BIG POTENTIAL
IN EAST TENNESSEE

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF EAST TENNESSEE

OUR LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Our talented and dedicated Board of Directors leads the BBBS-ETN agency in making important decisions and guiding the organization to success.

Current members:

  • Dipak Patel, President
  • Carol Davis, President-Elect
  • Paige Walton
  • Lauren Longmire
  • Brandon Hardin
  • Amanda Kenner-Cradic
  • Dino Cartwright
  • Aaron Riley
  • Ben Talley
  • Brandon Hardin
  • Brandon Stroud
  • Brooke Lawson
  • Carly Harrington
  • Cody Crowell
  • Crystal Ivey
  • Codou Samba
  • Emily Norris
  • Gary Wilson
  • Mike Cohen
  • Susan Martin
  • Marina Alvidrez
  • Stephanie Jones
  • Shelly Clemons
  • John Gearheart
  • Jahneulie Weste

 

Click here to meet the BBBS-ETN staff.

Hall of Fame

In 2017, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee inducted the inaugural group of Hall of Fame members. The Hall of Fame is a platform to recognize those individuals who have been instrumental in providing direction, energy, and support to the shaping of BBBS-ETN since its inception in 1970. Each of the inductees has had a measurable impact on the organization as Bigs, Board and Committee members, fundraisers, and donors to the agency.

  • 2017 Inductees
    • Bill Jolly
    • Al Williams
    • Bo Schafer
  • 2018 Inductees
    • Heidi Brenner
    • Bill Tapp
    • Gordon Thomas
  • 2019 Inductees
    • Julie Hardin
    • Cari Parker
    • Don Shawl
  • 2022 Inductees
    • William “Ed” Harmon
    • Chip DeBlois
    • Beal Bourne
  • 2023 Inductees
    • West Knoxville Sertoma Club
    • Vivian A. Gwinn

 

 

 

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East Tennessee Mentor of the Year

In 2022, launched the East Tennessee Mentor of the Year award to honor a leader creating significant impact throughout our region. This award goes to someone that mentors every day professionally, personally, and philanthropically.

  • 2022 Awardee Jim Clayton
  • 2023 Awardee Pam Fansler
Bigs and Littles of the Year

Each year, BBBS-ETN honors two outstanding matches that have demonstrated the importance of a mentoring relationship that helps Littles achieve their biggest possible future and makes a long-lasting impact on the Big, too.

2015

  • Chris and K’Vaughn, matched in 2005
  • Megan and Alira, matched in 2008

2016

  • Amy and J.J., matched in 2013

2017

  • Rich and Kadir, matched in 2012
  • Mallory and Aniyah, matched in 2014

2018

  • Brent and Deontae, matched in 2014
  • Sabrina and De’Aries, matched in 2011
  • Stephanie and Jose, matched in 2018

2019

  • Mike and Aaron, matched in 2015
  • Laurie and Maria, match in 2012

2020

  • Tyler and Josh, matched in 2016
  • Dianne and Kristen, matched in 2019

2021

  • Christopher and Tahj, matched in 2016
  • Sharon and Jaslin, matched in 2018

2022

  • David and Juan, matched in 2019
  • Briana and Nyla, matched in 2013

2023

  • Glenn and Coogie, matched in 2013
  • Barbara and Flora, matched in 2017

2024

  • Peter and Amari, matched in 2018

BIG ACHIEVEMENTS BIG PARTNERS

In addition to our dedicated volunteers, our work at BBBS-ETN wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous partners. By committing to a partnership with us, your contributions help support one-to-one mentoring relationships in East Tennessee. Join us in defending the potential of the youth in our community, one life-changing friendship at a time.

Is your business or organization interested in supporting our work? Contact us today and we will send you information, including our sponsorship levels and benefits.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee

AGENCY HISTORY

1970

Founded

“Big Brothers of Knoxville” and “Knoxville Big Sisters Program” are established.

1972

First Black Mentor

Beal Bourne, Big Brothers of Knoxville’s first Black mentor, is matched with Little Brother Leonard Winton III. Watch video.

1992

Anderson County

BBBS-ETN expands to serve Anderson County.

2007

Tri Cities

Another expansion allows BBBS-ETN to serve the Tri-Cities area. 

2017

Hall of Fame

BBBS-ETN names its inaugural Hall of Fame inductees – Agency co-founder and first Big Brother, Bo Shafer; former Board President and Big Brother, Bill Jolly; and Al Williams, another former Board President, Big Brother, and author of the book ‘A Friend Indeed,’ which was sold to raise funds for BBBS-ETN.

2019

Agency of the Year

BBBS-ETN is named “National Agency of the Year” by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

2021

Big Futures

Big Futures is launched to support young adults on their path to post-secondary success.

2022

Bo Shafer Mentoring Center

BBBS-ETN opens the Bo Shafer Mentoring Center, named after the agency’s founding Board President and Big Brother.

2024

BoldPath

BBBS-ETN establishes BoldPath to connect students with professional mentors in schools. 

2025

55 Years of Service

BBBS-ETN celebrates 55 years of service with a continued focus on empowering youth to reach their full potential.