CHAMBER HOSTED: 2026 Speaker Series: Women in Leadership

The chamber's Speaker Series events provide an opportunity for businesses and the public to hear from speakers on specific topics or issues that are of importance to them, their business, and our community. Members receive discounted pricing as a benefit of membership. Attendees from the community are always welcome. 

Women in Leadership: Balance | Self-Care | Resilience
 
Feeling pulled in every direction—at work, at home, and everywhere in between? You’re not alone. Today, women make up nearly 58% of the workforce and lead more than 12 million businesses across the country, yet they still juggle countless roles and expectations. Join us for a conversation with local women business leaders as they share how they “refill their cups” and build resilience while leading in demanding roles. The panel will explore the pressures of multitasking, the hidden workload many women take on, and strategies for prioritizing what matters most—both professionally and personally.
 
This interactive panel will kick off with casual networking over wine & charcuterie, and will feature 60 minutes of facilitated and open Q&A with three local female leaders at different stages of their careers and from diverse backgrounds:
 
Chrystal Armstrong Brown – President & CEO, United Way of Greater Knoxville
Chrystal leads United Way of Greater Knoxville, previously serving in late 2024 as interim CEO and chief impact officer. A seasoned nonprofit leader, she has held key roles at Emerald Youth Foundation and United Way of Southwest Virginia, and serves on multiple community boards.
 
Tammy White – President & CEO, Leadership Knoxville
Tammy has led Leadership Knoxville since 2009, expanding programs across youth, collegiate, and post-professional stages. She launched initiatives like Connect Knox and The Big Table and serves on several community boards, focusing on empowering leaders to thrive while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
 
Missy Wallen – Knoxville Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Missy leads Pinnacle’s Knoxville client services group and offices, bringing a 40-year career in financial services with leadership roles at BB&T, Valley Fidelity Bank and Trust, and BankFirst. She is active in the community and committed to helping leaders succeed while maintaining balance across work, life, and service.
 
Sponsorships/Tickets/Tables are available in limited quantities. Reserve now to save your spot and bring a colleague, mentor OR mentee, or other important women in your life!