2024 Spring Recipients

Rachel Greene

Assistant State Forester
Agriculture

Rachel Greene serves as the Assistant State Forester for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Division of Forestry (TDF). Before being promoted to her current role, Rachel also served as the Director of Forest Management and the Forest Data and Analysis Unit Leader.

In her role, Rachel is responsible for the TDF’s spatial and tabular data supporting fire suppression and prevention, forest health, state forests, and tree nursery operations. Additionally, she manages ArcGIS training and governance, analytical services to partners and businesses, and the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs. Rachel employs strategic planning and change management principles as she modernizes all aspects of TDF’s data workflows and technology solutions. She is extremely passionate about improving every aspect of TDF and supporting every employee who works to protect Tennessee’s 14 million acres of forest. In 2022, Rachel’s work earned TDF a Special Achievement in GIS (Geographic Information System) Award at the Esri User Conference, an award given around the world to recognize outstanding work with GIS technology.

Rachel holds her Bachelor of Science in biology from Stetson University and Master of Science in forestry and environmental resources from North Carolina State University. 

Katie Rudder

Team Leader - Sevier County
Children's Services

Katie Rudder began her service with the Department of Children’s Service (DCS) in 2015, and she currently serves as a Team Leader in Sevier County. Throughout her years of service, Katie has been mindful of her impact on children and families and has been active in identifying ways to better serve and support her stakeholders.

Katie is well-respected in her community, and she is widely known for her professionalism and positivity despite the challenging nature of her work. She is dedicated to the safety, permanency, and well-being of the families that DCS serves, and she is also committed to the well-being, safety, and satisfaction of the employees on her team. According to Katie, “Our staff have the best ideas, but sometimes, we need to encourage them to have the confidence to share and act on them.” In 2021, she was recognized as Employee of the Year for the Smoky Mountain Region for her efforts.

Katie holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in child and family studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a lifetime resident of Sevier County, where she resides with her husband and two sons, Jack and Hank.

Kristy Kelley

Supervisor 1
Commerce and Insurance

Kristy Kelley currently serves as Supervisor 1 and as the Trackmaster of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI).

In her role at the state’s premier law enforcement training academy, Kristy embodies the values of TLETA: trust, leadership, excellence, tradition, and adaptability. She demonstrates effective leadership in and outside of the walls at TLETA, and she has earned the trust of her fellow instructors, cadets, and academy leadership. She is consistently considered one of the top instructors at TLETA, and her commitment to the mission of TLETA and the success of cadets represents the best traditions of the institution.

Before beginning her career at TLETA in 2017, Kristy served in multiple capacities within the Murfreesboro Police Department. In her roles as a patrol officer and investigator, her work included combatting human trafficking and gambling. Kristy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2002 and is trained in domestic homicide investigation, burglary investigations, and crisis intervention. She holds instructor certifications in child sexual assault, crisis intervention, domestic violence, mental illness, and emergency vehicle operations.

Charnette Blackmon

Talent Management Assistant Director
Correction

Charnette Blackmon began her career with Tennessee State Government in 2009. Since joining the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) in 2011, she has served as an Administrative Services Assistant 2, Information Systems Analyst 2, and now serves as the Talent Management Assistant Director.

Charnette makes it her mission to serve frontline staff and department supervisors. Charnette champions enterprise-wide learning by encouraging all staff to attend leadership development programs and pursue career advancement within state government. She is always willing to problem-solve within the agency. Charnette has a keen ability for sharing TDOC insights with external stakeholders, leveraging relationships, and ensuring that department interests are considered, valued, and met. She is a valued correctional professional who consistently demonstrates excellence in the workplace.

Charnette holds a degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance, from Montclair State University. She is a graduate of TDOC’s Command College as well as the Department of Human Resources (DOHR) LEAD TN Alliance 11, and the Human Resource Master Series Unlocking the Doors to HR leadership programs. Charnette is passionate about delivering excellence, and her innovation and commitment have helped create a culture within TDOC that supports continued professional growth and learning.

