Meet Your 2026 Leadership team
We’re excited to introduce the dedicated individuals who will be guiding YPK this year. Our new leadership team brings fresh ideas, steady commitment, and a shared vision for creating engaging events and meaningful connection opportunities.
Let’s meet the faces behind the scenes, learn a little about them and their goals for the year ahead, and maybe even discover a fun fact or two.
Travis D. Williams
President
What do you do for work?
I’m serving as the Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Academic Success Center at UTK.
If I wasn’t an Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives, I’d probably be a…
Community builder who helps people find meaning and connection.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Playing chef in the kitchen, cooking or baking up something new. I also spend time reading, mostly for school, and I love singing wherever I am, in the car, the office, or just around the house, and dancing for fun. This year, I’m excited to try my hand at golf and maybe even get into building Legos.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Help the organization stay aligned with its mission, empower members to see how their contributions fit together, and foster an environment guided by integrity, curiosity, and collaboration.
Leah Roberts
VP of Engagement
What do you do for work?
CX Operations Supervisor
If I wasn’t a CX Operations Supervisor, I’d probably be a…
Archaeologist!
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Watching 4DX movies!
My current mission at YPK is to...
Create intentional, inclusive engagement opportunities that build authentic connections and drive long-term involvement within Young Professionals of Knoxville.
Sam Joneswood
Secretary
What do you do for work?
I currently work as a Research Manager for The Knot Worldwide, a leading DIY wedding planning platform for couples.
If I wasn’t a Research Manager, I’d probably be a…
Environmental Engineer.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Walking my dog, and hiking.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Provide organizational support and structure to the YPK Leadership team so they can spend more time making their great ideas a reality.
Andrew Duncan
Director of Membership experience
What do you do for work?
I’m a financial data analyst in the healthcare industry.
If I wasn’t a Financial Data Analyst, I’d probably be a…
PI (private investigator).
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Teaching piano, playing pickleball, going to concerts.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Develop quality affinity groups, build solid procedures for membership onboarding and retention, empower the next group of leaders.
Caitlin E. Moore
Director of Recruitment
What do you do for work?
I connect ambitious professionals to transformative executive and graduate business education. I specialize in building meaningful relationships, driving enrollment strategies, and creating pathways that help students advance their careers and leadership potential.
If I wasn’t an Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment, I’d probably be a…
Brand strategist or creative consultant.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
I try to do one "mini adventure" every week(end) — anything from checking out a new restaurant, visiting Dollywood, attending a UT game, or playing pickleball and volleyball.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Build an intentional, welcoming pipeline where young professionals don’t just join an organization—they find community, belonging, and purpose.
Jim Tarlton
Director of Professional development
What do you do for work?
I currently serve as a senior software lead at the Y-12 National Security Complex, where I oversee the development of complex business systems. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct faculty member at university, teaching information systems courses.
If I wasn’t a Technical Lead, I’d probably be a…
Forensic Golf Ball Investigator. My success rate in 'lost asset' recovery is surprisingly high.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Spending time with family, hiking, golfing, snowboarding, traveling.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Transform our professional development offerings into a lasting resource by hosting live, skill-based events that provide immediate value to members and long-term visibility for the organization via digital channels.
Anton Horvath
Director of Marketing & Communications
What do you do for work?
I work as a Technology Consultant at Autodesk, helping software developers integrate with our systems.
If I wasn’t a Technology Consultant, I’d probably be a…
Park Ranger!
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Gardening, running, fly fishing, reading, or coding side projects for fun.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Tell YPK’s 2026 story through social media posts and communication channels, ensure members and community folks know about upcoming opportunities, and help spread awareness of YPK throughout Knoxville.
Lynnette Taschner
Membership Chair
What do you do for work?
I'm the Director of Community Outreach for the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation.
If I wasn’t an Outreach Director, I’d probably be a…
Therapist.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Playing Pokémon Go, listening to K-Pop, Thrifting, or spending time with my partner!
My current mission at YPK is to...
Provide an exceptional member experience by acting as a conduit, empowering others to Connect, Develop, and Serve within our community.
Angelo Perucho
Social Chair
What do you do for work?
I am in Medical Imaging R&D; (fancy for) research ways to improve the capabilities of machines that take medical images.
If I wasn’t in Medical Imaging R&D, I’d probably be a…
Imaging Scientist, which is/(was?) my dream job.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
At home gaming, at the gym weightlifting, or on the trails hiking.
My current mission at YPK is to...
Help build networks with genuine connections and give back to the city.
Sarah Hime
Community Outreach Chair
What do you do for work?
Architecture Associate at Benefield Richters.
If I wasn’t an Architect, I’d probably be a…
Museum Curator.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
Doing ceramics at Mighty Mud, working on house projects, and studying for the Architect Registration Exam (hopefully not for much longer!)
My current mission at YPK is to...
Continue to help members engage with our community through volunteer events!
Daniel Pope
Strategic Partnerships Chair
What do you do for work?
I own & operate a digital marketing firm called Be Known, LLC.
If I wasn’t a business owner, I’d probably be a…
Chef or a voice actor.
When I’m not working, you can find me…
At the downtown YMCA then watching sports, especially football!
My current mission at YPK is to...
Help others find incredible community & connection just like I did a few years back. I believe strongly in the power that YPK can have especially with the influx of new people moving to Knoxville in recent years!
