The University of Tennessee at Martin WestStar leadership program presented the Robert M. Smith Outstanding Tennessee Leadership Educator Award to Stephanie Brackman, of Murfreesboro, during the 2020 Tennessee Associate of Community Leadership conference held virtually Oct. 15. Brackman, chief operation officer of the Rutherford County Chamber and director of the Leadership Rutherford adult and youth programs, received the award for her dedication to the advancement of leadership education in Tennessee.
Brackman is the president of the board of directors for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and is a graduate of the Institute of Organization Management, Leadership Middle Tennessee and Leadership Rutherford. She graduated with her bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Virginia Grimes, program coordinator of WestStar, says Brackman was “chosen because of her significant contributions to the advancement of Leadership Rutherford and her dedication to leadership development over the past 30 years.”
“I am deeply humbled and flattered to receive the Robert M. Smith Outstanding Tennessee Leadership Educator award. This award isn’t about me though,” said Brackman. “It’s ultimately for the alumni and supporters of Leadership Rutherford who believe so strongly in the initiatives of the program. I am honored beyond words and so appreciative to everyone for giving me the opportunity to lead.”
The award is given in honor of Dr. Robert Smith, UT Martin chancellor emeritus, who co-founded WestStar and is a nationally recognized leadership education expert.
About Brackman:
Stephanie Brackman joined the Chamber staff in 1999. After graduating with a bachelor's in psychology and master's in education from the University of Tennessee, Stephanie worked for Whittle Communications in Knoxville for six years.
She then came to Rutherford County and worked at Middle Tennessee State University for six years on special projects for the Athletic Department and the President’s Office. She is a graduate of the Institute of Organization Management, Leadership Middle Tennessee and Leadership Rutherford, is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives.
