Dr. Dawn Tuell, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine and a pediatrician with ETSU Health, has been selected for Leadership Tennessee’s 2026-27 Signature Program Class XIII.

Leadership Tennessee is a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance. In its 13th Signature Program, 12 different Tennessee counties are represented by professionals with diverse experience in the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors.

Over the course of 10 months, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyze the challenges Tennessee faces, and work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and take action to address the most serious issues uncovered.

Tuell has dedicated her career to improving the health of children and expanding access to care in rural communities. Since becoming chair of Pediatrics in 2019, she has helped lead significant growth within the department, expanding pediatric primary and specialty care services across the region.

Under her leadership, the department has added more than 30 faculty members and broadened access to services in areas where children and families have historically faced barriers to care.

A graduate of ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine and pediatric residency program, Tuell has long been committed to serving rural populations. Her work focuses on ensuring that children have access to the care they need close to home and on promoting preventive approaches that can improve health outcomes throughout their lifetimes.

“I am honored to join Leadership Tennessee’s Class XIII and learn alongside leaders from across our state,” Tuell said. “Tennessee’s future depends on strong, healthy communities, and I am passionate about advancing solutions that improve access to care in rural areas and help children thrive from the earliest stages of life.

“Preventive care and early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s health for decades, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to the conversations ahead,” she continued.

Tuell also expressed gratitude to ETSU and its leadership for supporting her participation in the program.

“I am grateful to ETSU and to Vice President for Clinical Affairs Dr. Bill Block for their encouragement and support of leadership development,” she said. “This opportunity is both an honor and a responsibility, and I look forward to bringing back insights that will benefit our institution, our region and the communities we serve.”

The group was selected by an anonymous selection committee based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both personal and professional capacities, and a strong understanding of the challenges Tennessee faces today.

“We take great pride in challenging our cohorts to think deeply, lead courageously and engage meaningfully in shaping Tennessee’s future,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “The 2026 class represents an exceptional group of leaders, chosen not only for their demonstrated accomplishments but also for their capacity to inspire progress and create lasting impact across our state.

“Through this program, they will gain valuable insights, meaningful relationships and a broader perspective on Tennessee’s opportunities and challenges,” he continued. “We are excited to see how this class will leverage those experiences to strengthen their communities and help shape the next chapter of leadership in Tennessee.”

Previous classes have facilitated numerous community engagement sessions across the state. Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, more than 900 Tennessee residents have become class members of the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.

The cohort’s work will begin in August and run through June 2027. Learn more about ETSU Health’s commitment to the region at etsuhealth.org.

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