TennTalks from the Ayers Foundation Trust

Is Tennessee quietly becoming a major powerhouse for healthcare development? According to the educators and professionals driving the state's medical workforce training, a massive resurgence in the skilled clinical trades is happening right under our noses. In this episode of TennTalks, we explore the explosive growth of practical nursing across the region, from the high-fidelity simulation labs o...

Tennessee is quietly positioning itself as a major powerhouse for infrastructure development, with the state's economic future hanging from utility crossarms forty feet in the air. In this episode of TennTalks, we are scaling the heights of one of the state's most rugged and vital skilled trades: linemancy. Forget the old misconception that technical career paths require a desk and a computer scre...

Is Tennessee quietly becoming the next major powerhouse for technical innovation? According to the visionaries driving the state's workforce training, a massive digital shift is happening right under our noses. In this episode of TennTalks, we explore the explosive growth of information networks and machine learning across the region, from urban campus pathways down to local blue-collar business s...

Is the future of global energy being built in rural Tennessee? According to Governor Bill Lee and the leaders at the forefront of the industry, the answer is a resounding yes.   In this episode of TennTalks, we're diving deep into the "Nuclear Renaissance," a massive economic and technological shift that is positioning Tennessee as a world leader in clean energy. But here's the twist: this isn't j...

This week on TennTalks, Jesse sits down with Patty Woodby, the first female mayor of Carter County, to discuss her journey from rural Tennessee to a position of leadership. Tune in to hear Patty's inspiring story of resilience, her dedication to public service, and how she's working to break down barriers for future generations. From spearheading initiatives for clean drinking water to creating ed...

This week on TennTalks, Jesse welcomes Brandon Gibson, Tennessee's Chief Operating Officer, to discuss the vital work behind the scenes that keeps the state running smoothly. Brandon dives into her journey from rural Tennessee to a pivotal role in government, sharing how her unique perspective as a rural advocate and collaborator has shaped her approach to leadership. Discover how Tennessee's COO...

This week on TennTalks, Jesse sits down with Mark Ezell, Tennessee's Commissioner of Tourist Development, to explore the role of tourism in transforming rural communities across the state. Tune in to hear Mark's insights on how local attractions and innovative strategies can boost economic growth and provide new opportunities for Tennesseans. Discover how tourism not only supports local businesses...

This week on TennTalks, Jesse Turner is joined by Justice Sarah Campbell of the Tennessee Supreme Court.  In this insightful episode, Sarah shares her journey from a small rural community in East Tennessee to her role on the state's highest court. Together, they dive into the challenges facing rural Tennesseans, the transformative power of education, and how technology is reshaping access to justi...

This week on  TennTalks , Jesse welcomes State Representative Mark White to discuss all things Tennessee. Tune in to hear Mark's thoughts on the pressing issues impacting Tennesseans, both in our schools and across the state. Discover what he thinks are the challenges we face today and his vision for the future of Tennessee.   Lets build a better future for Tennessee together! The Ayers Foundation...

This week on  TennTalks , Jesse sits down with Janet Ayers, president of the Ayers Foundation Trust, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and transformation.  Janet shares her remarkable journey from growing up in rural Tennessee to leading one of the state's most impactful nonprofits. She reflects on her early career in healthcare administration, the challenges of being a yo...