Tracy Boatner

Background:

Tracy Boatner is President and CEO of the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), where she leads efforts to strengthen East Tennessee’s role as a hub for nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth. Under her leadership, ETEC has expanded its statewide impact, launching and stewarding the Tennessee Nuclear Network (TN²), the state’s official partnership for advancing nuclear energy and related industries.

Since taking on her leadership role in 2022, Tracy has focused on uniting government, industry, research institutions, and community stakeholders to build strategies that ensure Tennessee remains at the forefront of energy innovation. She has overseen the growth of ETEC’s signature Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW) from just over 80 participants in 2017 to more than 1,000 attendees from across 34 states in 2025. Her ability to convene leaders from national laboratories, TVA, universities, state and federal agencies, and private industry has positioned ETEC as a central connector in Tennessee’s economic and energy ecosystem.

Ms. Boatner is also committed to spearheading initiatives to align K-12, technical and community colleges, trades, universities, and industry partners in preparing the next generation of skilled workers for the nuclear sector. She is recognized as a collaborative leader who bridges local and statewide priorities, ensuring Tennessee’s nuclear assets translate into long-term opportunities for communities across the state.

Her additional affiliations include: Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy Fellow at the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, University of Tennessee; Tennessee Valley Corridor Leadership Council; Fairview Advisory Board; Past-Chair, United Way of Anderson County Board; YWCA of the Tennessee Valley Board; Past President, Rotary Club of Oak Ridge; Center for Leadership & Community Development Board; Leadership Oak Ridge Class of 2016; Leadership Knoxville Class of 2012.