Gary Human

Regional Director - East Region 
Economic and Community Development

Gary Human has been the Regional Director for the East Region of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) since 2014. In the East Region’s 16-county area, Gary works with community and regional partners, focusing on existing industry expansion and new industry locations. Gary takes great pride in his work and maintains the respect and trust of his internal and external partners. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Under his leadership, the East Region team has been responsible for millions of dollars in capital investments and hundreds of new jobs.

Gary graduated from Tennessee Tech University (TTU) in 1985 with a degree in business administration and worked as an assistant manager with Wal-Mart Stores until 1990. Before joining Tennessee State Government, he worked briefly for the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) Local Workforce Development Area, overseeing the development and renovation of the Blount County American Job Center (AJC). Gary also worked for the Roane County Industrial Board, The Roane County Alliance, and County Executive Ken Yager’s office in multiple planning and development roles.

Gary currently resides in his home county, Roane, and is a member of South Harriman Baptist Church. He enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, and spending time outdoors.

Denette Kolbe

Senior Director of Assessment Logistics
Education

Denette Kolbe is the Tennessee Department of Education’s (TDOE) Senior Director of Assessment Logistics. In her role, Denette impacts the quality of data and lessens the burden of testing across Tennessee.

Having worked in school systems before joining TDOE, Denette has a deeply personal connection to the challenge of doing her work well. She is consistently proactive in producing clear, accurate, actionable guidance for employees in the field, and she is always prompt and responsive when issues arise. Denette has led the assessment team to drastically increase the number of training opportunities and information sources available for TCAP testing, which has created fewer errors in administration and greater confidence in the reliability of test scores.

Denette moved to Tennessee to attend Tennessee Tech University on a basketball scholarship. She holds a bachelor's in elementary education, a master's in administration and supervision, an Ed.S. in instructional leadership, and an Ed.D. in administration and supervision. Before joining TDOE in 2018, Denette served as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, district testing coordinator, and assistant director for 24 years in the Putnam, Warren, Overton, and White County school systems.

Andrew McDonagh

GIS Manager
Environment and Conservation

Andrew McDonagh joined the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) as a Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist in June 2020 and was promoted to his current role, GIS Manager for the Bureau of Conservation, in December 2021.

The essence of Andrew’s work is articulated as effective solutions to some of the department’s most challenging issues. Utilizing the framework of the GIS database, he is managing the gathering and reporting of information to streamline decision-making within the department, while also creating efficiency in the day-to-day operations of field staff.

Andrew is consistently seen as an asset to department leadership and field team members. He tirelessly focuses on helping anyone within TDEC who could utilize his expertise, and he regularly assists other departments and state-wide initiatives. Andrew's work in data and GIS is an essential aspect of the mission and vision of the department. He demonstrates TDEC’s value of enhancing the quality of life for Tennesseans and stewarding our natural environment.

Andrew received his Master of Science in GIS from the University of Redlands in California and his Bachelor of Science in parks, recreation, and tourism with concentrations in forestry and GIS from the University of Vermont.

Peggy Naifeh

Fiscal Director
Finance and Administration

Peggy Naifeh has served the State of Tennessee for more than 42 years and she has been in her current role, as a Fiscal Director for the Department of Finance and Administration (F&A), assigned to the Department of Agriculture (TDA), for over 15 years.

In this role, Peggy ensures that employees have the time to complete their job responsibilities. Peggy manages many aspects of Edison for TDA, and she is extremely knowledgeable about utilizing the system to help her team. Peggy carefully listens to questions and is quick to provide solutions. If she cannot solve an issue, she will not stop until she finds someone who can. She does everything within her power to make sure TDA’s customers and employees are happy with their experience without compromising any integrity.

Peggy holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also holds a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Tennessee Tech University (TTU). She shared 40 years of marriage to her late husband Eugene (Gene), also a long-time employee of Tennessee State Government with over 40 years of service. She is a loving mother to two adult children, Mark and Joy.

Grant Casselberry

Large Bank Examiner
Financial Institutions

Grant Casselberry joined the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (TDFI) in 2005 as a staff accountant in the central office. In his time with TDFI, Grant progressed through various positions before beginning his current role as a Large Bank Examiner in 2017.

