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In his role as president and CEO, Bradley Jackson is responsible for overall operations of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Tennessee Manufacturers Association. The organization’s primary focus is the development and legislative approval of business issues to ensure Tennessee is a top state for business growth and development. Jackson previously was the vice president for government relations and community affairs for the Chamber, leading all aspects of its advocacy efforts for nine years. Prior to joining the Chamber, he served in the Governor’s office and the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, managing a variety of legislative and operational initiatives and served the Tennessee General Assembly Senate and House Finance Ways and Means joint committee staff. Jackson serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 and the boards of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Tennessee Economic Development Council. Originally from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree from UT Knoxville.

Lisa New serves as president and CEO of Zoo Knoxville, a role she was appointed to in 2013 after serving as interim. She is the fifth individual and first female to serve in this capacity in the Zoo’s 72-year history. She has contributed to the organization’s growth and development in numerous ways during her 30-year career, including serving as director of animal collections and conservation from 2000 to 2012. Her passion for animals and desire to be a field researcher in primatology is what brought her to the Zoo as a research assistant and curator in 1990. A native of Knoxville, New earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s degree in ethology, both from UT Knoxville.

Nicole Watson is an attorney at Waller law firm in Nashville, representing the interests of corporate clients, industry groups, professional associations and not-for-profit organizations before elected officials in the Tennessee General Assembly, U.S. Congress and government officials in numerous local, state and federal agencies. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating legislation, assisting with regulatory and rulemaking compliance strategy and traditional lobbying to the state legislature, the state executive branch, congressional representatives, state and federal agencies, city councils, county officials and community leaders. Additionally, Nicole monitors legislative developments and educates clients on legislative processes, procedures and progress. She also manages political action committees (PACs) and fundraising programs for clients and provides guidance on grassroots advocacy efforts and the development of coalitions.