Four years ago, a friend encouraged Alan Moore to check out Young Professionals of Knoxville. He enjoyed the experience so much that he continued his involvement, and today serves as President for this 150-member organization that is dedicated to connecting, developing, and serving young professionals across Knoxville. Hear more of his story below – from where he’s looking forward to vacationing, to how he believes young professionals can positively impact our community.

Who is Alan Moore?

A Trust Officer at First Tennessee Bank, Alan has been in this role for almost three years, and he enjoys collaborating with his colleagues to build estate and financial plans that best meet each individual client’s needs. Alan earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tennessee and spent the year following graduation serving with a campus ministry. The experience kindled his passion for non-profits, but also helped him realize that law school would be a good fit. After earning his J.D. from UT and an LL.M in tax law from Washington University in Saint Louis, he spent several years practicing as a Tax and Estate planning attorney before embarking on his career at First Tennessee.

Alan currently serves as President of both YPK and the UT Young Alumni Council. Once his terms on both organizations have concluded, he looks forward to spending a little more time at home with his wife, Erica, and two boys, Trey, age two, and Wells, age one, before diving back in to finding a place to serve his community.

Describe yourself in five or fewer words.

Not (1) sure (2) how (3) to (4) answer (5), but, if forced:  willing to lead and serve.  

What brought you to Knoxville? What have you found most surprising or interesting about the city?

I was born in Memphis, TN and moved around the South with family prior to moving to Knoxville in 1999.  My grandparents lived here and my parents could not wait to get back to Knoxville and Big Orange Country.  My knowledge of the city growing up was that ‘downtown Knoxville’ meant the University of Tennessee and corporate businesses. I don’t think that I ever knew the restaurant and entertainment scene until I went to college and then became a young professional.  Knoxville has everything a town could offer:  nightly entertainment, great restaurants, and outdoor activities to rival the best.  Our business landscape continues to grow, and the job market here is competitive but achievable. 

For those new to Knoxville, I think the key to the city is similar to what I tell our new YPK members: “it is what you make it.”  In order to enjoy Knoxville, you have to get out and look.  Knoxville can be as big or small as you want it to be, but it will only be enjoyable if you allow it to be so. 

Tell us about a “typical” day at work.

 I work at First Tennessee Bank’s Trust division under their Wealth Management Team.  A typical day involves reviewing investment activity and administering trusts and estates.  I work with our team of investment advisors, financial planners and private bankers to ensure our clients have the experience they want.  My primary role is to administer Trusts and Estates. This means I take the documents an attorney has drafted to protect, pass-on, or control a client’s wealth and administer them according to the terms of the document.  My previous experience as a Tax and Estate Planning attorney has helped me succeed in this role. 

Outside of work, where can we find you?

 With a wife and two boys under three years old, as well as a house that we are continuing to perfect, my active hobbies are few and far between.  However, I have always enjoyed running, vacationing at the beach or in a big city, and all things St. Louis Cardinals or University of Tennessee Volunteers. 

If you could have a week to do anything or travel anywhere, how would you spend it?

My wife and I discuss this type of thing a lot, and right now, we’re excited thinking about the trip we will do this summer for our tenth anniversary: heading to New England to do a little history and a little beach!  Best of all worlds. 

What are you currently reading, watching or listening to? 

 I just finished a book called Onward by Russell Moore and cannot get enough binging on shows on Netflix.  My wife and I watch Fixer Upper together as we dream of making our home better. 

How did you get involved with YPK?

As many do, I had a friend invite me – and here I am 4 years later. 

How do you think young professionals contribute to our community?

Young professionals are an undervalued commodity in our community.  I have seen this in my times on both the YPK Board and UT Young Alumni Council.  While the community values monetarily giving back, often those who can provide are either too busy to give their time and effort or no longer able.  Although many young professionals see themselves as “having no money to give” this does not mean they “have nothing to give”.  Additionally, in our fast-paced and ever-changing world, young professionals are the key to new business and getting access to millennials.  Our ability to communicate and see things differently is a great attribute. 

What has been your best memory or favorite experience with YPK? How has YPK impacted your life?

YPK has taught me how to be involved with a non-profit in a low key environment.  I have great memories of getting a behind the scene tour of the Tennessee Theatre, sitting in on an exclusive interview with Jimmy Haslam, and meeting wonderful people both younger and older than I.  It has also given me a chance to help lead a non-profit, which is rare for a young-professional.  Many think getting on a board or being a leader in a group is difficult, but often times all it takes is to ask.

We are always looking for interesting members of YPK to highlight. If you would like to share your story with us, contact us!

About the Editor

Anna Sandelli is Student Success Librarian for Undergraduate User Experience and an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her role involves instruction, engagement, and outreach to help varied student populations learn the tools of scholarship while navigating life at a four-year research institution. She holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.