
Dr. Jon Rysewyk returns to visit the North Knoxville Business and Professional Association meeting on September 9th. While Rysewyk was principal at Fulton he was also a member of the NKBPA and we are looking forward to spending some time with him in September.
Rysewyk began his education career as a teaching intern at Bearden High School, and went on to serve as a science teacher, department head and assistant principal. In 2008, he was hired as Executive Principal at Fulton High School, at the same time that the school was being reconstituted by the State of Tennessee.
During his time as principal at Fulton, Dr. Rysewyk led the implementation of small learning communities, which were designed to foster a sense of belonging among students and improve academic performance. Graduation rates rose significantly during his tenure, and the school saw students from every testing group make “adequate yearly progress” according to state standards.
Dr. Rysewyk went on to serve as the district’s Supervisor of Secondary Education and Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, before being hired as the founding director of Emerald Academy. In 2017, he returned to Knox County Schools, where he served as assistant superintendent and chief academic officer.
In 2007, Dr. Rysewyk received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. In 2010, he participated in the Leadership Knoxville program; was recognized by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal as part of its “40 Under 40” Class; and received the University of Tennessee’s William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in Tennessee Secondary School Leadership.
Larry Cox and Homstead Inc. will be our breakfast sponsor this month. If you would like to sponsor a breakfast email Ethan Kirk ekirk@emeraldyouth.org.
We will be taking donations for VMC’s new Caswell Manor. See below.

Don’t forget it is almost time to elect the 2023-2024 Board members. We are taking nominations now. You must be a member and be able to commit to helping out for the next 2 years. We need good people who care about our local businesses and the community. If you are interested send an email to nkbpa.info at gmail.com

These are the current Board Positions and their roles in the group:
Board of Directors Officer Positions:
President – Preside over both Board of Director and Membership meetings occurring monthly. A spokesperson for the NKBPA.
Vice President – Steps into the role of President when necessary and gives support to all activities of the Board of Directors.
Secretary – Records and maintains files of meeting minutes for monthly board meetings. Maintain a list of the current Board of Directors and send out reminders of scheduled meetings, sharing the agenda and financial report.
Treasurer – Charge, and custody of NKBPA funds.
Additional Positions and Roles:
Immediate Past President
Communications – Sends out newsletter and meeting invitations to the membership each month, updates website information, and creates an Eventbrite for registration and social media. Coordinate updates and information with the membership chair.
Membership – Keep a current list of NKBPA members and coordinate production of the Directory.
Fulton Liaison – Create monthly content for Fulton Radio and set up Business Spotlight recordings.
Programs – Coordinate monthly speakers and meeting locations.
Breakfast Sponsors – Recruit and compile a list of potential breakfast sponsors. Help with the delivery and set up of food and beverages. Collaborate with the Programs Chair.
Greeting Committee – Recruit a couple smiling faces to welcome folks each month. Arrive early to set up directional signs.
Fundraising and Events – Lead the efforts for proposed events and recruit the help of membership.