YPK is all about connections, growth, and making an impact—and none of that happens without great leadership! Behind the scenes, a team of passionate individuals is working hard to bring you engaging events, valuable mentorship opportunities, and ways to make a difference in the community.

In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce the faces behind YPK, their vision for the year ahead, and maybe even a fun fact or two.

Let’s meet the team!

Briana Alvoid-Preston

President

Hi! I’m honored to be serving as YPK’s 2025 President. This organization has left an immeasurable impact on me & I hope everyone can say the same at some point during their membership. If we’ve met already, I’m looking forward to seeing you again at an event soon; and if we haven’t had the chance to meet, please come find me at an event! Here’s to another exciting year with the best group in Knoxville!

Andrew Ellis

Vice President of Development

Hey everyone! Andrew here and I'm stoked to have the opportunity to help further YPK’s mission by bringing in businesses from our community to invest in this organization and your futures. I'm looking forward to meeting with you all to find and connect you with organizations, opportunities, and businesses that help fulfill your needs and goals for the future! Hit me up anytime and we can grab coffee.

Travis Williams

Vice President of Engagement

Hey Friends, Travis Williams here! I’m happy to serve as your Vice President of Engagement this year. I’m passionate about living a full and authentic life while building meaningful relationships that truly matter. A little about me—I love to bake, take long walks in the park, and sing at the top of my lungs around the house (even if I’m a little off-key!). This year, my goal is to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and connected. Whether it’s through exciting events, heartfelt conversations, or simply sharing a laugh, I’m here to make sure engagement is more than just a word—it’s a feeling we all share.

Caitlin Bolden

Past President

This year I look forward to serving YPK as Past President! By day, I’m the Director of Artistic Administration at Knoxville Opera, where I help bring operatic magic to life. When I’m not working, I love to read and spend time browsing through local bookstores and coffee shops. I’m always excited to connect with fellow YPK members and contribute to our community!

Alec Bissell

Treasurer

Howdy! I’m YPK’s Treasurer for 2025. I’ll be keeping our books straight and working to enhance our financial processes throughout the year. I’m a civil engineer administering construction projects across the region. And if you need a trivia ace, I’m your guy!

Caleb Roberson

Director of Recruitment

Warm Greetings & Blessings YPK Family. It’s an honor to serve as your Director of Recruitment this year. I strive to ensure each member has a place to feel inclusive, a sense of belonging within YPK, and has an opportunity to make a difference in the community. 9 times out of 10, you’ll see me engaging in conversation and getting to know someone better in the room. It’s just me being myself, *coughs* while doing my job very well!

Will Baker

Director of Community Partnerships

Hi, I'm the Director of Community Partnerships for YPK this year! I'm over the community outreach and strategic partnerships committees, as well as the Giving Event. My day job is as a contracts administrator at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a federal contractor. Looking forward to serving YPK this year!

David Moran

Membership Committee Chair

Hi! I am looking forward to serving as the Membership Committee Chair this year alongside some other excellent leaders. My career has changed a lot over the years, from education and ministry, to retail and bar management, and now in the dental field. I love bartending and mixology though, so let me know if you need any good recipes or ideas.

Leah Roberts

Social Committee Chair

Hi friends, I am excited and ready for all the fun this year will bring as your 2025 Social Committee Chair! I am originally from VA but have been loving Knoxville for the past five years! I work for Warner Bros. Discovery as a Fan Relations Supervisor and can say the TV biz is really cool! When you see me around, I’d love to hear about your favorite binge worthy show!

James Tarlton

Professional Development Committee Chair

It is a pleasure to serve as your Professional Development Committee Chair. As a Technical Lead at Y-12 National Security Complex, I understand the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong learning. My commitment to education is further demonstrated by my pursuit of a doctorate at Purdue University and my experience as an adjunct faculty member teaching computer science. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and dedicated to the growth of Young Professionals Knoxville. I am excited to elevate the Professional Development Committee to new levels and look forward to a successful year.

Bailey Dingley

Community Outreach Committee Chair

I'm stoked to be serving as the Community Outreach Chair this year! For my 9-5, I work at a creative agency as a Project Director, where I oversee various brand, marketing, and website projects. Outside of that, I love to read, play Switch cozy games, and take classes at the YMCA. I'm so excited to continue to build community with YPK members and organizations across the city, so hit me up if you have any organizations recommendations or a good book to add to my TBR!

Casey Donnellan

Marketing Committee Chair

Hey folks, I'm excited to serve as your Marketing Committee Chair this year! I'm a full-time, independent video game developer, and I'm hoping to bring some of that tech-savvy to YPK. Although I went to UT, I spent most of the last decade living in Austin, so if you find some good tacos in Knoxville, drop me a line!

Anton Horvath

Communications Committee Chair

Hey all! I'm thrilled to have the privilege of serving as your Communications Chair this year! I currently work as a Technical Writer for Autodesk, specializing in API documentation and communication for software developers. I grew up in the wine country north of San Francisco, moved to Texas for college, and moved to Knoxville last year after graduating. In my free time, I enjoy working on house projects, playing pickleball, running, and spending quality time with my cat.