Jennifer Thacker serves as the Lead Business & Workforce Director for East Tennessee. She leads regional business engagement and workforce initiatives, collaborates with employers and community partners, and supports the implementation of the Department's workforce development strategies across East Tennessee. She also supports business solutions in Southeast Tennessee and serves on the Local Workforce Development Board, helping advance regional workforce priorities through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
With more than 15 years of experience in workforce development, Jennifer has built a career spanning higher education, workforce training, and workforce board leadership. She has extensive experience developing and implementing strategic plans, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and leading complex initiatives that strengthen education, workforce, and community outcomes. Her leadership has supported executive-level advisory councils, regional collaborations, and initiatives focused on expanding talent pipelines and economic opportunity.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from East Tennessee State University, a Master of Education from Milligan University, and a Ph.D. in Education (Cultural Studies) from the University of Tennessee.
