FW: MTAS Training: Building Better Decisions Through Bold Thinking

32 views
Skip to first unread message

Pannell, Donald

unread,
Jan 14, 2026, 3:30:12 PM (4 days ago) Jan 14
to Tenness...@googlegroups.com

Please see the exciting opportunities for some great training from MTAS in the email below. There are links for more information and to register for the various opportunities that are available.

 

In service,

 

Donald Pannell, M.S., EFO
Fire Management Consultant
UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service

Municipal Technical Advisory Service logo

7777 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 3, Box 14
Memphis, Tennessee 38120

donald....@tennessee.edu
(901) 233-1434 Mobile | (865) 974-0411 Office
mtas.tennessee.edu

 

From: MTAS <mt...@tennessee.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 8:30 AM
To: Pannell, Donald <donald....@tennessee.edu>
Subject: MTAS Training: Building Better Decisions Through Bold Thinking

 

 

Our weekly email includes announcements for upcoming training within the next 30-45 days. However, you can register in advance for any of our upcoming training!

Our Training Calendar lists upcoming training within 120 days. You can also search or browse all upcoming training in K@TE and register at any time!

 

 

 

Are you Ready to Shift?

 

Making the Shift to Leadership

 

You’ve landed your first leadership role—congratulations! Now the real challenge begins: shifting from peer to leader. In this fast-paced, interactive course, you’ll build the mindset, skills, and confidence to lead effectively from day one.

 

  • Explore key mindset shifts that help leaders transition from “doer” to “developer. 
  • Discover approaches for supervising friends and former peers, along with strategies for prioritizing tasks and self-care. 
  • Learn and apply the Situational Leadership Model to assess and develop leadership skills.  

 

Red Bank 
February 3

Online 
February 11

 

Building Better Decisions Through Bold Thinking

 

Innovate to Elevate

 

1-3 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

Unlock your potential to think boldly and solve problems more effectively. This fast-paced, practical session introduces the essentials of critical thinking—what it is, why it matters, and how it sharpens decision-making in municipal government.

 

Participants will explore the real drivers of innovation, learn to spot the conditions that help new ideas take root, and walk away with tools to strengthen creativity and problem-solving across their departments. A great fit for anyone ready to elevate their impact and spark fresh thinking in their municipality.

 

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

 

February 12

February 18

 

When Pressure Rises, Civility Matters Most

 

Keys to Civility: Character + Emotional Intelligence 

 

3:30-5 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

Strengthen how you show up in everyday interactions—especially when the pressure is on. This practical session breaks down what civility really means in today’s workplace and why it matters for trust, communication, and teamwork.

 

Participants will explore the four domains of emotional intelligence and learn how these skills bring character to life in daily interactions. Through real-world examples and guided practice, you’ll build the awareness and tools needed to stay composed, respond with intention, and communicate with professionalism and respect. A powerful session for anyone looking to create a more positive and collaborative work environment.

 

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

 

February 12

February 18

 

Are your HR practices on track? 

 

Assessing Your HR Function 

 

February 17

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET 

Zoom

 

Registration: $60

 

Managing HR responsibilities without being an HR professional can be challenging. This session is designed for non-HR municipal employees who handle HR-related tasks as part of their role. 

 

  • Learn how to evaluate your current HR practices against a minimum standard 
  • Identify gaps and prioritize improvements 
  • Gain practical tools to strengthen compliance, consistency, and employee support  

 

John Grubbs

HR Consultant

MTAS

 

REGISTER

 

 

How Will You Drive Innovation Today?

 

Discovering Creativity & Innovation in Government 

 

January 22

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ET 

Zoom 

 

Registration: $60 

 

TBOUR- approved for 1.0 hour utility training 

 

Government agencies must continually improve efficiency, enhance services, and respond to ever-evolving public needs. What to expect: 

 

  • Discover barriers to innovation and learn strategies to overcome them.
  • Gain insights into the latest innovation frameworks.
  • Discuss and be inspired by actual examples of innovation in government.

 

Ryan Lilly helps leaders and teams spark creativity and drive innovation. With 15 years in local government and nonprofits, Ryan blends real-world experience with engaging storytelling to deliver practical tools that inspire action. Ryan’s sessions leave audiences energized, empowered, and ready to transform ideas into impact. 

 

Ryan Lilly 

Lilly Seminar Training, LLC 

 

REGISTER

 

Learn What’s New in Utility Board Regulation 

 

Utility Boards Update 

 

January 29, 2026 

1:30 – 2:30 PM ET 

Free Webinar | Zoom 

 

TBOUR- approved for 1.0 hour utility training 

 

Start the new year with key updates on utility board regulation from the Comptroller’s Office. This session is for municipal water and wastewater utility board members and anyone responsible for managing compliance. 

 

Ross Colona 

Assistant Director, Local Government Finance 

TN Comptroller of the Treasury  

 

REGISTER

 

 

Elected Officials Academy

 

Municipal Foundations

 

January 27-29

5-7:30 p.m. ET

Zoom

 

Registration: $185

 

This virtual program familiarizes elected officials with foundational aspects of municipal governance. Topics cover foundations and structure of municipal government, charters and codes, ethics, open meetings, public records, effective meetings, and municipal finance. 

 

Virtual program: The virtual program is divided into three sessions. Completion of all three sessions is required to receive a certificate. Registration is for all three sessions.

 

Municipal Foundations is TBOUR approved for 7.5 hours of Utility training.

