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 Childrens 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 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.
Kenny Fikes began his career as an options trader in Philadelphia after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. Mr. Fikes has held various positions in finance, operations, and management. He has built a tremendous wealth of knowledge in the construction industry via consulting with a myriad of small companies as well as a few very large profile companies. His consulting work on projects with municipalities, major universities and the federal government eventually morphed into teaming with other companies to build his career as a contractor. In addition to financial analysis, proposal preparation, and business development, he has also managed various projects. Greater Knox County Black Chamber of Commerce. Kenny Fikes will serve on the board as the treasurer and the board’s economic development advisor for best practices for community engagement.
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.