NCEL Staff

NCEL STAFF

Kim Harmon, Executive Director
226 Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard, Suite 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 532-3555 | kim.harmon@tennessee.edu


Kim Harmon serves as the Executive Director of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service.  A Tennessee native, Kim previously served thirty years with the State of Tennessee with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration (F&A), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.  As the Inspector General of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in F&A from 2018 to 2022, Kim led OIG to identify and investigate TennCare recipient fraud by conducting timely, thorough, and accurate investigations.  From 2001 to 2018, Kim worked at TBI, initially as a Special Agent investigating Medicaid provider fraud for ten years and then as the Special Agent in Charge for the TBI Training Division.  Kim began her state service with Revenue as an auditor and then Special Agent.  Kim graduated Carson-Newman College in 1987 with a BS in Accounting, and in 2017 with a Master in Public Service degree from Tennessee State University.  Her leadership training includes TGEI, TGMI, LEAD, TBI Leadership Academy, Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, and FBI LEEDA trilogy.  She is married to a funny, hardworking, and smart man named Randy.  She enjoys laughing with her family which includes two daughters, a son-in-law, and a very special grandchild.

Certifications

  • National Diversity Council Diversity First certified
  • CPM - Certified Public Manager
  • Change Style Indicator and Change Navigator
Jeff Stiles, Leadership Programs Manager
1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
(865) 974-8625 | jeff.stiles@tennessee.edu 


Jeff Stiles serves as the Leadership Programs Manager of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. Jeff Stiles served the citizens of Knoxville as an officer with the Knoxville Police Department for 28 years, retiring as a Captain. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, police academy instructor, supervisor of the Field Training Program, Organized Crime Unit supervisor, Training Director, and Commander of Tennessee’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. He also served as a member of the Department’s Special Operations Squad (SWAT) for 20 years. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He is also a graduate of the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (Class 256). He completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2014. For nearly 25 years, Jeff has facilitated and managed training sessions for local, state, and federal government employees, as well as numerous private companies across the nation. In his free time, he enjoys camping and hiking. He is married to Amy and has three children and two grandchildren.

Certifications

  • IDI - Interculture Diversity Inventory
  • ATD Certified Executive Coach
  • ATD Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
Trent Clagg, Training Specialist
1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
(865) 974-6621 | tclagg@tennessee.edu


Trent Clagg serves as a Training Specialist of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. Originally from Idaho, Trent Clagg has been involved in service and leadership for several years. He is the product of three generations of leaders and speakers. He is a graduate of Lee University earning a degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Telecommunications. Later on he received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. He married Mary Hamilton in 2000, and they moved to Lenoir City, TN. In 2002, he accepted the position as the Manager of the Clayton Performing Arts Center at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, TN. After serving almost ten years, Trent accepted a position at Lincoln Memorial University to work in the Assessment department and successfully aided the Carter and Moyers School of Education in attaining the honorable National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Accreditation (NCATE). Trent has served in multiple leadership capacities in his career including a local non-profit where he has served as a motivational speaker since 2006. He has been a featured speaker at several camps in the Pacific Northwest as well as many venues in East Tennessee. He enjoys spending time with his family, discovering the outdoors, and horseback riding. Trent and his wife Mary have three beautiful daughters, Abby, Annabeth, & Amelia

Certifications

  • CPM - Tennessee Certified Public Manager
  • IDI - Interculture Diversity Inventory
  • HBDI – Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument
  • CPI 260 – California Psychological Inventory
  • EI 2.0 - Emotional Intelligence 2.0 & 360
  • ATD Certified Executive Coach
Keith McGee
226 Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard, Suite 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 532-3555 | keith.mcgee@tennessee.edu


