Category: Uncategorized

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 14, 2025.

Ben Spina, executive vice president at Hickory Construction, Inc., has been selected to be a member of a senior executive peer advisory board in Knoxville by Vistage Worldwide, Inc. He joins over 375 senior executives, business owners, and CEOs across the state of Tennessee who are Vistage members. Spina has 16 years of engineering leadership in submarine maintenance and modernization, along with seven years in light commercial development. His background in coordinating large technical teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering mission-critical work translates directly to the demands of custom residential and commercial construction.

Board Master Chair Kurt Greene said, “We are so pleased to welcome Ben to this group. My mission as a Vistage Chair is to help business leaders go from good to great and stay there, and Ben brings a unique and important perspective. The senior executive’s job is everchanging, so the value of bringing successful decision makers together like we do is immeasurable.” Greene is Chair of the two Vistage advisory boards in the greater Knoxville area.

Vistage members meet monthly with peers from local non-competing businesses to help one another improve their companies and themselves. Membership is by invitation only and requires a nomination and a selection process.

UT Federal Credit Union CEO Kenyon Warren announced key appointments to the credit union’s leadership team, naming dedicated professionals who will drive the organization’s member-first mission.

“We are in the midst of a purposeful and positive transformation at UT Federal Credit Union. Every step we take is guided by a clear strategy to improve lives—delivering greater value for our employees, members, and communities. What inspires me the most is our team’s incredible dedication, can-do attitude, and heart. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,” says Warren.

Key senior staff appointments include:

Promotions:

Ron Arms, Assistant Vice President, Director of Loss Mitigation

Elizabeth DeBusk, Assistant Vice President, Director of Lending Systems & Risk Management

Jennifer Shepherd, Assistant Vice President, Director of Indirect Lending

Anne Hewitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer

Michael Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Information Officer

New Staff Appointment:

Heath Dawson, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer (CLO)

Ron Arms, Assistant Vice President, Director of Loss Mitigation
With over two decades of experience in credit union lending services and seven years at UTFCU, Ron Arms’ leadership is marked by strong team development, exceptional service, and a commitment to helping members through financial challenges.

Elizabeth DeBusk, Assistant Vice President, Director of Lending Systems & Risk Management
Elizabeth DeBusk has developed her career at UTFCU for 24 years. With experience in operations throughout the credit union, DeBusk brings a unique, holistic perspective to her consumer and indirect lending roles.

Jennifer Shepherd, Assistant Vice President, Director of Indirect Lending
Jennifer Shepherd has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and six years at UTFCU. Her extensive background in loans, leadership, and branch operations positions her well to lead UTFCU’s growing indirect lending portfolio.

Anne Hewitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer
With nearly eight years at UTFCU, Anne Hewitt has demonstrated exceptional operations and sales management leadership. She is known for her ability to streamline processes, foster high-performing teams, and drive year-over-year growth.

Michael Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Information Officer
Michael Jones joined UTFCU eight months ago and quickly became a driving force in risk, compliance, and governance. With a talent for creative problem-solving, Jones brings a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic thinking.

Heath Dawson, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer (CLO)
UTFCU welcomes Heath Dawson as its new Chief Lending Officer. With 25 years of experience in financial services and executive management, Dawson deeply understands consumer and business lending, mortgage, and retail banking. His strategic leadership and results-driven approach will be instrumental in advancing UTFCU’s lending strategies.

These strategic appointments reflect UT Federal Credit Union’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and member service. These leaders bring a unique blend of experience, vision, and dedication that will help drive the credit union forward. As UTFCU grows, these individuals will play a vital role in shaping the organization’s future and ensuring we remain a trusted financial partner for our members and community.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 7, 2025.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 226th installment visiting with Gail Van Hoozier, board member for Special Opps, Inc. – Special Growers, Special Services & The Art Studio at Special Growers. Its mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through inclusive job training and employment, fostering confidence, independence, and success beyond high school.

Explain more about what Special Opps does. Special Growers harvest, prep and volunteers deliver herbs and flowers grown at the Garden. Special Services offer different job opportunities outside the garden such as laundry service for Blackberry Farm, landscape maintenance at Tyson McGee Airport, and other venues. The Art Studio at Special Growers creates original pieces that are sold in area specialty shops in Maryville and Knoxville.

How did all this begin? In 2010, a few parents of young adults with disabilities were hit with a question, “What’s next for my child after high school graduation?” Unfortunately, the answer was, “there really isn’t much.”

Special Growers was launched to provide a work opportunity for their children and other adults with disabilities. With the support of many community partners and individuals, a safe and inclusive work environment has been developed for our staff with disabilities to learn job skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future careers.

Today, Special Growers employs 45 year-round staff with disabilities, 2 garden managers, 1 art director, and 14 dedicated volunteers. With these talented team members, we work hard to harvest, prep, and deliver fresh herbs and fresh cut flowers to local restaurants in Maryville and Knoxville.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for June 30, 2025.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for June 23, 2025.

Be sure to get plugged in to chamber and community events.

Review chamber events and calendar.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for June 16, 2025.