The Sycamore Institute recently welcomed Amy Goode to our full-time staff as our Development and Operations Manager. We asked Amy to answer the following questions so you can get to know her better.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Kingsport, Tennessee native who has lived in Nashville since 2008. Prior to working at The Sycamore Institute, I spent five years working at Leadership Tennessee where I ran programs to bring together people from across the state for focused conversations on the state’s most pressing issues. I am married to a Northwest Tennessee native, and we have one son.
Why did you want to work at the Sycamore Institute?
As a native Tennessean with roots in each of the Grand Divisions, I am passionate about contributing to the overall success of the state. I believe innovative solutions to our toughest challenges are created out of diverse relationships, earned trust, and access to trustworthy information, which is exactly what led me to be a longtime admirer of The Sycamore Institute.
Where do you want to be in 15 years?
I hope to have traveled to six out of the seven continents. (I’m a bit afraid of making the trek across the Drake Passage.) In 15 years, I hope I have impacted the everyday lives of Tennessee citizens through a policy change or program service. Giving back to my community outside of work is an important family value, so I anticipate having volunteer roles with other organizations. Plus, in fifteen years, I will be teaching my son to drive, even if autonomous cars have taken over.
What are your interests and activities outside of work?
Despite never having attended the University of Tennessee, I’m a diehard Vol fan. As an avid college football fan, I spend many fall Saturdays in Neyland Stadium. Outside of football season, I can be found on the ski slopes, walking my neighborhood, or hosting friends for casual dinner parties with my husband, Crockett.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
As a kid, I once babysat Justin Timberlake’s dog.
