business briefs
• Dr. Craig Pickett Jr. recently was sworn in as the newest commissioner of the Knoxville Utilities Board. He succeeds outgoing commissioner Tyvi Small, who had served on the board since 2017.
Pickett serves as the director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he oversees all inclusive excellence programming, DEI-specific recruitment/retention initiatives, employee resource groups and training and development for an organization of 8,000 employees.
Additionally, he serves as a DEI consultant and works with institutions, non-profits and organizations throughout East Tennessee to promote inclusive excellence, authenticity and a greater sense of belonging for stakeholders.
• Weichert, Realtors - Advantage Plus in Knoxville has announced Scotty Ecklind recently successfully completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. Fast Track training program.
The training helps bring new and existing Weichert-affiliated agents up to speed on the latest information, resources and technology.
• FirstBank has announced Richard Burchfield recently joined its human resources team, serving as senior human resources business partner.
• TDS Telecommunications, LLC, is making its latest investment in Greater Knoxville by supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank. A group of company associates recently presented a check for $2,000 after volunteering at the non-profit on Feb. 16.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville rose two spots among all public universities to 51st and rose 10 spots among all public and private institutions nationally to 105th out of 426 in 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.
