Executive Search: Vice President, Institute for Public Service

The University of Tennessee System is committed to attracting visionary leaders who will help advance our mission of education, research, outreach and service across the state of Tennessee. Through our executive search process, we seek candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to student success, innovation, collaboration and public service. Current leadership search information, candidate resources and opportunities for engagement reflect the University of Tennessee System’s (UT System) commitment to transparency and to building the greatest decade in UT history.

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Position Description | Listening Sessions | Search Process and Timeline | Search Committee Members | Feedback

Position Background

In 2026, the University of Tennessee established the Division of Government Relations, Economic Development and Public Service (GEPS), bringing together government relations, advocacy, economic development, and the Institute for Public Service (IPS) under a unified structure. This alignment is designed to strengthen coordination, deepen partnerships, and deliver more integrated, solutions-oriented support to communities, government partners, and industries across Tennessee. 

IPS serves business and government to improve the lives of Tennesseans. With offices statewide, IPS is the parent organization for agencies providing technical consulting and training to state and local government, law enforcement, and business and industry — staffed by expert consultants and trainers who generate billions of dollars in economic impact each year.  

Through GEPS, IPS’s deep expertise in government training and technical assistance is united with public policy support, advocacy, and economic development into a cohesive statewide effort. Read more about GEPS.

Position Summary

The UT System seeks an innovative, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as vice president for IPS. Reporting to the senior vice president for Government Relations, Economic Development and Public Service and serving on the UT Executive Leadership Council, this statewide role requires a meaningful presence in both Nashville and Knoxville, along with frequent travel across the state. Candidates may be based in either city. 

The vice president provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for IPS — with responsibility for its agencies, programs, and budget — and will drive implementation of the 2026–2030 IPS Strategic Plan. This plan aims to expand the Institute’s impact, reach, and visibility statewide in alignment with the UT System’s Be One UT strategic plan. 

As a central component of UT’s outreach and service mission, IPS delivers expert support to governments, industries, and communities across Tennessee. The vice president will advance a coordinated statewide engagement strategy, strengthen partnerships across government and industry, and position UT as a national leader in public service. 

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Listening Sessions

A series of stakeholder listening sessions are currently underway and will inform the candidate profile and position description.  A full position description will be posted no later than August 1.

Invitation for Feedback

Your feedback is important to our search process. Take a moment to share your thoughts using our listening survey and help shape the future of IPS.

Submit Feedback

Nominate a Candidate

Submit Candidate Nomination

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Search Process and Timeline

To be fully considered for this opportunity, candidates must apply using the University of Tennessee’s online application system using the link below. Application materials should include a resume/CV outlining relevant experience, skills, and qualifications and a cover letter highlighting your interest in the role and how your background aligns with the position. 

The application link and submission deadline will be announced soon.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission. Learn more.

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Search Committee Members

Linda Martin

Executive Vice President,
UT System

Chair

Paul Jennings

Executive Director, UT Center for Industrial Services (CIS)

Jon Walden

Executive Director, UT County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS)

Anthony Haynes

Executive Director, Tennessee Municipal League

David Connor

Executive Director, Tennessee County Services Association

Lori Bruce

Chancellor, UT Chattanooga

Marianne Wanamaker

Dean, UT Knoxville Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

Jim Arnette

Director of Audit, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office

Julie High

Assistant City Manager, City of Goodlettsville; Chair, IPS Advisory Council

Dereck Stewart

Training Specialist, UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC)

Johanna Owenby

Training and Development Manager, UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS)

Amanda Shappard

Business Manager, Tennessee Language Center (TLC)

Bill Fox

Special Advisor to the Chancellor, UT Knoxville

Justin Rhinehart

Dean, UT Extension

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About the Institute for Public Service

The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training and consulting on a wide variety of services, including:

  • Government operations
  • Language services
  • Law enforcement excellence
  • Leadership training
  • Manufacturing excellence
  • Opioid abatement
  • And much more
Learn More about the Institute for Public Service

About the UT System

Through five campuses and two statewide institutes, the University of Tennessee System is improving the lives of Tennesseans today and for future generations. Everywhere you look, the UT System provides education, research and outreach to fulfill our mission and tackle Tennessee’s most pressing challenges.

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