Grant serves as the dedicated examiner-in-charge for the largest Tennessee-chartered state bank, regularly collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure regulatory processes provide safe and sound operations. He supports the institution’s ability to pursue economic activities for the businesses and people of this state, and he accomplishes his role with the highest level of ethics. Grant not only understands the examination process; his strengths also enable the management team to evaluate information technology (IT) and regulatory applications with far-reaching impact. Grant is mission-driven, provides a voice of reason, and acts daily in the best interests of the citizens of Tennessee.

Davida Wright

Maintenance Program Manager
General Services

Davida Wright is the Maintenance Program Manager for the Vehicle and Asset Management division of the Department of General Services (DGS). She has served with Tennessee State Government for over ten years, and before joining DGS, she also held roles within the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).

Davida's passion lies in project planning, particularly in the implementation phase. She finds great satisfaction in putting a project plan into action, coordinating resources, and handling any unforeseen issues to keep a project running smoothly. Her current goal is to continue learning and acquiring new skills, either through continuing education or on the job, to make meaningful contributions to her assignments.

Davida holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethel University. Before joining the State, she worked for the Williamson County Juvenile Court as a Youth Services Officer and SunTrust Bank as a Loan Servicer, Branch Help Line, and Support Representative. Davida is a wife to her husband, Antoine, mother to one daughter, Ahjanay, and one dog, Beau. When she’s not working, Davida enjoys traveling, church, concerts, and crafting with her Aeon laser.

Holly Smith

Public Health Office Supervisor
Health

Over her 19-year career in state service, Holly Smith has worked for the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) in several different capacities. Today, Holly serves as a Public Health Office Supervisor for TDH.

Holly always goes above and beyond to assist her patients. She serves with compassion and a friendly smile, and she demonstrates excellent customer service. Holly has shown exceptional support to Lawrence County’s Amish community, despite their unique circumstances. She writes letters to the community’s families, makes in-person visits, and always tries to find a way to ensure that their needs are met. Holly has a true servant’s heart and is a one-of-a-kind employee.

Holly is married to her husband of 23 years, Bud, and has two children: Daniel, a teacher, and Maggie Beth, a sailor in the U.S. Navy.

Rachel Pickel

Talent Management Consultant
Human Resources

Rachel Pickel is a Talent Management Consultant with the Organizational Development team, part of the Office of Organizational Agility division within the Department of Human Resources (DOHR). In her current role, Rachel consults with state agencies to develop and project manage customized leadership academies for strategic professional development, succession planning, and team-building retreats.

In addition to academy development and project management, Rachel facilitates enterprise learning through online workshops, webinars, and in-person training and activities to assist in implementing statewide talent management initiatives. She also coordinates and deploys 360 and strength assessments focusing on agency-specific competencies.

A native of Wyoming, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in journalism and business communications from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in education from Tennessee State University (TSU), and an Instructional Design and Development certification from the University of Memphis.

Nancy Lisic

Field Management Director 1
Human Services

Nancy Lisic is the Tennessee Department of Human Services' (DHS) Field Management Director 1. In her role, Nancy serves District 3, which includes Sumner and Wilson counties, with a focus on training that improves both the employee and customer experience.

Having served at DHS for 54 years, Nancy has experience in various roles, including Eligibility Counselor, Field Supervisor 1, and Program Coordinator. She is regarded as an inspiration to both frontline staff and management across the enterprise due to her commitment to providing great customer service and prioritizing the needs of her staff and customers. Nancy was an integral part of Business Process Re-Engineering, an effort focused on shaping better processes within DHS offices across the state. She helped establish a foundation for movement to statewide processes that benefited external customers through timely and quality services, and it additionally provided an unprecedented concept of equalization of workload across the state.

Nancy has been a valuable DHS team member for many projects throughout her career, from transforming processes to improving outcomes and enhancing the customer journey, her knowledge, experience, and leadership have proved vital to so many in the district and statewide.