Keith L. McGee serves as a Training Specialist for the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service. A Tennessee native, Keith previously served in city and county government for almost 28 years, retiring as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Memphis. In this role, Keith led the day-to-day operations of the country’s 18th largest city. He also served the City of Memphis as the Director and Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division and Secretary to the Civil Service Commission. During his more than eleven years with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Keith advanced from Sergeant to Administrative Lieutenant, Jail Support Manager and ultimately Operations Officer for the first Corrections Training Academy. In addition, Keith has provided consulting services for the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections providing training across the United States. Since 1993, Keith has also led the Keith McGee Group, an executive and human resources consulting firm. The firm’s clients have included Federal Express, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the University of Memphis, McNeill Hotel Company, and the City of Franklin. Keith has a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Thomas Edison State University and is scheduled to receive a master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Trevecca Nazarene University in July of 2022. Keith has had the privilege to share in ministry for over 36 years. Keith was the Pastor of the historic St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Tipton County for over 23 years and currently serves The Church Without Walls-Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, reading, movies, music, and great food. Keith is married to the former Natasha Metcalf, and they have three beautiful children.

Certifications

  • National Institute of Corrections (US Department of Justice) Instructional Theory Into practice: ITIP
  • Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion
  • National Institute of Corrections (US Department of Justice) Train The Trainer From Small Agencies

 

Patrick Mills, Training Coordinator
1610 University Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
(865) 974-6624 | patrick.mills@tennessee.edu


Patrick Mills serves as Training Coordinator of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. Before coming to NCEL, Patrick Mills served as Training Coordinator for the University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). While at MTAS, Mills coordinated events statewide for the many programs MTAS offers. Mills has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee. He is an active member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Patrick Mills is from Maryville, Tennessee; he is an active member in the community and in his free time, loves being outdoors, traveling and playing golf.'

Certifications

  • CPM - Tennessee Certified Public Manager
  • CPI 260 – California Psychological Inventory
  • Articulate Certification
  • Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Adela Bonta, Training Specialist
226 Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard, Suite 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 549-0860 | adela@tennessee.edu


Adela Bonta serves as Training Specialist of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service. Prior to joining NCEL, Adela worked in secondary education and higher education for over 15 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in French and English from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania, a master’s degree in English with a specialization in TESL from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in human resources management from Saint Leo University in Florida. She has designed, facilitated, and implemented retreats, workshops, and various university programs.  She loves learning and is a firm believer that effective training promotes individual growth, strengthens teams, and improves organizational effectiveness. In her free time, she enjoys reading and taking long walks with her husband and their 3-year-old Golden Retriever.

Certifications

  • Teaching Certificate & Certificate of Permanent Teaching
  • Working Genius
  • Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Tanya Washington, Training Specialist
226 Capitol Boulevard, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 532-3731 | tanya.washington@tennessee.edu


Since 2019, Tanya has served as a Training Specialist for the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service.   Prior to joining the university, she served the State of Tennessee for 15 years in the Departments of Health, Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, and Correction.   Tanya has earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Electronics, a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a graduate certificate in Public Administration/Executive Leadership from Tennessee State University.  She is a recent graduate of the Certified Public Manager program as well as a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, and serves as an Executive Coach.

Tanya has volunteered as a tnAchieves mentor for over five years and is a board member for two organizations - a local comprehensive health center as well as a nonpartisan organization established to engage, encourage and endorse qualified women to be elected to public office. She is a member of the Junior League of Nashville where she has worked on the Needs of Nashville and Advocacy committees, and currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council.  A native of Nashville – Tanya resides there with her husband, Andrayus, and their four beloved children.

Certifications

  • IDI - Interculture Diversity Inventory
  • ATD Certified Executive Coach
  • Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
  • CPM - Certified Public Manager

 

Abby Claud, Administrative Associate
226 Capitol Boulevard, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 574-5270 | abby.claud@tennessee.edu


Abby Claud serves as the Administrative Associate for the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) at the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. A Tennessee native, Abby previously served eight years with the State of Tennessee with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). As a Criminal Justice Information System Support Specialist from 2017 to 2023, Abby worked with local, county and states agencies to ensure crime statistics were reported correctly. From 2015 to 2017, Abby was a dispatcher for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Abby graduated in 2014 from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys boating, attending sporting events and spending time with her partner and 8-year-old goldendoodle.

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