Tennessee Workforce Development Academy
As industries evolve and communities adapt to shifting labor market demands, the need for aligned, forward-thinking workforce solutions has never been greater.
Join us in Cookeville, March 3-5, 2026 for two-and-a-half days of expert instruction, peer learning, and strategic dialogue. Designed for professionals at all experience levels, the TNWFD Academy equips participants with the tools, knowledge and network to deliver effective workforce strategies.
Event Highlights:
- Expert Speakers: Learn from leading voices in economic and workforce development.
- Panel Discussions: Dive into critical workforce topics with experts and peers.
- Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with partners and potential collaborators.
- Real-World Solutions: Explore strategies to tackle workforce challenges.
Who Should Attend?
- Workforce development professionals
- Business and HR leaders
- Community stakeholders
- Economic development practitioners
Date and Location:
March 3-5, 2026
Holiday Inn Cookeville | 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501 (Group rate available in Hotel Accommodations below)
Course Agenda:
2026 Agenda Coming Soon!
Course Fee:
Registration $595 | Early Registration $545 (through February 9, 2026)
The registration fee includes course instruction and course materials. Lunch (Days 1-3), breakfast (Days 2-3), networking reception (Day 1), and refreshment breaks are complimentary.
Note: Registration does not include hotel accommodations or travel expenses.
Payment Policy: To confirm your registration, please remit payment no later than 10 business days prior to the course start date. Unpaid registrations may be canceled to accommodate individuals on the waitlist.
Course Times:
Onsite Check-in: 9:00 AM CST
Day 1: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM CST
- Networking Reception: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST
Day 2: 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM CST
Day 3: 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Registration:
Registration is limited to 50 participants and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the course is full, we will maintain a waitlist. Email Autumn Derrick directly if you wish to be added.
If you need assistance accessing your K@te account, please call 615-253-6371 or email us here. You may also register by submitting a completed Course Registration Form via email.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
- Cancellations made at least 10 business days prior to the course start date are eligible for a full refund or credit.
- Cancellations made less than 10 business days before the course start date are eligible for course credit only, minus a $100 non-refundable cancellation fee. (Should be consistent with TBEDC/ED courses)
Hotel Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Cookeville | 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
Exclusive Group Rate - Select Your Room
- A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate.
- Group rates fill quickly, so please book early to secure your reservation.
- After February 3, 2026, any remaining rooms in the group rate will be released, and the negotiated rate will no longer be available.
Important Notice: The group rate is available exclusively to registered course attendees. Reservations will be verified against the official course roster.
Scholarships:
The TNWFD Academy Scholarship supports rural leadership development and workforce collaboration by providing access to the Tennessee Workforce Development (TNWFD) Academy.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Serve at-risk or distressed counties in Tennessee
- Have limited access to professional development funding and would be unable to attend without scholarship support
- Are new to the workforce development field or have fewer than five years of experience
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to workforce and rural development, with plans to apply the skills and knowledge gained through the TNWFD Academy
Scholarship Application Period: Now - January 20, 2026
A limited number of scholarships are available for Tennessee-based participants. Scholarships are limited, so please apply as soon as possible to be considered.
Please Note:
- Scholarships include discounted registration, including complimentary course materials and select meals
- Scholarships do not cover hotel, travel, or evening meals.
- Scholarships are non-transferable.
Scholarship Details:
- A limited number of seats are reserved for scholarship recipients
- Selected applicants will be notified and staff will coordinate registration directly
- Scholarship recipients pay a non-refundable application fee of $100 upon acceptance of the award. Recipients may decline the award without penalty.
- Applicants who are not awarded a scholarship may:
- Register for any remaining open seats at the available course rate.
- Request to be added to the waitlist if the course is full.
Submit your online application here: TNWFD Academy Scholarship Application
Instructor: Rue Ramsey
Rue Ramsey is the Vice President of Workforce and Talent Strategies at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce development across industries. A Tulsa native, she founded the award-winning NextGen Talent initiative and has held leadership roles in education and career readiness.
She serves on multiple boards, teaches with IEDC, and has earned recognition for her leadership, including City Year Tulsa’s Student Champion of Success. Rue holds a Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University and enjoys supporting her four children alongside her husband Sterling.
Dress Code:
The attire for the course is business casual.
Contact Autumn Derrick, Workforce Development Consultant, for more information at Autumn.Derrick@tennessee.edu. Follow UT CIS on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news about this opportunity!
See our past TNWFD Academy Graduates: