Bridgett Massengill, the President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership, shares her inspiring journey through community development in East Tennessee. She discusses her rise from intern to Executive Director and the challenges she faced as a young woman in leadership. Bridgett reveals how a simple calendar quote redirected her life and emphasizes that change should be a choice. Her reflections on personal values over rigid career plans spotlight the importance of authenticity and resilience in achieving fulfillment.
Bridgett Massengill's journey in community development highlights the value of strong local connections and responsible growth initiatives in fostering community identity.
Her experiences in the Tennessee legislature reinforced the significance of bipartisan collaboration and informed decision-making in influencing effective public policy.
As President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership, Bridgett emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration for sustainable economic development.
Deep dives
Bridget Massengale's Journey
Bridget Massengale shares her fascinating journey from childhood in Nashville and Greenville to her career trajectory. Growing up in East Tennessee, she formed strong friendships and a love for the outdoors, which fueled her passion for responsible growth in communities. Moving to Chattanooga was a significant transition, but her existing connections and fond memories made the change easier. Education in political science at UTC laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in public service and community development.
Influential Experiences in Political Science
While studying at UTC, Bridget's passion for political systems solidified, largely inspired by her history teacher, Gary Pinnell. During her college years, she secured a position as a runner at a law firm, which opened doors to valuable experiences in the city hall, allowing her to engage directly with local governance. This opportunity led to working closely with the mayor’s office, igniting her interest in policy-making and community engagement. Her time at the law firm helped her to realize that her true calling lay not in becoming an attorney, but in pursuing administrative roles that could influence change in her community.
Lessons from Public Administration
After graduating, Bridget entered the Tennessee legislature as a fiscal analyst, honing her skills in budget analysis and policy evaluation. The nonpartisan dynamics of the legislature during her time allowed her to appreciate bipartisan collaboration, a lesson that would influence her later work. Her role exposed her to the intricacies of government spending and the importance of informed decision-making for community development. This experience reinforced her belief that long-term vision and planning could drive positive change in communities.
Engagement with Community Development
Bridget’s journey led her to the Johnson City Development Authority, where she worked on economic revitalization projects. Her active engagement in downtown redevelopment expanded her understanding of urban planning and community identity. During her tenure, she successfully advocated for a transformative tax increment financing plan that rejuvenated the downtown area. This experience helped solidify her commitment to responsible growth and demonstrated her belief in the significant potential of community involvement in driving local progress.
Founding Thrive Regional Partnership
Bridget eventually returned to the Chattanooga area to lead Thrive Regional Partnership, an organization focused on fostering responsible growth across the tri-state region. Under her leadership, Thrive has developed initiatives to engage communities in creating sustainable economic opportunities while preserving local culture and identity. Her work emphasizes collaboration among public and private sectors, driving collective action toward a shared vision for the region's future. Bridget's journey illustrates the importance of being open to change and following one's passion in shaping a fulfilling career.
Bridgett Massengill has many roots across East Tennessee, which has played a major role in her community development career.
In this episode, Bridgett shares her professional zigs and zags, including the time she was promoted from intern to Executive Director. We also talk about the challenges she faced as a young woman in leadership positions, how a calendar quote put her on a new life path, and why change should always be a choice.
