Leadership Tennessee named Dr. Jodi Polaha of East Tennessee State University to its 2025-26 Signature Program Class XII.
Leadership Tennessee is a collective with a mission to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance. In its 12th Signature Program, 13 different Tennessee counties are represented with diverse professional experience in the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors.
Beginning in August and continuing through June 2026, the cohort will visit all corners of the state, analyzing challenges that Tennessee faces, and will work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities. The statewide study will result in concrete plans to continue dialogue and actions addressing the most serious issues uncovered.
Polaha, a clinical psychologist, directs the Institute for Integrated Behavioral Health at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine, which aims to improve team-based practice across all of the college’s clinics.
Known as “Jodi Jones” in the community, she serves as a Washington County Commissioner and is a member of its Health, Education and Welfare; County-Owned Property; and Public Safety committees. She has played a leadership role in local health policy, especially around the distribution of county opioid abatement settlement funds. In addition, she is a member of the Johnson City Public Library board of directors.
“Participating in Leadership Tennessee will provide me the opportunity to grow knowledge, resources and relationships that will benefit both my professional work in integrated behavioral health and my public service on the Washington County Commission,” Polaha said. “I am looking forward to representing ETSU, our county and Northeast Tennessee because I am so proud of this place.
“One of the best aspects of transitioning into my late career is my growing ability to support and mentor my colleagues and to inspire and engage citizens who want to contribute to our community,” she continued. “I expect this experience will enhance my potential to help others. I am so grateful to Dr. Bill Block, dean of the Quillen College of Medicine; ETSU; and many colleagues in the community who have supported my growth and development since we moved here 19 years ago.”
With her professional work and community involvement, Polaha is one example of the many ETSU faculty and staff who strive daily to fulfill the university’s mission to improve the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.
The members of Leadership Tennessee Class XII were chosen by an anonymous selection committee based on leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity, and a strong understanding of challenges facing Tennessee.
“We take great pride in challenging our cohorts to think deeply and act boldly in advancing Tennessee,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “The 2025 class brings together a remarkable group of leaders, selected for their proven leadership and potential to influence the future of our state.
“Through this program, they gain the tools, relationships and perspective needed to drive meaningful change, and this group is sure to harness that power to make a lasting impact across Tennessee.”
Since Leadership Tennessee’s founding, 850 Tennesseans have become class members of the Signature Program and Leadership Tennessee NEXT, which is dedicated to emerging leaders.
