John Lacey

Systems Strategist and Advertising Manager

John Lacey is a Systems Strategist in the Department of Communications and Marketing (DOCM) at the University of Tennessee System. In his current role, John is the lead on a statewide initiative called the Grand Challenges where his efforts are directed towards addressing critical areas affecting the state of Tennessee. This includes engaging University and community stakeholders to identify and facilitate opportunities for collaboration, creating mechanisms designed to promote cross-networking and relationships, and amplifying the work and research of University faculty engaged in Grand Challenges.

John also serves as the Advertising Manager for Our Tennessee, the alumni magazine for graduates and donors of all UT campuses and institutes.

John holds a Master’s degree in Design Thinking and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. He earned his Advanced Practitioner in Systems Thinking certification from Cabrera Research Lab at Cornell University and is a certified Appreciative Inquiry instructor.