Economic Development Programs Manager
University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services
865.974.0268

As the leader of CIS’s economic development programs, Beth Phillips works to connect businesses, communities, and organizations to the resources of the university and its partners. With over thirty years’ experience in economic and community development in Tennessee, Beth has engaged in projects across the state to attract new jobs and investment, support existing businesses, and enhance community economic competitiveness.

She specializes in helping regions leverage their unique assets to grow jobs and investment. From helping a rural county grow tourist spending to accelerating technology growth within an industrial cluster, she is passionate about helping communities realize their vision by developing effective partnerships and strategies.

Beth is proud to have led the development of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer program, the state’s professional training program for economic development practitioners, and a model for state-based economic development training across the country. The program has trained over 500 participants, and 45 economic development practitioners in Tennessee have earned their professional certification.

A longtime resident of Knoxville, Beth holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and transportation from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Tennessee.