Leadership Tennessee names Kingsport Mayor to Class XII
Leadership Tennessee, a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, has named Kingsport Mayor Paul W. Montgomery to its 2025–2026 Signature Program Class XII.
In Leadership Tennessee’s 12th Signature Program, 13 different Tennessee counties are represented with diverse professional experience in the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors.
Over the course of 10 months, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyzing challenges that Tennessee faces, and will work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and actions addressing the most serious issues uncovered.
“The opportunity to participate in this year’s Signature Program is one I do not take lightly,” said Kingsport Mayor Paul W. Montgomery. “I’m eager to involve myself in the complex challenges Tennessee faces, and I’m honored to be part of a group that is dedicated to making a positive impact on our state.”
The group was selected by an anonymous selection committee based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity, and a strong understanding of what challenges Tennessee faces today.
“We take great pride in challenging our cohorts to think deeply and act boldly in advancing Tennessee,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “The 2025 class brings together a remarkable group of leaders, selected for their proven leadership and potential to influence the future of our state. Through this program, they gain the tools, relationships and perspective needed to drive meaningful change – and this group is sure to harness that power to make a lasting impact across Tennessee.”
Previous classes have facilitated numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, 850 Tennessee residents have become class members of the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.
The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through June 2026.