On July 23, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business continued its Capital Connections series in Charlotte, North Carolina. Organized by the college’s Graduate and Executive Education (GEE) division and hosted by the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the event brought together over 90 alumni, employer partners, faculty, staff and current students for an evening of leadership development and professional networking.
The gathering featured an executive fireside chat with a pair of NASCAR senior leaders: Tim Clark, executive vice president and chief brand officer, and Michael Verlatti, vice president of event experience. The program concluded with a networking reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where attendees continued conversations and strengthened connections across the Volunteer network.
Supporting Purpose and Growth
According to Amy Cathey, associate dean for GEE, Capital Connections is designed to provide long-term support for Haslam graduates.
“Capital Connections was created to bring the Volunteer network together in the communities where our alumni live and lead,” said Cathey. “When accomplished professionals gather to share experiences, challenge one another’s thinking and build authentic relationships, everyone benefits. These conversations strengthen our community long after the event ends.”
Although NASCAR provided the backdrop for the Charlotte event, the conversation focused on leadership lessons that apply across industries. Clark and Verlatti each shared insights on leading through organizational transformation, fostering purpose-driven cultures and balancing innovation with tradition.
Clark’s comments highlighted NASCAR’s newly launched “Hell Yeah” campaign, which captures the unifying spirit and conviction of the organization’s culture.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work while remaining focused on a shared purpose,” he said.
Meanwhile, Verlatti emphasized the importance of adapting to changing expectations while remaining grounded in an organization’s mission.
“Our greatest opportunities often come when we’re willing to challenge ourselves, listen to new perspectives and adapt without losing sight of who we are,” commented Verlatti.
Time to Reflect
The latest Capital Connections event also encouraged attendees to reflect on their own leadership journeys through facilitated discussion and peer engagement.
Tara Allendorfer, director of alumni relations for graduate business programs, notes the importance of these guided reflections.
“Some of the most valuable insights happen after the keynote ends,” Allendorfer said. “The reflection and discussion components encourage participants to pause, connect the conversation to their own leadership journeys and learn from the remarkable professionals sitting around them.”
According to Adam O’Dell, director of career management for GEE, the event highlighted Haslam’s commitment to fostering lifelong engagement among alumni, employer partners and students while creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
“Employer partnerships are fundamental to the success of Haslam graduates,” said O’Dell. “Capital Connections creates space for employers and alumni to engage in meaningful conversations that go well beyond recruiting. These relationships foster collaboration and shared learning that strengthens the extended Haslam community for years to come.”
The Capital Connections series is just one example of how Haslam graduates can remain connected to one another, and to the broader mission of UT. Alumni or employers seeking connection opportunities are encouraged to share their areas of interest on the Stay Connected form.
About the Haslam College of Business Graduate and Executive Education Programs
Haslam offers graduate and executive education programs that prepare students to reach their full potential and advance their careers. At the master’s level, these programs include the Haslam MBA, Online MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA(Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Leadership), Aerospace and Defense MBA, Physician Executive MBA, Master of Accountancy, M.A. in Economics, M.S. in Business Analytics and AI, M.S. in Management and Human Resources, M.S. in Marketing, M.S. in Supply Chain Management (Global), Online M.S. in Supply Chain Management and Online M.S. in Business Cybersecurity. Haslam also offers a full portfolio of doctoral programs.
Haslam’s graduate programs address real-world challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that develops both analytical and leadership skills. Its faculty are industry thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and accomplished researchers who work tirelessly to create dynamic, relevant and impactful learning experiences.
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Author:
Tara Allendorfer, graduate business programs director of alumni relations, [email protected]
Contact:
Josh Hurst, digital marketing writer, [email protected]
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