About the Naifeh Center

Who We Are

The Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership is the University of Tennessee’s flagship center for public-sector leadership development, housed within the UT Institute for Public Service. Across Tennessee and beyond, public organizations turn to the Naifeh Center when leadership matters most.

We exist to strengthen leadership capacity at every level of public service—from emerging supervisors to senior executives—helping individuals, teams and organizations lead with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Our Approach

Our work blends research-informed frameworks with real-world application, ensuring that leadership development is not only theoretical, but practical, relevant and immediately usable. We focus on the skills leaders need to navigate complexity, manage change, build trust and deliver results in today’s public-sector environment.

Our model is grounded in a comprehensive, competency-based approach that reflects nationally recognized best practices in management and executive development. Our programs are designed to build the capabilities that matter most—communication, decision-making, collaboration, influence, ethics and organizational effectiveness—while remaining adaptable to the unique needs of each agency and community we serve.

As you explore our programs, you will find a wide range of solutions designed to meet organizations where they are and help them move forward. From assessments and coaching to customized training and facilitation, our work is tailored, practical and impact-driven.

The Naifeh Center is about developing leaders to serve well. Through practical tools, thoughtful design and deep experience in public service, we help ensure that leadership across Tennessee is prepared not just for today’s challenges, but for what lies ahead.