Crystal Ball

IDD Home Manager
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Crystal Ball is the Tennessee Department of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities’ (DIDD) IDD Home Manager. Crystal began her career at Greene Valley Development Center in 2007 as a Developmental Technician and has now served 17 years with Tennessee State Government.

In her role, Crystal works in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to meet the needs of women, men, and children across the state. She is considered an exceptional supervisor who prioritizes her staff and customers through unwavering support and kindness. Last year, the department entered a partnership with DCS to provide care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Crystal volunteered to help, becoming the first-ever Home Manager for the department. She has taken on her role with grace and steadfast determination.

In her free time, Crystal can be found spending time with her children, DJ, Kelsey, and Hunter. Her favorite job is being a grandmother to her granddaughter, Hadlee.

Mildred Foster

Employment Security Supervisor
Labor and Workforce Development

Mildred “Mill” Foster is the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s (TDLWD) Employment Security Supervisor in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division. In her role, she serves internal customers of the Imaging Unit while also receiving and uploading relevant documentation to the new UI computer system.

Mildred began her career with Tennessee State Government almost nine years ago in the Unemployment Claims Unit in 2014. She was later promoted to her current role in 2016. Mildred is praised for her professionalism and “can-do” attitude. In her work, the processes for imaging continue to change, including the transition to the new Iris computer system. Mildred was able to self-learn and teach the new system to her team, minimizing the disruption from a new process and demonstrating her ability to remain flexible and proactive.

Before beginning state service, Mildred worked at Thomas Nelson Book Publishing for 24 years. Mildred has been happily married to her husband, Darrell, for 21 years, and they have four children: Leslie, Chikita, Darrell Jr., and André.

Hannah Dieckhaus

Lead Behavioral Specialist
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Hannah Dieckhaus is the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services’ (MHSAS) Lead Behavioral Specialist. Hannah began her career with MHSAS in 2016 as a Classroom Coordinator in the Regional Intervention Program (RIP) and was promoted to her current role as a Resource Consultant (Lead Behavioral Specialist) in 2018.

In her role, Hannah helps with marketing the department’s Regional Intervention Program (RIP) to the wider community through public-facing presentations, events, and communications. Hannah completed the MHSAS Commissioner’s Leadership Academy in 2019, and in 2022, she became the first MHSAS employee to receive Endorsement in Infant Mental Health (IMH-E®) in the Infant Family Specialist category. She earned an Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (ECMH-E®) the following year. Hannah is considered a supportive, caring, and responsive staff member at RIP. She is valued for her resilience and commitment to the department and state.

Prior to her employment with RIP, Hannah completed an internship with a RIP Expansion site while earning a bachelor’s degree in child development & family studies from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Hannah also holds a master’s degree in child & adolescent development from Capella University which she earned in 2016.

Hannah and husband, Josh, have two children, Theo and Ruby.

Glenn Catlin

Facilities Manager 3
Military

Glenn Catlin has served as the Tennessee Department of Military’s Base Facilities Manager 3 since 2019. After working as a building services manager for Merced County, California, for 20 years, Glenn joined the department as an HVAC Technician 2 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. He was then promoted to his current role due to his expertise and leadership.

In his role, Glenn has helped to direct $20.5 million in Cooperative Agreement Programs, ensured the operation and maintenance of 65 buildings, enabled completion of over 34,248 work requests, and managed grounds maintenance across 363 acres. Glenn demonstrates the Air Force’s core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.” He is valued for his loyalty, integrity, and dedication to customer service and problem-solving. Under his leadership, significant benefits have been utilized through the Cooperative Agreement Program, significantly enhancing base operations, infrastructure, and employee morale.

Selena Moore

Training Officer 1
Revenue

Selena Moore joined the Department of Revenue (DOR) in 2015 as part of the Taxpayer Services Division. In 2017, she was promoted to training specialist, and in 2020, she began serving in her current role as the Collection Services Division’s Training Officer 1.

While in Taxpayer Services, Selena participated in the first TR3 rollout as a trainer. In her time at Collection Services, she has helped to welcome and train dozens of employees. Selena supports on-the-job training across the state and ensures that division employees participate in all necessary training. When there isn’t a class on a topic employees need, she designs and teaches it herself. Selena has had a profoundly positive impact on her division and its employees. She is motivated by empowering her colleagues and works to achieve this by providing the education and tools they need to succeed.

