Knoxville Chapter January Meeting

Marianne Wanamaker is the dean of the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and a professor of economics and public policy. Dr. Wanamaker's expertise is in labor economics, education, and workforce development. Her work has been widely referenced in the popular press, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post and supported by multiple federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. She holds an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and her master’s degree and PhD from Northwestern University. She is a native of Martin, Tennessee and she has been at UT since 2009, first at the Haslam College of Business and then at the Baker School starting in 2021. From 2017 to 2018, she took a leave of absence from UT to serve as the senior labor economist and chief domestic economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisors.

Mr. Lee Sherbakoff is a partner at The Nalls Sherbakoff Group, LLC, an independent fee-only wealth management firm. He is an investment advisor, wealth manager, and financial planner.

Lee graduated from the University of Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Science (with honors) in Finance and is a Tennessee licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential holder. In addition, Lee is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional.

Lee enjoys giving back to his community and to his profession. Lee is a Council member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs and a member of the American Institute of CPAs. In addition, he is past President of the Knoxville Chapter of Tennessee Society of CPAs and past President of the East Tennessee Chapter of the Financial Planning Association.

Dr. Amelia Hart is a distinguished educator and leader in the field of accounting. She is recognized as one of Poets & Quants' Top 50 Business Undergrad Professors. With a passion for teaching, Dr. Hart has built a reputation for transforming students' academic experiences through her innovative and engaging teaching methods. Her ability to connect with students has led many to consider her one of the most impactful professors they have encountered.

Dr. Hart's commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. She is known for her mentorship and her dedication to student success, fostering a supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally. Her innovative approaches to curriculum development, as well as her active participation in faculty development initiatives, have earned her numerous accolades, including the Richard C. Reizenstein Outstanding Commitment to Students Award, University of Tennessee President's Citation of Merit, Decosimo Faculty Leadership Award, Rhea and Ivy Excellence in Teaching Award, Volunteer Faculty Launchpad Mentor, and many more.

Her impact includes service for nonprofit boards, academic, and other organizations including Goodwill Industries, United Way, the American Accounting Association, Beta Alpha Psi International, and the Tennessee Society of CPAs. Dr. Hart's leadership roles in professional organizations and her contributions to the accounting field have solidified her as a respected voice in accounting education. She co-authors the bi-monthly articles Accounting and Auditing articles in the Tennessee CPA Journal.

In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Dr. Hart is a sought-after speaker, known for her ability to inspire and engage audiences across a variety of sectors. She has been invited to speak at academic conferences, government entities, and nonprofit organizations, where she advocates for innovation, inclusive practices, and the future of accounting education.

As a mentor, professor, and thought leader, Dr. Hart continues to shape the future of accounting education, instilling in her students not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to excel in their careers and make a lasting impact in the profession.