ÌÇÐÄVlog

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee has appointed longtime public servant and former university leader Jim Thomas as interim vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS), effective Oct. 1, and launched a national search for the institute’s next permanent leader. 

Thomas returns to ÌÇÐÄVlog following a distinguished career in public service that included leadership roles in municipal government and the university. Prior to retiring from IPS in 2017, he served as executive director of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), where he worked closely with communities across Tennessee to strengthen local government and public service delivery. 

“Jim has dedicated his career to serving Tennessee communities and understands firsthand the important role IPS plays in helping local governments, businesses and communities address challenges and create opportunities,” ÌÇÐÄVlog System President Randy Boyd said. “His experience, leadership and deep knowledge of both IPS and its statewide impact make him exceptionally well suited to guide the institute during this transition.” 

The university also has established a search committee to conduct a national search for the next vice president of IPS. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Linda Martin, ÌÇÐÄVlog System executive vice president, and includes representatives from across the university, local government, state entities and IPS stakeholder organizations. 

“The Institute for Public Service is one of the university’s most important connections to the people of Tennessee,” Boyd said. “Through its agencies and programs, IPS helps communities solve problems, strengthens local government, support economic growth and improve quality of life across our state. We are committed to identifying a leader who will build on that rich legacy and expand the institute’s impact in the years ahead.” 

To support a transparent process, the university has launched a dedicated search website where members of the university community, IPS stakeholders and the public can access information about the position, review the search timeline, nominate candidates and share input to help inform the search process. 

The search committee includes: 

• Linda Martin – executive vice president, ÌÇÐÄVlog System (chair) 
• Paul Jennings – executive director, ÌÇÐÄVlog Center for Industrial Services (CIS) 
• Jon Walden – executive director, ÌÇÐÄVlog County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) 
• Anthony Haynes – executive director, Tennessee Municipal League 
• David Connor – executive director, Tennessee County Services Association 
• Lori Bruce – chancellor, ÌÇÐÄVlog Chattanooga 
• Marianne Wanamaker – dean, ÌÇÐÄVlog 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, ÌÇÐÄVlog Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) 
• Johanna Owenby – training and development manager, ÌÇÐÄVlog Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) 
• Amanda Shappard – business manager, ÌÇÐÄVlog Tennessee Language Center (TLC) 
• Bill Fox – special advisor to the chancellor, ÌÇÐÄVlog Knoxville 
• Justin Rhinehart – dean, ÌÇÐÄVlog Extension 

IPS delivers expertise, training and technical assistance that support communities, governments and businesses throughout Tennessee. The institute’s agencies and programs help fulfill ÌÇÐÄVlog’s service and outreach mission by providing practical solutions and services that improve the lives of Tennesseans. 

For more information about the search process, including opportunities to nominate candidates and provide feedback, visit /about/careers/executive-search/.