Management Solutions Founder and CEO Misty Mayes Appointed to University of Tennessee Board of Trustees

Knoxville-based federal program leader and UT alumna brings national defense, nuclear energy, project delivery and workforce expertise to university leadership

KNOXVILLE, TN - Management Solutions, LLC today announced that Founder and Chief Executive Officer Misty D. Mayes has been appointed to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees by Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton. Mayes, a University of Tennessee Knoxville alumna, will serve a six-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2032. Mayes is Speaker Sexton’s most recent appointment to the Board and immediately follows his previous appointment of Governor Bill Haslam.

Mayes’ appointment adds a Knoxville-based executive with deep experience in national defense, nuclear energy, federal project delivery and workforce readiness to the governing board of Tennessee’s statewide public university system. Her perspective comes at a pivotal time as the UT System advances academic pathways designed to meet high-demand workforce needs and strengthen Tennessee’s ability to compete in complex industries.

“As a University of Tennessee graduate, this appointment is deeply personal to me,” Mayes said. “UT helped shape the foundation for my career, and I am honored to serve a university system that is preparing the engineers, project leaders, scientists, business professionals and public servants Tennessee needs for the future. The university has a unique role at the intersection of education, research, workforce development and economic growth, and I look forward to supporting that mission across our state.”

Mayes brings more than 30 years of experience delivering mission-critical solutions across energy, national defense and other complex industries. Under her leadership, Management Solutions has supported major defense and energy partners through project management, digital transformation, engineering, and workforce solutions.

The company’s work spans key national security and energy missions, including support for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Nuclear Security Administration, DOE Environmental Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Some of Tennessee’s most important opportunities sit at the same intersection where Management Solutions works every day: energy, nuclear security, infrastructure, technology and talent,” Mayes said. “UT is already a major force in that ecosystem. I want to help strengthen the connections between classrooms, research institutions and employers so more students can see a clear path from a UT education to high-impact careers.”

Headquartered in Knoxville, Management Solutions is a woman-owned and woman-operated small business with more than two decades of experience supporting critical federal programs. The company provides program management, workforce solutions, digital solutions, environmental services and engineering and technical advisory services for clients responsible for national defense, the nation’s energy future and critical infrastructure.

Mayes earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with academic honors from the University of Tennessee. She currently serves and is the former Chair of the University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering Board of Advisors and is a member of the Haslam College of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Board of Advisors. She is a certified Project Management Professional, Certified Lean Six Sigma Professional and Certified Change Management Professional, and she holds security clearances.

Beyond her work in energy and national security, Mayes is a nationally recognized advocate for women in business. She served on the Board of Directors for Women Impacting Public Policy, chaired its Leadership Advisory Council and has testified before Congress on issues affecting entrepreneurship and women-owned businesses.

About Management Solutions, LLC

Management Solutions, LLC is a woman-owned, woman-operated small business headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. For nearly a quarter century, Management Solutions has supported critical federal programs by delivering comprehensive program management, workforce solutions, technical expertise, engineering and technical advisory services, digital solutions and environmental services. The company serves federal and commercial clients responsible for national defense, energy, environmental management and critical infrastructure.