About YPK
History
Since 2007, Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK) has worked to provide leadership and professional development opportunities, foster a sense of community among the area’s young professionals, strengthen awareness of the talented, young leaders in our area, and enhance Knoxville’s image as an exciting, compelling city in which young professionals can thrive.
We’re committed to the vision of “our” Knoxville – a place where young professionals serve the community; unite with one another, and inspire greatness. We seek to develop relationships with ambitious, skilled, and selfless members across a myriad of careers and industries within the Knoxville community.
Young professionals, Brandon Clarke and Casey Peters, along with a group of advisers affiliated with Leadership Knoxville established YPK in August of 2006. The idea stemmed from the absence of a relationship between Knoxville business owners, the community, and the next generation of business leaders.
Since its inception, YPK has grown to a membership of more than 200 skilled, involved and energetic young professionals looking to support business operations in the region while being encircled with the knowledge, experience, and humbleness of those leaders already established within the Knoxville business community.
Mission
Young Professionals of Knoxville is a membership-driven, non-profit organization with a mission to inspire Knoxville’s young professionals to connect, develop and serve to build leaders and improve our community.
Objectives
Make Knoxville the most desirable city for young professionals to live, work and play
Connect young professionals to peers, provide opportunities for social and business networking
Develop young professionals as young business leaders; educate them about Knoxville and cultivate personal and professional skills
Serve our community; Engage young professionals in volunteer and community outreach projects and provide opportunities to give back
Connect young professionals to Knoxville's influential business and community leaders by providing networking opportunities with executive level leaders and prominent local companies
Provide fun social and casual settings for young professionals to interact while exploring Knoxville cultural and nightlife scene and outdoor group activities (like joining an affinity group!)
2025
Board of Directors
President
Briana Alvoid-Preston
VP of Engagement
Travis Williams
VP of development
Andrew Ellis
Secretary
Daria Cooper
treasurer
Alec Bissell
Director of Membership experience
Mark Snyder
Director of Recruitment
Caleb Roberson
Director of Professional development
Emma Moran
Director of Community Partnerships
Will Baker
Director of Marketing & Communications
Lena Martin
COmmittee Chairs
Membership Chair
David Moran
Recruitment Chair
Andrew Duncan
Social Chair
Leah Roberts
Professional development Chair
Jim Tarlton
Community Outreach Chair
Bailey Dingley
Strategic Partnerships Chair
Daniel Pope
Marketing Chair
Casey Donnellan
Communications Chair
Anton Horvath