The Tennessee Magazine is grateful that so many people share their talents with our readers each month.
Writers and Contributors
Mike Knotts
Mike Knotts is the CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. He is responsible for leading the work of the association and ensuring that the interests of electric cooperatives are understood and protected. He began his career working in government affairs with the Tennessee Valley Authority, has operated his own consulting business where he managed political campaigns, and spent two years as District Director on the staff of a United States Congressman. In 2008, Mike received a Presidential Appointment and served on the staff of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.81 Articles
Partick J. Keegan
Patrick Keegan writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. He brings over 30 years of energy-related experience at the local, state, national, international, and non-profit level. His experience spans residential and commercial energy efficiency and renewables.70 Articles
James Dulley
James Dulley writes weekly newspaper columns and monthly magazine articles for more than 400 publications. All of the columns are included on his web site at dulley.com. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and Harvard University.46 Articles
Pamela A. Keene
Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes about travel, personality features, gardening and how-to topics. An avid photographer, she lives in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and has been published in magazines across the country.42 Articles
Trent Scott
Trent Scott serves as vice president of communications for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. In this role, he coordinates the corporate communication efforts of TECA and The Tennessee Magazine and provides assistance to member utilities. Trent holds an undergraduate degree in marketing from Freed-Hardeman University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Trent and his wife, Suzanne, have two children and live in Henderson.24 Articles
Chris Kirk
Lifelong Tennessean Chris Kirk, editor of The Tennessee Magazine, joined the staff in May 2005 after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in journalism with a minor in political science. An award-winning member of the Cooperative Communicators Association, he contributes feature articles and photographs to the monthly membership publication and serves as coordinator among Tennessee’s electric cooperatives and the magazine staff in Nashville. Chris and his wife, Anna, and their two daughters live in Brentwood.22 Articles
Miranda Boutelle
Miranda Boutelle of Efficiency Services Group writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency, visit collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.18 Articles
Nicole Christensen
Nicole Christensen is working as the communications specialist for Tennessee Magazine. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in journalism and has lived in Nashville her whole life. She is excited to be a new addition to the Tennessee Magazine family.16 Articles
Debra Gibson Isaacs
Debra Gibson Isaacs has been a writer and photographer for more than 30 years. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, she is an avid adventurer with a passion for animals, particularly black bears, dogs and alligators.14 Articles