De'Ossie Dingus is a veteran of both the United States Army and Air Force. Mr. Dingus has worked within the Tennessee Criminal Justice system with the Dept. of Children's Services and the Dept. of Safety Homeland Security. Mr. Dingus holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and a Master's in Management and Leadership. Mr. Dingus is a Rule 31 certified mediator in both family and civil mediation within the State of Tennessee. Mr. Dingus is a graduate of Leadership Tennessee NEXT, Appalachian Leadership Institute, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Mr. Dingus serves as a Lead Specialist in the area of Community Health Worker training and field operations. Mr. Dingus is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and a past member of Modern Free Free Masonry. Mr. Dingus is the founder of Grow Partnership Tennessee. He serves as the board chair and executive director.
Dr. Steven P. Rider, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Division Chief of Neurology for the Department of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Dr. Rider completed a fellowship in neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, completed his fellowship in EEG/Epilepsy at the same institution and is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Rider has practiced with the Knoxville Neurology Clinic since July 2005. He has published his research in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He has been actively involved in resident training and has given numerous resident lectures. Dr. Steven P. Rider will as the board’s medical advisor for best practices for community engagement.
Marvin M. Scott is a Veteran of both United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. Mr. Scott has worked as a Team Lead Instructor for the U. S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School. Mr. Scott served as a Compliance Officer for the Dept. of Training and Leadership Development USACBRNS. SFC Marvin Scott spent 3 years serving as a Dept of Defense Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. After 26 years, SFC Scott retired and works as the Safety Specialist for the General Lenard Wood Community Hospital. Mr. Scott holds a degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Scott holds Hazmat Technician, Operation, and Awareness certifications from the International Fire Accreditation Congress, and the Dept of Defense. Mr. Scott is a member of PHA Masonry and the Ancient Arabic Oder Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
André Canty, a Knoxville, TN native, serves as a Senior Associate of National Initiatives at Cities United, overseeing a portfolio of national initiatives. With a focus on community engagement and social justice advocacy, he previously served as president of one hundred Black Men of Greater Knoxville, co-founded social justice organizations, and is a published writer. Recognized as one of Knoxville's 40 Under 40 for his impactful contributions to the community. André holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his role as a board member, André leverages his expertise in community relations to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change in the region.
Kendrick Tate is a Knoxville, TN native and actively serves as a probation officer at Knox County Juvenile. Mr. Tate possesses 20+ years of extensive experience of working with at-risk youth in the community. He also served as the Sr mentor coordinator for the YWCA Gamechangers mentor program for middle school kids for 7 years. Mr. Tate served as the TJCSA (Tennessee Juvenile Court Service Association) president from 2022-2023. The association aims to promote professionalism, encourage ongoing training for juvenile court workers, facilitate idea-sharing, and foster relationships with judges, court personnel, and service providers. Mr. Tate graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a BA in Sociology. He also has an MA in Criminal Justice and a graduate certificate in Social and Community services from Capella University.