Knoxville

About Us

The ACE program of Greater Knoxville began in the summer of 2018 with a meeting to introduce the ACE program to Knoxville high school principals and UT administrators from architecture, construction, and engineering. The purpose of the meeting was to gauge interest in establishing an ACE affiliate in our city. Principal Tim Berry was very interested in the program and helped establish South-Doyle as the first ACE program in Knoxville in 2019. In 2020, we added two new schools –– The Clayton-Bradley Academy and Fulton High School. In 2023, we hope to add 1-2 additional schools to our program.

In addition to providing exposure to the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering, ACE is also promoting the growth of trade programs acknowledging this serious need in our industry. ACE also provides opportunity in the form of scholarships from funds raised by the local affiliate. In addition, one student from each affiliate can compete for a scholarship from ACE national. To date we have awarded more than $25,000 in just 3 years!

Our Team Projects

Teams of students are paired with diverse groups of industry mentors to explore the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. Students learn what a “day in the life” looks like for each profession and they actively participate in hands-on demonstrations of a related skill. Students also work together to design a final project that aligns with a pre-determined theme.

Additionally, student teams have the opportunity to tour construction and renovation sites for major projects.

Each year, the program culminates with a banquet at which students present their projects to peers, parents, mentors, educators and community leaders.

Contacts

Sherry Ault
Board Chair
ACE Mentor Program of Greater Knoxville

Board of Directors

Greg Armour
Treasurer
George Armour Ewart Architects

Sherry Ault
Board President
S2A Integration

Gary Bergeron
Board Fundraising Committee Chair
Kelso-Regen Associates, Inc.

Rick Boyd
Lead Board Member
Clayton Bradley Academy

Jennifer Bradley
Banquet Team Member
Board Member
McCarty Holsaple McCarty

Jeff Bryant
Lead Board Member
Powell High School

Tzu Chen
Regional Board Representative
ACE Mentor Program

Chris Cherry
Fundraising Team
Board Member
UTK Tickle College of Engineering

Jonathan Egert
Co-Lead
Board Member
Fulton High School

Shannon Elliott
Trades Day Committee Chair
Board Member
Johnson Architecture AIA

Taryn Ferro
Public Relations Chair
Board Member
Aw Snap Photography

Amanda Furlow
Banquet Team
Board Member
Amanda Webb Furlow

Gordon Heins
Advisor
Board Member
A.H. Architects

Tasha Herrell
Secretary
UTK College of Architecture & Design

Charity Honeycutt
Banquet Team
Board Member Honeybee Styling and Design

Shane Horner
Trade’s Day Committee
Board Member
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Tim Huettel
Co-Lead
Board Member
South Doyle High School

Cara Knapp
Co-Lead
Board Member
OYSK3 Architects

Gavin Mabe
Co-Lead
Board Member
Clayton Bradley Academy

Scott Poole
Advisor
Board Member
UTK College of Architecture & Design

Brad Self
Trade’s Day Committee
Board Member
Interstate Mechanical Co.

Sam Smyth
Lead
Board Member
Fulton High School

Chris Tucker
Outreach and Onboard Team
Board Member
Knox County Schools

Steph Wadman
Public Relations Chair
Board Member
Steph Wadman

Keith Wilson
Outreach and Onboard Team
Board Member
Knox County Schools

Participate in ACE!

If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, contact us today!