Knox County, Tennessee Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Knox County, Tennessee has 6 executives leading key functions including administration, financial oversight, operational management, staff coordination, and public health.

Committed to regional excellence, Knox County, Tennessee delivers essential government services while maintaining fiscal responsibility and fostering community growth through transparent, efficient, and highly accessible public sector leadership.

Leadership Roles at Knox County, Tennessee

  • Chief Executive Officer - Cheryl Sutton
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cendy Joslin
  • Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff - Chris Caldwell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Doug Harris
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Krissy Gladders
  • Chief Medical Officer - Renee Elmer
  • Cheryl Sutton - Chief Executive Officer

    Cheryl Sutton, the Chief Executive Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, directs all administrative functions and government operations. Sutton architects the overarching strategic vision for the county, ensuring alignment between public policy and community needs. By managing high-level stakeholder relationships, the Chief Executive Officer drives organizational efficiency across all departments. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to implement long-term infrastructure projects and public service initiatives. Cheryl Sutton maintains a focus on sustainable growth, overseeing the integration of modern technology into government workflows to improve citizen engagement. Through rigorous oversight of departmental performance, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all public resources support the broader mission of the county. Ultimately, Sutton secures the operational integrity of the government, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence that defines the current administrative landscape of the region.

    Cendy Joslin - Chief Financial Officer

    Cendy Joslin, the Chief Financial Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire government entity. Joslin architects robust financial frameworks that support the allocation of public funds toward essential infrastructure and community programs. By overseeing revenue collection and expenditure tracking, the Chief Financial Officer ensures strict compliance with state and federal regulations. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to optimize resource distribution and minimize waste. Cendy Joslin drives the development of long-term financial strategies that protect the economic stability of the county. Through precise analysis of market trends and tax revenue, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for informed decision-making. Ultimately, Joslin maintains the fiscal transparency required to uphold public trust, ensuring that every dollar contributes directly to the advancement of the regional government mission.

    Chris Caldwell - Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff

    Chris Caldwell, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff at Knox County, Tennessee, manages the intersection of financial planning and executive administrative coordination. Caldwell architects integrated strategies that align budgetary constraints with the strategic priorities of the leadership team. By overseeing complex financial reporting and internal policy development, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff drives organizational cohesion. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive office and various government departments to ensure unified execution of county goals. Chris Caldwell monitors the financial impact of administrative decisions, providing critical insights that guide resource allocation. Through the synthesis of fiscal data and operational requirements, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff supports the long-term sustainability of government programs. Ultimately, Caldwell secures the alignment of financial resources with the strategic vision of the county administration.

    Doug Harris - Chief Operating Officer

    Doug Harris, the Chief Operating Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, executes the daily operational strategies that keep government services running smoothly. Harris architects scalable processes for public works, facility management, and internal logistics. By streamlining cross-departmental workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives significant improvements in service delivery speed and quality. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that impact regional infrastructure and public safety. Doug Harris oversees the implementation of operational policies that enhance productivity across the entire workforce. Through constant monitoring of service metrics, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks and applies corrective measures to maintain high performance standards. Ultimately, Harris ensures that the operational backbone of the county remains resilient, supporting the diverse needs of the population while optimizing the use of public assets to achieve maximum community impact.
    Doug Harris

    Krissy Gladders - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Krissy Gladders, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Knox County, Tennessee, directs the internal coordination and administrative support functions for the executive office. Gladders architects communication channels that bridge the gap between senior leadership and departmental teams. By managing the flow of information and prioritizing executive tasks, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives the efficiency of the daily government agenda. This leadership role involves overseeing special projects and ensuring that all administrative initiatives meet the high standards of the county. Krissy Gladders facilitates collaboration across diverse government sectors, ensuring that policy implementation remains consistent with the broader mission. Through the careful management of executive schedules and stakeholder inquiries, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the focus of the leadership team on critical community issues. Ultimately, Gladders secures the operational rhythm of the office, enabling the executive team to address complex regional challenges effectively.

    Renee Elmer - Chief Medical Officer

    Renee Elmer, the Chief Medical Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, directs the public health strategy and medical oversight for the regional government. Elmer architects comprehensive health initiatives that address community wellness, disease prevention, and emergency medical preparedness. By managing relationships with healthcare providers and public health agencies, the Chief Medical Officer drives the implementation of evidence-based policies that protect the population. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on health-related risks and coordinating the response to public health crises. Renee Elmer oversees the integration of medical data into government planning, ensuring that public health outcomes remain a priority in all administrative decisions. Through the development of robust health programs, the Chief Medical Officer supports the overall quality of life for residents. Ultimately, Elmer secures the health and safety of the community by leading proactive medical strategies that address the evolving needs of the region.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Knox County, Tennessee Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Knox County, Tennessee?
    Knox County, Tennessee is led by Cheryl Sutton (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cendy Joslin (Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Caldwell (Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Knox County, Tennessee’s executive team?
    The executive team of Knox County, Tennessee includes leaders such as Cheryl Sutton (Chief Executive Officer), Cendy Joslin (Chief Financial Officer), Chris Caldwell (Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Knox County, Tennessee have?
    Knox County, Tennessee has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Knox County, Tennessee’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Knox County, Tennessee includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff.