This interactive and goals-focused convening will review what we've accomplished in the education-to-work space since our first Future Forward Summit in 2023 and inspire us to action.
Attendees will engage in dynamic sessions that illuminate the need to further strengthen college and career pathways, explore data-driven strategies to bolster students’ success in pursuing those pathways, showcase models of education-to-work innovation, and offer actionable insights.
We look forward to welcoming policymakers, educators, business leaders, and education advocates for this day-long convening. The agenda blends talks, panel discussions, and breakout sessions featuring national and statewide experts. (See speaker list below.)
With learning focused on student success, participants can expect to:
• Gain insights from leaders in education, workforce development, and public policy.
• Dive deep into strategy sessions and collaborate to drive change.
• Explore innovative models and actionable strategies to enhance education-to-career pathways.
• Engage in dynamic sessions focused on credentials of impact, data-driven strategies, and successful partnerships.
• Network with peers committed to shaping Tennessee’s future through education and economic alignment.
Event Details:
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
9 a.m.-4 p.m. CT
The Westin Hotel, 807 Clark Place, Nashville, TN 37203
Featured Speakers
Randy Boyd
President, University of Tennessee System
Paul Fain
Author and Journalist
Jon Furr
Chief Data Ecosystem Officer, Strada Education Foundation
Nathalie Gazzaneo
Codirector, Harvard Project on the Workforce
Dr. Steven Gentile
Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Paul Herdman
President & CEO, Rodel
Scott Laband
President, Colorado Succeeds
Dr. Keri Randolph
Executive Director, Chattanooga 2.0
Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds
Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education
Tara Scarlett
President & CEO, Scarlett Family Foundation
Matt Sigelman
President, Burning Glass Institute
Dr. Nicole Smith
Chief Economist, Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce
Deniece Thomas
Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Host Committee
• Dr. Tiffany Belafant Steward, Fisk University
• Vanessa Bennett, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
• Miles Burdine, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
• Chuck Carter, Sullivan County Schools
• Darrell Cobbins, Tennessee State Board of Education
• Stephanie Coleman, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves
• Beth Duffield, Turner Construction Company
• Bob Eby, Tennessee State Board of Education
• Dr. Steven Gentile, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
• Bradley Leon, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee BlueSky Tennessee Institute
• Dr. Angela Marshall, The Ayers Foundation Trust
• Jennie McCabe, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
• Dr. Jeff McCord, Northeast State Community College
• Briana Moore, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
• Dr. Keri Randolph, Chattanooga 2.0
• Dr. Jothany Reed, Tennessee Board of Regents
• Dr. Bernie Savarese, University of Tennessee System
• Pat Sheehy, Tennessee Business Roundtable
• Mandy Spears, The Sycamore Institute
• Marie Webb, EPB