The Sycamore Institute, an independent and nonpartisan public policy research center for Tennessee, announced today the appointment of Dr. Jeff McCord to its board of directors. McCord is the first member to represent northeast Tennessee on the board, comprised of leaders from across the state. McCord has served in numerous leadership roles, currently as President of Northeast State Community College and previously as Commissioner for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in the cabinet of Governor Bill Lee.
“Jeff brings a wealth of insight and experience that will inform Sycamore’s work and expand our reach and impact in Upper East Tennessee and across the state,” said Executive Director Brian Straessle. “Sycamore engages with Tennesseans across the Grand Divisions, so we’re pleased to add such a widely respected civic leader as our first board member from the Tri-Cities.”
Jeff McCord is the President of Northeast State Community College, a role he’s held since 2022. Prior to his selection as president, Dr. McCord served as the Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development from January 2019 until September 2022. Under McCord’s leadership as Commissioner, Tennessee developed its first multi-agency comprehensive workforce development strategy, grew employment to the highest level in state history, and raised apprenticeships to the highest level in state history. Prior to his public service, he worked in higher education with a focus on workforce development and also led multiple departments at Eastman Chemical Company. McCord earned a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and his Doctorate in Learning & Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The Sycamore Institute prioritizes regional representation from board members to highlight the many perspectives and people within Tennessee. McCord joins Sycamore’s board of statewide leaders, including Christi Branscom, Doug Overbey, and Karen Pershing from Knoxville, Kerry Hayes from Chattanooga, Judge Sheila Calloway and Leslie Hafner from Nashville, Matt Marshall from Jackson, and Deidre Malone from Memphis.
Full bios for every Sycamore staff and board member are available here.
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The Sycamore Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization that helps Tennesseans identify, understand, and solve big challenges with impartial analysis of data and evidence. With leadership and staff from across the political spectrum, Sycamore provides accessible, reliable information in pursuit of sound, sustainable policies that improve the lives of all Tennesseans.
