacy and hands-on commitment to improving Knox County.
During his service on the Knox County Commission, Dailey advocated for funding that allowed Keep Knoxville Beautiful to expand litter cleanups and educational programs.
He was instrumental in securing funding for the organization’s truck, making it easier to transport cleanup supplies and support volunteers throughout the county.
But Dailey did more than advocate for projects from his position in government.
He organized two Adopt-A-Road groups, regularly volunteered at South Knoxville community cleanups and worked to remove illegally placed signs.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful recalled that as Dailey’s health declined and he became less able to remove the signs himself, staff members enjoyed sending him photographs of signs they had removed on his behalf.
The organization said it will continue that tradition in his memory.
His dedication earned the Felicia Award at the 2022 Orchids Beautification Awards and the Keep Tennessee Beautiful Leader Against Litter Award in 2025.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful extended condolences to his wife, Tammy, and their family.
Dailey’s legacy is reflected not only in his public service but also in the volunteers, resources and community improvements he helped bring together.
Volunteers carry the mission forward
Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s October accomplishments demonstrate the continuing impact of community involvement.
The organization reported 49 cleanups involving 1,083 volunteers, with 9,390 pounds of litter removed from 70 miles of roadsides and public spaces.
Its educational programs reached 1,113 people.
The next Saturday Spruce Up is scheduled for November 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the West Depot Avenue area. Learn more about Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
Ripley PR earns Southeast Agency of the Year recognition
A Knoxville-based public relations agency has earned another regional distinction.
Ripley PR, founded and led by Heather Ripley, has been named the 2026-27 PR Agency of the Year in the Southeast United States by the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards.
It marks the third time the agency has received the recognition.
The awards recognize small and midsize businesses for excellence in client service, innovation, ethical business practices and consistent performance.
Ripley PR specializes in public relations for the skilled trades, franchising, manufacturing and business-to-business technology industries.
Its clients include companies in heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical services and other contractor-related fields.
Building a specialized reputation
Rather than serving every industry, Ripley PR has developed expertise in businesses that often operate outside mainstream consumer marketing.
That specialization has helped the agency build relationships with business owners, franchise organizations and manufacturers.
“Winning this award says a lot about the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the work our team puts in every day,” Ripley said.
The agency’s recognition extends beyond the Prestige Awards.
Ripley PR also earned its ninth consecutive appearance on Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Franchise Suppliers list in the public relations category and received a silver award for Outstanding PR Campaign in the 2026 TITAN American Business Awards.
For Ripley, the recognition reflects the importance of maintaining client trust while helping businesses communicate their stories. Learn more about Ripley PR.
Two Covenant Health executives receive national recognition
Two Covenant Health leaders have been named to Becker’s Healthcare’s 2026 list of Health IT and Revenue Cycle Up-and-Comers.
Tiffany Cross, senior vice president and chief information officer, and Robert Boos, senior vice president of revenue cycle, were recognized for their contributions to healthcare innovation and organizational improvement.
The annual list, published by Becker’s Hospital Review, recognizes emerging leaders helping shape the future of healthcare.
Tiffany Cross: Improving care through technology
Cross has served Covenant Health for nearly three decades and was appointed senior vice president and chief information officer in February 2026.
Her work includes advancing digital health technology and improving access to care through online scheduling, virtual services and the organization’s eCare platform.
She also has helped implement technology designed to support caregivers and improve efficiency.
As chief information officer, Cross oversees information technology operations, informatics and technology strategy throughout the health system.
Robert Boos: Strengthening the patient financial experience
Boos joined Covenant Health in March 2026.
His responsibilities include patient access, health information management, coding, patient accounting, financial analytics and revenue cycle operations.
His work focuses on improving financial processes while keeping patients’ experiences central to the organization’s operations.
Joe Dolan, Covenant Health’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, praised both leaders for their expertise and commitment to service.
“Their work helps strengthen our organization, support our caregivers and improve the experience of the patients and communities we serve,” Dolan said.
Their recognition demonstrates that healthcare leadership extends beyond direct patient care. Technology, financial systems and organizational operations all contribute to how effectively a hospital serves its community.
See Becker’s Healthcare’s list of honorees.
Arts & Culture Alliance celebrates a year of investment and collaboration
Leadership in the arts often means creating opportunities for other people to succeed.
The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville recently released its fiscal 2026 annual report, highlighting partnerships, grants and projects supporting the region’s creative community.
Among the year’s accomplishments was a partnership with the University of Tennessee Medical Center that established a hospital gallery space featuring exhibitions by 44 member artists.
The Bailey Opportunity Grant program provided support to 24 individual artists and three emerging arts and culture organizations.
The alliance also coordinated Make Music Day on June 21, bringing musicians and residents together for performances and activities across Knoxville.
Looking ahead to the Furnace
One of the organization’s most ambitious projects is the Furnace, an immersive theater of light being developed beneath the Jackson Avenue ramp.
According to the annual report, construction reached 75% completion during fiscal 2026, with an opening anticipated in 2027.
The alliance serves artists and arts organizations across 11 counties through funding, exhibition opportunities, professional development and advocacy.
It reports directing more than $10 million to local artists and organizations since 2011.
These investments illustrate how arts leadership can support individual careers while contributing to the cultural and economic life of the community.
Learn more about the Arts & Culture Alliance.
East Knoxville business owner celebrates two awards
Heike Reagan, owner of Volunteer Balloons, is celebrating two recognitions for her East Knoxville business.
Volunteer Balloons was named a 2026 Best of Tennessee regional winner for Knoxville in the Other Event Entertainment Services category. The company also received the 2026 Knoxville City Votes Platinum Award.
Reagan founded the business in 2015 and has built it around custom event décor, balloon installations and services for corporate events, schools, nonprofit organizations and families.
Operating primarily through advance orders and appointments, the business serves customers throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee.
The Knoxville Chamber also highlighted the company’s achievements.
Reagan described the recognition as especially meaningful after more than a decade of building relationships with customers and community organizations.
For small-business owners, leadership frequently means handling everything from customer relationships and creative work to business operations and long-term planning.
Reagan’s recognition reflects the persistence required to build and sustain a local business. Read the Knoxville Chamber’s announcement. Visit Volunteer Balloons.
Daily Connections — Thursday, November 5
Today’s Motivation: Leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish but also by the opportunities we create for others.
Today in History: On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony voted in the presidential election in Rochester, New York, despite laws denying women the right to vote. Her action became a landmark moment in the women’s suffrage movement.
Tennessee Trivia: Tennessee earned the nickname the Volunteer State through its citizens’ reputation for answering calls to military service, particularly during the War of 1812.
Today’s Smile: Why did the leader bring a ladder to the meeting? Because everyone kept talking about reaching new heights!
Local Events and Opportunities
Knox SOUP tonight: Thursday, Nov. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, 620 State St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; presentations begin at 6 p.m. A $5 suggested donation includes dinner and a vote for a community project. Details.
Career fair Friday: ONE Tennessee Career Fair, Nov. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at 2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 100. Bring your résumé and identification.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful waste audit — November 13
Volunteers are invited to help sort recyclable materials and collect data at the Smurfit WestRock Recycling Center from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Saturday Spruce Up — November 14
Keep Knoxville Beautiful will organize a litter cleanup around West Depot Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteer with Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
Stock Market: Follow business and market developments at Yahoo Finance.
865 Puzzles: Enjoy puzzles and other features at KnoxTNToday.
Let’s keep talking
Do you know a business owner, nonprofit director, volunteer or community leader making a difference in East Tennessee?
Share your suggestions for a future Let’s Talk: Leaders column at news@knoxtntoday.com.
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