Our Leadership
Meet the SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary Team
Our leadership team supports students, advisors, colleges, and industry partners through statewide membership, leadership development, conferences, competitions, workforce engagement, and career readiness initiatives.
Serving Tennessee
Leadership Focused on Student Opportunity
SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary is committed to preparing students for career success by supporting advisors, developing student leaders, strengthening partnerships with business and industry, and advancing workforce development throughout Tennessee.
Leadership Team
Supporting Students, Advisors, and Partners Statewide
State Director
Daphne Brown
Daphne Brown leads SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary and statewide initiatives focused on workforce development, student leadership, career readiness, membership growth, and industry engagement.
With more than 28 years of experience in higher education and career and technical education, Daphne works closely with Tennessee community colleges, Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, universities, advisors, students, and workforce partners to create meaningful opportunities for student success.
Under Daphne's leadership, Tennessee College/Postsecondary has earned the SkillsUSA Gold Standard of Excellence, grown into the nation's largest postsecondary SkillsUSA division, and received national recognition for student achievement and competitive success.
Beyond SkillsUSA
Daphne enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, being outdoors, gardening, swimming, cooking, and creating spaces where people and animals are well cared for. She especially enjoys Tennessee's mountains, creeks, wildlife, and the satisfaction of making something better than she found it.
Senior Advisor for Career and Technical Education Innovation and Learning
Dr. Arrita Summers
Dr. Arrita Summers is a longtime champion for career and technical education and skilled workforce development. As Senior Advisor for Career and Technical Education Innovation and Learning with the Tennessee Board of Regents, she supports faculty and students across Tennessee's colleges in developing skilled professionals, career ready leaders, and responsible community members.
Through SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary, Dr. Summers works with faculty and staff to strengthen teaching, expand student opportunities, and support high quality learning experiences that improve student outcomes and career success.
Dr. Summers retired in 2023 as President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson and Clarksville. She holds an Educational Doctorate in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University and continues to advance career and technical education through statewide leadership, service, and community engagement.
Beyond SkillsUSA
Arrita is active in Rotary International, PEO, and READ, Reading Empowerment for Adults in Dickson County. She and her husband, Ron, have three children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys sewing, learning Spanish, researching genealogy, and being involved in her church and community.
Our Leadership Philosophy
Leadership Is Measured by Service and Impact
We believe strong leadership begins with integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Every decision, partnership, conference, and program is designed to help students, educators, employers, and communities succeed together.
What We Do
Leading a Statewide Career Readiness Organization
Membership
Support statewide membership, chapter development, Total Participation, and access to SkillsUSA opportunities.
Leadership Development
Build confident student leaders through conferences, officer training, advocacy, professional development, and service.
State Conference
Plan and deliver Tennessee's premier showcase of career and technical education, competition, leadership, and industry engagement.
Industry Partnerships
Connect educators and students with employers, technical experts, volunteers, sponsors, and workforce organizations.
Advisor Support
Provide communication, training, resources, planning support, and year round guidance to local chapter advisors.
Student Success
Create experiences that strengthen technical ability, workplace skills, leadership, confidence, and career readiness.
Contact the Leadership Team
SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary
Tennessee Board of Regents
1 Bridgestone Park, 2nd Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
Phone: 615-366-3943