2025-2026 Board Officers
COLUMBIA, TN
Ben Sanders serves as the Executive Director of Government Affairs for Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau Health Plans, handling all political and lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels. He received a degree in Animal Science and a master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee and his MBA from the University of Mississippi. He grew up on a farm in East Tennessee and is an active Methodist.
SEVIERVILLE, TN
Dr. Royce T. (Terry) Adkins was an active 4-Her in Robertson County, participating in Public Speaking, Citizenship, in addition to other projects. He served as the 1976 4-H Congress Governor and was also a National Winner in Citizenship. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with Highest Honors and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree with Honors from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston TX. He trained in both Internal Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology at Vanderbilt Medical Center and is Board Certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and Obesity Medicine.
Terry was one of the founders of Tennessee Women’s Care, PC in Nashville, TN where he spent 25 years as a practicing OB-GYN physician and minimally invasive surgeon. For almost 10 years, he served as Sr. Vice President for Medical Affairs at Myriad Genetic Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT. He’s currently a healthcare consultant with emphasis on Women’s Health and Precision Medicine.
Terry is married to Cheri (Mitchell), who was also an active 4-Her from Roberson County. Cheri was a State Winner in Personal Development, and graduated from the University of TN, Knoxville with Highest Honors. They currently live in Sevier County and have three sons who graduated from UT in addition to two grandchildren, all who live in Nashville.
KNOXVILLE, TN
Missy serves as the budget director for UT Extension. She is a member of UT Extension’s senior administrative team and provides leadership and direction for policy and procedure development impacting fiscal operations.
She began her career with the University in July 1986. She has worked in the Departments of Animal Science, Agricultural and Extension Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences.
She and her husband Greg have two children and three grandchildren.
MORRISON, TN
Jamie Harris began her Extension career as a 4-H agent in Warren County in 1989, where she and her co-workers led a 4-H program known for excellence in club programming, judging teams and record book/portfolio competition.
In 2012, she was promoted to work in the Central Region office as an area 4-H specialist, where she mentored 4-H agents and program assistants and oversaw regional teen activities, including the 4-H All Stars program. She joined the state 4-H staff in 2021, with responsibilities in teen programming, leadership, citizenship, and the international exchange program.
Jamie earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Tennessee Tech University and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education services from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
2025-2026 Board Members
CLINTON, TN
Judge Victoria (Hopper) Bowling was an active 4-Her in Henderson County for 9 years. In 1985, she served as Tennessee 4-H Congress Speaker of the House. Since that time, she has served as a member of the University of Tennessee Collegiate 4-H Team, as well as an adult leader after graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Honors/Thesis Political Science Program.
In 1993, Victoria graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law, receiving the Chancellor’s Award for her contributions and tenure as Student Bar Association President. She practiced law in Knox and Anderson Counties for nearly 30 years before being elected as the first woman to serve as Anderson County General Sessions Judge in September of 2022. She was recently elected to preside over the 2025 Tennessee General Sessions Judges’ Conference.
Victoria and her husband, David have two daughters, Madison and Jordan. Both daughters were active in 4-H, with Jordan serving as State All Star Chief in 2019.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN
Jill Brown is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Social Work.
After working several years as a hospital social worker, Jill switched gears to become a full-time mom and dedicated member of the community. Jill has been involved in 4-H as a volunteer leader and parent on both the local and state level. Jill and her husband Steve have two daughters, Hannah and Hadley, who were active in 4-H throughout their school years. Hadley served as the 2021 Congress Governor and 2022 State Council President.
The Brown family was the 2023 recipient of The W.M. & Ruth Hale Tennessee Master 4-H Family Award.
Knoxville, TN
Keith Carver is the senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture. Raised in a rural farming community in West Tennessee, Carver has seen the impact of agriculture up close, starting with his early years growing up in Frog Jump, Tennessee. Early on, Carver knew he wanted to pursue an education beyond high school and earned a bachelor’s degree from Memphis State in 1992. His educational pursuits took him to UT Knoxville, where he completed a master’s degree in college personnel and educational leadership in 1995 and a PhD in higher education administration in 2009. A lifelong learner, Carver has completed numerous leadership development programs Leadership Tennessee, Leadership Knoxville, WestStar Leadership Program and the UT Leadership Institute.
Carver and his wife, Hollianne, are the proud parents of daughter Carson (husband Michael) and two sons, Jack Thomas (J.T.) and Britton. In case anyone was wondering, Dr. Carver’s best friend is his 1-year-old grandson Wilson.
CHARLOTTE, TN
Katie Collins was an active Dickson County 4-Her where her main projects were Dairy, Public Speaking, and Healthy Living. She served on the Tennessee 4-H State Council for a year as the representative at Large.
She is now a student at the University of Tennessee pursuing a degree in Food and Agricultural Business. In the future, she hopes to practice agricultural law.
OBION, TN
Matt Fennel was an active 4-H Member in Obion County. He received a degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Matt currently serves as a regional field services administrator for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. He also serves on the executive council for Tennessee 4-H Alumni & Friends.
SPRINGFIELD, TN
Kathy Brooks Finley has a long history of Tennessee 4-H participation. She’s a former Robertson County 4-H member who participated in the dairy, leadership and citizenship projects. Until she started work with UT Extension, she served as a volunteer in three counties.
Having received her B.S. in Home Economics from UT Knoxville, she completed her M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences at UT Martin. Kathy currently works as an extension agent in Robertson County.
