Board Members

Upper Cumberland Workforce Solutions is led by a locally nominated Board of Directors (Board) that is representative of the Upper Cumberland region it serves: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overturn, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, and White counties. This Board operates under the following guiding principles: Sustainable Partnerships, Economic Opportunity, and Strategic Vision for Change.

The 25-member Board consists of 51% private sector representation, while the remaining 49% is comprised of education, community-based organizations, labor, vocational rehabilitation, public assistance, and employment service representatives in addition to serving as the governing body of the 501(c)3. This Board is responsible for the planning, evaluation, oversight, and fiscal accountability of the Workforce services and programs of the Upper Cumberland region.

  • Bob Young - Owner, Custom Tool, Inc. (Board Chair)

    Barry Austin - Owner, A&H Custom Meat and Processing

    Vicki Baucum - President/Owner, Small Biz Staffing

    Mike Franklin - Owner, Loxx Salon

    Billy Robbins – Owner, Robbins Auto Service

    Paulette Scott - Owner, Happy Ridge Bee Products

    Jen Sherwood - Safety & Training Coordinator, Middle TN Natural Gas Utility District

    Richard Thomas - American Exterior Supply, Inc.

    Debbie Williams - Co-Owner, Merle Norman Cosmetics & Fashion Boutique

    Chris Speck - Owner Speck Funeral Home

    Joanna Williams- CPA with Twin Lakes

  • Ryan Barnhart – Director of Existing Industry and Workforce Development, Highlands Economic Partnership

  • Lynda Huddleston – Adult Education Coordinator, Putnam County Adult Education

    Thomas Payne - Dean, College of Business, Tennessee Technological University

    Amy Profant - Curriculum & Workforce Strategist, TBR

  • Randall Allen - Voc Rehab Field Supervisor, TN Division of Rehabilitation

    Tyler Asher – Upper Cumberland Regional Director, TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce

    John Bell - Executive Director, Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation

    Tanner Cox - Field Representative, Office of Senator Bill Hagerty

    Angela Regitko – Upper Cumberland Regional Director, TN Dept. of Economic and Community Development

    Dana Looper- Special Judge for the City of Cookeville