Lawrence County Resident Selected To Gain a Deeper Understanding of Tennessee’s Most Pressing Issues
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 11, 2025) – Today, Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, has named Ben Barnett to the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program.
A total of 31 individuals were chosen for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 11 Tennessee counties. The class brings diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.
The cohort is Tennessee’s only statewide leadership program focusing on existing and emerging leaders and spanning geographic and industry boundaries.
“Each time we welcome a new Leadership Tennessee NEXT class, I am reminded of the incredible impact these emerging leaders have within their own organizations and the collective power they bring as a group to addressing statewide issues,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “Each group brings new energy, bold ideas and a commitment to shaping a better future for Tennessee.”
“I’ve always believed in the power of strong leadership, and Leadership Tennessee NEXT is an incredible opportunity to bring that to our community and state,” said Ben Barnett, Director of Economic Development for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an honor to be part of such a passionate group of leaders dedicated to building a brighter future for Tennessee.”
Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.
Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 850 Tennessee residents have become class members of both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization’s Signature Program. The cohort’s work will begin in August 2025 and run through November 2025, and the class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Tri-Cities and Paris, Tenn.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP TENNESSEE
Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to effectively address those issues.