 

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

 

REGISTER

 

 

Contact Us

 

 

Hyperlinks above will display an Emma link since that is the mailing server we use, the links are valid. If you have any concerns please call the MTAS mainline at 865-974-0411.

 

Facebook

X

LinkedIn

 

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

 

1610 University Avenue | Knoxville, TN 37921-6741 US

 

This email was sent to donald....@tennessee.edu.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.

powered by emma

Cross, Steve

unread,
Jan 15, 2026, 11:26:54 AM (3 days ago) Jan 15
to 'Cross, Steve' via Tennessee-F.I.R.E. (Fire Information Resource Exchange)
Please take a look at these tremendous training and professional development opportunities provided by MTAS. Register for the opportunities that meet your needs. 

Best Regards,

Steve

Steven E. Cross, MA, CFO
Fire Management Consultant | Program Manager


UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service

1610 University Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37921

Steven...@tennessee.edu
(615) 532.7108 | (931) 981.3593 Cell

mtas.tennessee.edu

 

 

Our weekly email includes announcements for upcoming training within the next 30-45 days. However, you can register in advance for any of our upcoming training!

Our Training Calendar lists upcoming training within 120 days. You can also search or browse all upcoming training in K@TE and register at any time!

Are you Ready to Shift?

Making the Shift to Leadership

You’ve landed your first leadership role—congratulations! Now the real challenge begins: shifting from peer to leader. In this fast-paced, interactive course, you’ll build the mindset, skills, and confidence to lead effectively from day one.

  • Explore key mindset shifts that help leaders transition from “doer” to “developer. 
  • Discover approaches for supervising friends and former peers, along with strategies for prioritizing tasks and self-care. 
  • Learn and apply the Situational Leadership Model to assess and develop leadership skills.  

Building Better Decisions Through Bold Thinking

Innovate to Elevate

1-3 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

Unlock your potential to think boldly and solve problems more effectively. This fast-paced, practical session introduces the essentials of critical thinking—what it is, why it matters, and how it sharpens decision-making in municipal government.

 

Participants will explore the real drivers of innovation, learn to spot the conditions that help new ideas take root, and walk away with tools to strengthen creativity and problem-solving across their departments. A great fit for anyone ready to elevate their impact and spark fresh thinking in their municipality.

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

When Pressure Rises, Civility Matters Most

Keys to Civility: Character + Emotional Intelligence 

3:30-5 p.m. ET

Bristol

 

Free

 

Strengthen how you show up in everyday interactions—especially when the pressure is on. This practical session breaks down what civility really means in today’s workplace and why it matters for trust, communication, and teamwork.

 

Participants will explore the four domains of emotional intelligence and learn how these skills bring character to life in daily interactions. Through real-world examples and guided practice, you’ll build the awareness and tools needed to stay composed, respond with intention, and communicate with professionalism and respect. A powerful session for anyone looking to create a more positive and collaborative work environment.

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

Are your HR practices on track? 

Assessing Your HR Function 

February 17

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET 

Zoom

 

Registration: $60

 

Managing HR responsibilities without being an HR professional can be challenging. This session is designed for non-HR municipal employees who handle HR-related tasks as part of their role. 

  • Learn how to evaluate your current HR practices against a minimum standard 
  • Identify gaps and prioritize improvements 
  • Gain practical tools to strengthen compliance, consistency, and employee support  

John Grubbs

HR Consultant

MTAS

How Will You Drive Innovation Today?

Discovering Creativity & Innovation in Government 

January 22

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ET 

Zoom 

 

Registration: $60 

 

TBOUR- approved for 1.0 hour utility training 

 

Government agencies must continually improve efficiency, enhance services, and respond to ever-evolving public needs. What to expect: 

  • Discover barriers to innovation and learn strategies to overcome them.
  • Gain insights into the latest innovation frameworks.
  • Discuss and be inspired by actual examples of innovation in government.

Ryan Lilly helps leaders and teams spark creativity and drive innovation. With 15 years in local government and nonprofits, Ryan blends real-world experience with engaging storytelling to deliver practical tools that inspire action. Ryan’s sessions leave audiences energized, empowered, and ready to transform ideas into impact. 

Ryan Lilly 

Lilly Seminar Training, LLC 

Learn What’s New in Utility Board Regulation 

Utility Boards Update 

January 29, 2026 

1:30 – 2:30 PM ET 

Free Webinar | Zoom 

 

TBOUR- approved for 1.0 hour utility training 

 

Start the new year with key updates on utility board regulation from the Comptroller’s Office. This session is for municipal water and wastewater utility board members and anyone responsible for managing compliance. 

Ross Colona 

Assistant Director, Local Government Finance 

TN Comptroller of the Treasury  

Elected Officials Academy

Municipal Foundations

January 27-29

5-7:30 p.m. ET

Zoom

 

Registration: $185

 

This virtual program familiarizes elected officials with foundational aspects of municipal governance. Topics cover foundations and structure of municipal government, charters and codes, ethics, open meetings, public records, effective meetings, and municipal finance. 

 

Virtual program: The virtual program is divided into three sessions. Completion of all three sessions is required to receive a certificate. Registration is for all three sessions.

 

Municipal Foundations is TBOUR approved for 7.5 hours of Utility training.

Matt Hensley

Training Consultant

MTAS

Hyperlinks above will display an Emma link since that is the mailing server we use, the links are valid. If you have any concerns please call the MTAS mainline at 865-974-0411.




Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages