Big Brothers Big Sisters Of East Tennessee CEO Brent Waugh Announces Departure

From the Knoxville Chamber:

September 1, 2021

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee CEO Brent Waugh has announced his departure effective Sept. 1, 2021.

Waugh has worked for the organization in a variety of roles over seven years, including Events Manager, Chief Development Officer, and — for nearly four years — as Chief Executive Officer.

Since Waugh joined, BBBS of East Tennessee has been national recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America each year – as a Quality Award winner (2018, 2019, 2020), Pinnacle Award recipient (2017), national Agency of the Year semifinalist (2018), and as national Agency of the Year (2019). The organization estimates it has served more than 3,000 youth, and more than 10,000 youth, siblings, parents, and caregivers during Waugh’s tenure as CEO.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is successful not because of one person, but because of a community of people, and I have no doubt our phenomenal success will continue,” Waugh said. “I am pleased with the work this team has done, especially during a pandemic when our services have been more vital than ever before.”

Additional highlights during Waugh’s time as CEO include:

• In 2021, becoming the largest agency, in terms of children served, in the state of Tennessee.
• Achieving record-breaking fundraising over the past two years, allowing the agency to invest in staff, expand programs, and reach a level of reserves that will keep BBBS-ETN on stable footing for years to come.
• Launching new mentoring initiatives, including Bigs in Blue, Reading to Learn, STEM mentoring, college and career readiness, and more.
• Establishing the agency’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
• Expanding services to parents and caregivers—launching a Family Resource Center and program which directly connects families with essential services during the pandemic.

BBBS-ETN’s board of directors has launched a search for its new CEO and has named Chief Development Officer Tyler Boldin interim CEO, effective Sept. 2.

For more details on Waugh’s departure and on the agency’s transition plans, visit TennesseeBig.org/CEOFarewell.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s 2019 national Agency of the Year, defends potential in children through strong and enduring, professionally supported one ‐ to ‐ one relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Children enrolled in the program achieve measurable outcomes, including improved educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater self-confidence, and better relationships. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organizations’ decades-long history in Tennessee.

During the COVID-19 crisis — and every day — BBBS is committed to keeping kids connected through a supportive mentor and dedicated case workers. The agency goes one step further, linking both families and caregivers with critical services, serving those affected by food insecurity, loss of income, lack of healthcare, isolation, and anxiety due to COVID-19.

This press release was produced by the Knoxville Chamber. The views expressed are the author's own.