Selena graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roanoke College. She and her husband, TJ, welcomed their son Ezra in 2023.

James Behne

Tennessee State Trooper, Capitol Protection Unit
Safety and Homeland Security

James Behne is a State Trooper for the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDSHS), assigned to the Capitol Protection Unit. In his role, he serves as a training officer to newly assigned troopers to help them learn safety protocols needed for the Capitol.

Having worked in the Field Bureau, Third District, of Davidson County, James is valued for his positive attitude, professionalism, and expertise. He was transferred to the Protective Services Division, Capitol Protection Unit in 2013, where he has served for 11 years. Since his transfer, James has become the face of the Tennessee State Capitol, welcoming both high-ranking government officials and visitors to the state.

James embodies the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) motto of “Servants, not Lords” and has been commended by previous governors, legislators, and Supreme Court justices for his commitment to his work, service to the state, and care for its people.

Shanice Offutt

Eligibility Director
TennCare

Shanice Offutt began her career with the Division TennCare in 2015 as a Managed Care Specialist 1 and has since been promoted four times in her nine years of state service. Today, she serves as an Eligibility Director for the Eligibility Operations Group.

Shanice manages a team that handles escalations regarding eligibility for TennCare services from a broad range of stakeholders, including members and applicants, nursing facilities, call centers, internal partners, and executive staff. She is an excellent communicator with an unmatched level of integrity and passion. Shanice does not take her position or influence lightly and often assists staff at all levels to educate and bring issues forward for evaluation and resolution.

Shanice holds a master’s degree in public health from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and has applied her knowledge to enhance her service to Tennesseans.

Patrick Green

Marketing Coordinator
Tourist Development

Patrick Green is the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s (TDTD) Marketing Coordinator. In his role, he works diligently to represent the state of Tennessee to hospitality industry partners and visitors.

Patrick has often been referred to as the "glue" of the department as he connects the dots between people and projects while supporting the team's goal to consistently increase visitation to Tennessee. In addition to providing project support for the marketing team, his role includes contributing editorial content to tnvacation.com, showcasing the importance of tourism for Tennessee, and executing various marketing programs that enhance experiences for visitors to our state. Patrick is known as a service-oriented leader who gives his best, regardless of the task.

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Lipscomb University and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). In his free time, he is an avid fan of cars and history, and he enjoys writing about Tennessee to entice more people to visit.

Rita Livesay

Administrative Services Assistant 3
Transportation

In her 33 years in state service, Rita Livesay has worked in multiple roles for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Today, she serves as an Administrative Services Assistant 3.

Rita began her career with TDOT in 1983 as a Clerk 2, performing administrative duties in a district office for six counties. After taking time off to be home with her children, Rita returned to TDOT in 1996 to provide administrative support for the Regional Materials & Tests office. In 2009, she began assisting in the Regional Director's office by providing multiple support functions for various areas, including assisting the Regional Safety Coordinator, organizing and planning special events, providing customer service, and supporting the Regional Director before being promoted to her current role in 2015. Now, Rita is responsible for assisting the administration of, while coordinating all human resources functions for, Region 1.

Rita is known for her solution-oriented, personable, and giving spirit. She embodies the true meaning of service as a Tennessee state employee, constantly going above and beyond for her staff, the department, and the state.

Tommy Tomlinson

Appeals Advocate
Veteran's Services

William “Tommy” Tomlinson is an Appeals Advocate for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS), where he began his state career in 2012 as a Veterans Benefits Representative at the Nashville Field Office.

Tommy serves as an advocate for veterans before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), a team he joined in 2020. In his role, he has provided oral advocacy for over 500 veterans and has a 90% success rate. Tommy is not only a passionate advocate for the veterans he serves but also an asset to TDVS. He is valued for his patience, kindness, and commitment to helping veterans across the state.

Tommy has demonstrated leadership worth following and is the go-to mentor for new TDVS team members and county veteran service officers.