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Kelly North, a veteran economic development professional, started in her new role as Executive Director of the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corp. last month and hit the ground running. Mrs. North is on the front line in Tullahoma’s effort to position Tullahoma as a regional leader in retail, aviation, healthcare and entrepreneurship. She works with both existing Tullahoma organizations and works strategically to recruit organizations to Tullahoma.

Read on and get to know Kelly North.

Tell us a little about your background, education, career and family.

I grew up in Tullahoma. I am a proud East Lincoln Eagle, East Middle Panther, and Tullahoma Wildcat, class of 1998. After high school, I went to Motlow and earned an Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design. I took drafting in high school and thought I wanted to be an architect.

Later in life, I decided to change careers and went back to school. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, and a Master’s degree in Not-for-Profit Management from Middle Tennessee State University. Once I realized you could build communities in the same way you build structures, I never looked back!

I have been married to my best friend, Robert, for nearly 20 years. Robert and I own a local business in town, North Star Motor Cars. We have three amazing children, Hunter, Dillon, and Aubrey, and the sweetest daughter-in-law, Caroline. We’re also the proud grandparents of Rylee, Walker, and a little grandgirl due in March. 

Did you have a job in high school and what was your most memorable experience?

I had a couple of jobs in high school, but the most memorable experience I had was my opportunity to work at Worth Sports. I was an administrative assistant for the human resource office. I watched how simple conversation could solve a problem or keep someone motivated.

What inspired you to pursue chamber and economic development work?

After a decade in the corporate sector, I realized I wanted work that moved a community forward. So, I went back to school in my mid-30’s and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and my Master’s degree in Not-for-Profit Management. 

My internship requirement led me to the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, and it was during this time that everything clicked. I saw how one conversation could change the trajectory of a business, how a single connection could open a door, and how economic development quietly shapes the future of a community. It showed me that real progress happens through relationships, persistence, and a willingness to get in the weeds with people. Economic development became the place where all the threads of my life, leadership, problem-solving, service, and a genuine belief in people, finally wove together into work that mattered to me. Once I saw the impact, I never looked back.

How would you define yourself in five words?

Authentic. Driven. Empathetic. Strategic. Intentional.

How do you handle pressure?

Take a deep breath. I assess, plan, and act, quickly but thoughtfully. Years in economic development have taught me that pressure isn’t the enemy, indecision is. I don’t spend my energy on panic;

How do you stay energized?

I stay energized by staying connected. Connected to my people, my purpose, and our progress. When my work aligns with what matters, it doesn’t drain me, it drives me. My family keeps me grounded, and my work keeps me inspired. Seeing momentum in my community gives me the kind of energy no amount of caffeine can match.

How do you prioritize?

In this role, there is never a shortage of things to do. It’s easy to get lost in the noise. I always ask what creates the most value for our industries, partners, and residents? I prioritize by starting with impact, what moves the needle most for our community.

Clear goals and honest timelines keep me grounded when everything feels like it matters at once.

How has your background helped you as the Director of Economic Development for Tullahoma?

My background has given me an excellent mix of experience and perspective. Coming from both the corporate and non-profit sectors has taught me to balance strategy with service. My experience has taught me to think like a business owner, while acting with a community mindset.

What are you involved in outside of work?

I am very family-oriented, much of my time outside of work revolves around the family. However, service is at my core and I have been a dedicated volunteer within our community for many years. Currently, I am the Co-Chair for THS Project Graduation for the Class of 2026, an officer on the Tullahoma High School Basketball Booster Club, and member of the Tullahoma High School Volleyball Board.

Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner? How?

Absolutely. I am lifelong learner by nature and necessity. Economic development changes constantly, from workforce trends to technological advancements, to community needs. Staying curious is part of the job.

Post-graduate school, I completed the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Valley Workforce Institute and Rural Leadership programs. I am currently participating in the inaugural class of Tennessee Valley Authority’s Graduate Institute for economic developers.

What do you like most about your new position?

What I enjoy most about my new role is being able to pour into the community that shaped me. Every conversation with an industry partner, educator, or community member gives me another piece of the puzzle. I love identifying opportunities, connecting the dots, and building a path that strengthens our economy and improves our quality of life. Being able to shape long-term impact while working alongside people who care deeply about this community is what makes the role so rewarding.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is to stay rooted in who I am, no matter where I was or what I was doing. Authenticity has always been my compass. It builds trust and people respond to genuineness. It opens the door to collaboration, accountability, and real progress.

What do you consider your biggest business talent?

I am an excellent facilitator. My biggest business talent is seeing connections between people, ideas, and opportunities that others might miss. I can look at the big picture and spot where collaboration can turn into momentum.

Perhaps no day is typical but tell us your day today.

Every day in economic development is unique. This morning started with a leadership team meeting, followed by Mayor Sebourn’s Quarterly Community Planning session. After that, I met with an Alderman to work through the details of a grant project I am preparing, then jumped on a call with a potential partner interested in helping us position Tullahoma more aggressively for industrial recruitment.

What is your leadership style?

My leadership style is authentic and relational. I lead through connection, understanding what motivates people, meeting them where they are, and creating space for them to contribute meaningfully. It’s about listening, supporting others, and keeping the focus on impact. When people feel valued, they help build something that lasts.

What are your goals in this position?

My goals in this position are centered on connection, growth, and storytelling. In the short term, I am focused on meeting with our existing industries and strengthening partnerships to align on a shared vision. Over the next few years, I want to position Tullahoma as a place where businesses continue to grow, families want to stay, and talent comes home.

What is your biggest win professionally?

My career in economic development has allowed me to develop programs that introduced thousands of students to meaningful career pathways, to play pivotal roles in securing millions of dollars in grant funding, and to support the recruitment of companies that will have an impact in the communities I’ve served for generations. I am privileged to have been involved in such meaningful work. But the thing I am most proud of is my work in supporting local workers impacted by a mass layoff.

A few years ago, a company in my previous community moved the bulk of their operations overseas. Sixty-seven (67) people were laid off due to no fault of their own.

Thanks to our efforts in Business Retention & Expansion – regular visits with local companies – we learned about the coming layoff before it happened. My role was to coordinate the response and ensure they had the resources they needed to make as seamless a transition as possible. In the end, we helped 90% of the people affected find new jobs in the same community with higher wages than they had before.

Who are your “customers” as the Director of Economic Development?

Economic development has a wide range of “customers.” My customers are anyone who believes in Tullahoma’s potential. From the business owners investing here to the industries creating jobs, the educators developing talent, and the families who call Tullahoma home. My goal, as an economic developer, is to improve their ability to grow, invest, and thrive here. 

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that I am an avid gamer. I enjoy board games, card games, video games, the family fantasy football league, pick-up basketball with the kids, hide-and-go seek with the grands, spoons with the family on Thanksgiving. If there is a little friendly competition involved, sign me up!

How do you define success in your job?

I am impact-driven. Success, for me, is defined by creating the kind of growth people can feel. It’s about businesses expanding, students seeing opportunities, and families proud to call Tullahoma home. That’s success.

Mrs. North’s office is located at 321 North Collins Street. She can be reached at 455-2282.