HC*EXCELL Board of Directors
Chris Cates
A higher education and non-profit professional with over twenty-six years of experience in enrollment and donor development. Skilled in relationship building and working with individuals and organizations to achieve a common goal.
Work Experience
2017 – Present Assistant Vice President for College Advancement, Walters State Community College
2016 – 2017 Assistant Director of Enrollment Development, Walters State Community College
2014 – 2016 Development Officer, Holston United Methodist Home for Children
2009 – 2014 Director of Major Gifts, Carson-Newman University
2005 – 2009 Director of Annual Fund, Carson-Newman University
1999 – 2005 Senior Admissions Representative, Carson-Newman University
2003 - 2006 Cheerleading Coach, Carson-Newman University
Education
2017 – 2019 Master of Science in Leadership with concentration in Strategic Leadership,
Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN
1995 – 1999 B. A., Biology, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, TN
Community Involvement
o Lakeway Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Board Member, 2023- present, Board Chair currently
o Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2022-present, Vice-President currently
o Youth Leadership Hamblen County, Board Member, 2018-present, Program Director currently
o Hamblen County Foundation for Educational Excellence and Achievement, Board Member, 2024-present
o Committee for Hamblen County Leadership Program, 2010-2014, 2019-2024, Chair, 2010
o Finance Committee for First Baptist Church of Morristown, 2014-2017
o Smoky Mountain Planned Giving Council, past member
o Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity Board and Event Committee, past Board Member
o Leadership Sevier, Participant, 2019
o East Tennessee Regional Leadership, 2012
o Hamblen County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Participant, 2008
Personal
Wife, Sarah, is an elementary school principle and adjunct professor for Carson-Newman University.
Daughter, Grace, is a sophomore in high school and involved with the track team, BETA, choir, and FCA.
Son, Oliver, is a fourth grader and loves baseball, soccer, basketball, and football.
Dog, Teddy, is a three-year-old mini goldendoodle.