Knox County, Tennessee Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Knox County, Tennessee has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, administrative coordination, and executive support.

Committed to public service excellence, Knox County, Tennessee delivers essential government services while fostering regional growth and maintaining fiscal responsibility for all residents across the county.

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
  • Cheryl Sutton - Chief Executive Officer

    Cheryl Sutton, the Chief Executive Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, directs the overarching strategic vision for all government operations. Sutton architects high-level policy frameworks that guide departmental performance and ensure alignment with public mandates. By coordinating with the Board and various agency heads, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance service delivery across the region. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to maintain transparency and efficiency in local governance. Cheryl Sutton actively monitors the implementation of long-term development goals, ensuring that every administrative action supports the broader mission of the county. Through rigorous oversight of public resources, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of essential community programs. Ultimately, Sutton fosters a culture of accountability, positioning the organization to meet the evolving needs of the population while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and effective public administration.

    Cendy Joslin - Chief Financial Officer

    Cendy Joslin, the Chief Financial Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire government entity. Joslin oversees the allocation of public funds, ensuring that every department operates within strict financial guidelines while maximizing the impact of taxpayer investments. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer architects robust financial models that support long-term economic stability. This role requires constant collaboration with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for critical infrastructure and community services. Cendy Joslin maintains rigorous internal controls to prevent waste and promote fiscal transparency across all county departments. Through precise financial reporting and strategic planning, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to inform policy decisions. Ultimately, Joslin ensures that the financial foundation of the county remains strong, enabling the consistent delivery of essential services to the public.

    Chris Caldwell - Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff

    Chris Caldwell, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff at Knox County, Tennessee, balances complex financial oversight with high-level administrative coordination. Caldwell directs the audit and compliance functions, ensuring that all fiscal activities adhere to strict regulatory standards. By integrating financial planning with executive staff management, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff architects a unified approach to resource management and policy execution. This dual-purpose role requires constant interaction with the Board to align budgetary constraints with administrative priorities. Chris Caldwell monitors the financial impact of new policies, providing critical insights that guide the strategic direction of the county. Through the management of both fiscal and operational teams, the Chief Financial Officer & Co Chief of Staff drives efficiency across the organization. Ultimately, Caldwell ensures that the county maintains a balanced budget while simultaneously supporting the smooth execution of executive-level initiatives.

    Doug Harris - Chief Operating Officer

    Doug Harris, the Chief Operating Officer at Knox County, Tennessee, executes the daily operational functions that keep government services running smoothly. Harris directs the internal processes and logistical workflows that support various public departments, ensuring that service delivery remains efficient and responsive. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer eliminates bottlenecks and improves the overall quality of public interactions. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental projects that require precise coordination and resource allocation. Doug Harris monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving continuous enhancement of internal systems. Through the implementation of streamlined procedures, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of the county by maintaining high standards of operational excellence. Ultimately, Harris ensures that all administrative functions align with the strategic goals set by the executive team, providing a reliable framework for effective governance.
    Doug Harris

    Krissy Gladders - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Krissy Gladders, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Knox County, Tennessee, coordinates administrative activities and facilitates communication between the executive office and various government departments. Gladders architects internal workflows that streamline decision-making processes, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on high-priority initiatives. By managing the flow of information and overseeing special projects, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives organizational alignment and operational efficiency. This role involves acting as a primary liaison for internal stakeholders, resolving complex administrative challenges before these issues impact public service delivery. Krissy Gladders monitors the progress of key policy implementations, providing the necessary support to ensure that all objectives meet established timelines. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the rhythm of the executive office. Ultimately, Gladders supports the overall effectiveness of the county government by fostering clear communication and structured administrative support.

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    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 5 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.