We have big hearts for this place. Meet the team of doers, thinkers, regional strategists, and professional optimists that make Thrive happen.
Our Team
Bridgett Massengill
President/CEO
Fearless leader, die-hard optimist, momma of multiples, and adventurous glamper.
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Shannon Millsaps
Chief Operating Officer
Enneagram 6, troubleshooter, foodie, live music lover.
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Rhett Bentley
Chief Communications Officer
High-achieving creative, boy-mom, outdoor enthusiast.
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John Bilderback
Director of Programs, Resilient Communities
Lover of puzzles, movies, family, and the Big Orange.
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Haley Horne
Administrative & Communications Coordinator
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Michelle Smith
Data & Research Analyst
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Virginia Petitte Project Coordinator, Natural Treasures
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Jamie Barbeauld
Chief Financial Officer
Board of Trustees
Connie Vaughn
Chair
McKee Foods
Joel Houser Officer Open Space Institute
Chuck Dobbins
Vice-Chair & Treasurer
Dobbins Investments, LLC
Rick Roden Officer Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Mike Griffin
Secretary Cleveland-Bradley Chamber of Commerce
Barry Allen
Tower Community Bank
Darren Bakkestuen
Nokian Tyres
Craig Bock
Engineered Floors
April Cameron
Chattanooga Airport Authority
Mike Costa
Costa Media Advisors
Pete Conroy
Jacksonville State University
Carol Eimers
Tennessee Valley Authority
Evann Freeman
EPB
Carey Garland
Lodge Manufacturing
Bryan Griffin
Georgia Power
Chuck Hammonds
Southeast Tennessee Development
Amy Jackson
Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce
Courtney Keehan Chambliss Law
Kelsey Keener
Sequatchie Cove Farm
Nathan Lee
Jackson County Economic Development Authority
Jennifer McCurdy
Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce
Mark McKnight
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
Dan Merriman
Newly Weds Foods
Jason Mock
Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
Mike Shirey
Fort Payne Improvement Authority
Dr. John Squires
Cleveland State Community College
Debra Stone
McKee Foods
Harriette Stokes
North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
Greg A. Vital
Morning Pointe Senior Living
Jason Willard
Chattanooga Gas Company
Charles Wood
Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership