Former Bredesen press secretary appointed to Andrews Institute post
Kim Chaudoin |
Veteran government, communication expert Lydia Lenker to lead special initiatives for ICL
As executive-in-residence, Lenker will develop and manage special initiatives for the institute. The position is a one-year appointment for Lenker.
“Joining the Andrews Institute feels like a natural fit for me after my years of public service,” Lenker said. “I’m excited to be playing a role in an initiative that honors Nelson Andrews’ legacy and has the potential to serve as a national model for community growth.”
Lenker served as Bredesen’s press secretary from January 2003-January 2011. She held the same post in Bredesen’s gubernatorial campaign. Lenker’s public service follows a long career as a broadcast journalist in radio and television news. Lenker landed in Nashville after working in her hometown of Philadelphia and then in Asbury Park, N.J. In Music City, she first worked as a reporter and anchor for the Tennessee Radio Network, where she covered news at the State Capitol. She then moved to NewsChannel5 – WTVF TV, as political reporter and weekend anchor. In 2001, she won an Emmy for “Best Weekend Newscast” in the Southeast region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lydia to the Andrews Institute. Her experience in government and journalism as well as her commitment to public service are a tremendous asset to the Andrews Institute as it develops a number of new programs that will engage local, national and international leaders in our academic and community programs,” said Linda Peek Schacht, ICL executive director.
Lenker has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Temple University.
About the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership
Founded in October 2010 to build on the legacy of Nashville leader Nelson Andrews, the Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership engages emerging and current leaders in programs to create thriving communities. The institute promotes and showcases government, business and not-for-profit leaders working together for the common good. Its programs provide for the study and practice of this collaborative civic leadership model and are based on the belief that civic leaders can be developed to intentionally create communities.
The Nelson and Sue Andrews Institute for Civic Leadership will launch its new Master's in Civic Leadership, one of only two in the United States, this fall. The new program in civic leadership can be completed in either one year or 15 months. Evening, weekend and online classes accommodate government, business and not-for-profit professionals seeking a leadership degree focused on social innovation and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.