She and her husband, Frank, have four children and twelve grandchildren.
MURFREESBORO, TN
Joe Huffine was an active 4-H member in Washington County. From showing livestock, public speaking, leadership projects to serving as Congress Governor.
Joe is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Animal Science and Ag Business. Over his 33 year career in the Co-op system he’s held several positions and roles.
Today he’s the CEO of ProTrition Feed, a joint venture between Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and Purina, a Land O’ Lakes company. ProTrition serves the Southeast with its family of feeds.
FAIRVIEW, TN
Leah Kennedy was a 4-H member in Williamson County for 9 years. Performing Arts and Recreation was her main project.
Along with her project work, she enjoyed numerous other competitions and judging events. She was the State Air Pistol Champion in 2021 and was the first person from Tennessee to attend nationals. In addition, she also served as the Central Region All- Star Chief and served on the Tennessee 4-H State Council as: Speaker of the House, Junior Representative and Senior Representative.
Leah is now studying Agricultural Communications at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In the future, she hopes to become an Agricultural Lobbyist.
CLINTON, TN
Glen serves as Communications Manager for Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) in LaVergne and is editor of The Cooperator, the Co-op’s membership publication. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
He worked for TFC from 1990 to 2005 in the communications department before returning to East Tennessee in 2005 to become marketing manager for an international construction equipment manufacturer. He returned to TFC in 2017.
Glen was a 4-H member in Union County and was active in the entomology, photography, and sheep projects and participated on a variety of judging teams.
CARTHAGE, TN
Carol Coley McDonald is the Assistant Commissioner of Policy and Legislation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. She began her lifetime career with agriculture on her family farm in Macon County, focusing on 4-H activities and events during her youth and while in high school.
Carol attended the University of Tennessee where she was on the Livestock and Meats Judging Teams and acquired her BS degree in Animal Science. After working on a diversified farming operation, serving as a 4-H volunteer, and raising her two daughters, Carol worked with UT Extension as the Smith County 4-H Agent.
KNOXVILLE, TN
Dr. Rhinehart is a native of Loudon County, where his family managed a diversified farming operation growing livestock, tobacco and nursery crops. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from UT in 1999 in agriculture and extension education and went on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University, respectively. He served as assistant Extension professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University before joining the UT Department of Animal Science in 2010.
In his work as an Extension beef cattle specialist, Justin worked to translate research findings into management practices that improve the profitability of beef cattle production and the quality of life for beef cattle farmers. He received the UT Institute of Agriculture’s Charles and Patricia Goan Excellence in Customer Service Award in 2021.
SPENCER, TN
Cade is a 10 year 4-H member and alumni from Van Buren County. During his time as a member, Simmons served on the Tennessee 4-H State Council for three years, including terms as State President and Congress Governor. He currently works in the Tennessee 4-H State Office assisting in the direction of Teen Programming and serves as Collegiate Advisor to the State Council.
Simmons is currently a student at the University of Tennessee double majoring in Public Affairs (Agriculture Concentration) and Agriculture and Resource Economics (Law and Policy Concentration). He hopes to work in Tennessee public affairs and agriculture policy.
KNOXVILLE, TN
Glenn Thackston was an active 4-H member in Cumberland County. He showed livestock and was on a number of judging teams. He was active in home grounds, public speaking and other projects.
He’s been with Learfield/The Vol Network since 1996 in a number of roles and currently serves as Executive Director. Prior to that he worked at the Southeastern Conference as Assistant Director of Media Services. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Communications/Public Relations and a master’s degree in Sports Administration.
Glenn and his wife Shannon have three children, two of which are current UT students.
SPARTA, TN
David is currently employed by Farm Credit Mid America, where he serves as Regional Vice President for East Tennessee. Farm Credit Mid America is recognized as the second largest cooperative within the Farm Credit system, which collectively ranks as the ninth largest financial institution in the United States.
David’s career with Farm Credit began as a Financial Officer in West Tennessee. Prior to joining Farm Credit, he worked as a farmer and held several significant roles in local government, including serving as Commissioner and Mayor Protem of his hometown, Hickman, Kentucky. Additionally, he has served as President of the Fulton County Board of Levee Commissioners and has been a member of the board of directors for the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association.
David earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He currently resides in Sparta, Tennessee, with his wife, Marsha. They have two daughters: Dr. Maegan Hollis of Fort Branch, Indiana, and Leah Weatherly of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
UNION CITY, TN
Tim grew up on a small livestock farm in west Tennessee and lives there today with his wife Tammy.
He became involved with 4-H in the fourth grade and continued through high school to exhibit hogs at the local county fair.
Tim has had a long career with the Farm Credit System and today serves as Sr. Vice President, Ag Lending for Farm Credit Mid-America.
BRUSH CREEK , TN
Bryan Wright currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the largest Farm Bureau in the nation.
Bryan began his career with the organization in 1993 as an insurance agent in Smith County with Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. He was hired as Tennessee Farm Bureau’s member benefits coordinator in 2001 and became associate director of organization in 2003. In 2014, he took over as director of the membership division and was chosen to lead TFBF in 2024.
As a White County native, Wright graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1992. He and his wife, Regina, live in the Brush Creek community of Smith County where they are members of New Middleton Baptist Church and have two adult sons, John and Jack.
Not Pictured: Dr. Latif Lighari, Lana Petrie, Virginia Gray