On Thursday, August 20, the UT Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) Executive Peer Group kicked off its 2026–27 cohort, bringing together manufacturing and business leaders from across the Knoxville area for another year of shared learning, leadership development, and collaboration.
Led by Ashleigh Walters with the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP), the Executive Peer Group provides leaders with a space to learn from one another, openly discuss challenges, and explore new ways to strengthen their organizations.
Through guided discussions, leadership development activities, and unique learning experiences, participants explore topics including workforce development, operational excellence, company culture, leadership, and long-term organizational growth.
The 2026–27 cohort marks the fourth year of the Executive Peer Group. The opening session focused on company health, leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving—reinforcing the importance of investing in people and building strong organizational foundations.
A defining part of the Executive Peer Group is its commitment to taking learning beyond the traditional classroom. Participants are given opportunities to step inside different operating environments and see how other organizations approach leadership, operations, continuous improvement, and customer experience.
Previous cohorts have participated in experiences such as a behind-the-scenes visit to Dollywood, where members explored leadership practices, continuous improvement, and equipment modernization.
Continuing that tradition, this year's cohort began at Covenant Health Park, the new home of the Tennessee Smokies. Participants heard from the Smokies' Director of Operations and received an exclusive look at the inner workings of the stadium.
The experience sparked conversations around operational efficiency, customer experience, teamwork, leadership, and the coordination required to successfully manage a large-scale venue.
By experiencing these concepts in real-world environments, Executive Peer Group members can gain new perspectives that extend beyond their own industries. Just as importantly, the program gives leaders an opportunity to build trusted relationships with peers who may be navigating many of the same challenges.
As the fourth cohort gets underway, participants will continue learning from one another, challenging their perspectives, and bringing new ideas back to their organizations strengthening both their leadership and Tennessee's manufacturing community.
Interested in becoming part of the Executive Peer Group? Email tmep@tennessee.edu to learn more and get connected.