Leadership Franklin Celebrates 30 Years, Names Second-Ever Board Chair
Julian Bibb III Hands the Gavel to Brandy Blanton as Non-profit Looks to the Future
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — For three decades, Leadership Franklin has helped shape a small Middle Tennessee town into a community known around the world for its quality of life. Since its inception, Julian Bibb III has served as the organization’s chairman. Now Bibb and the Leadership Franklin Board of Directors have named Brandy Blanton as the new chair, marking the 30th anniversary with a passing of the torch.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since Caroline Cross, Gayle Moyer-Harris, Richard Harrington, Jim Cross and I sat down to plan out the initial Leadership Franklin program,” said Bibb, an alumnus of the Leadership Franklin Class of 1996. “Since then, we’ve seen Caroline Cross run the program, followed by Paula Harris, who has done an unbelievable job as executive director. But as part of our 30th anniversary, I am proud and so incredibly happy to welcome Brandy Blanton as our new board chair. She’s an inspirational leader who has guided this community with a servant’s heart.”
It was Bibb who encouraged Blanton to apply for the Leadership Franklin Class of 2007, a decision she says changed her life forever. Blanton now serves as an at-large alderman for the City of Franklin, and as executive director of the non-profit organization the Circle of Giving that operates the Carousel of Dreams at The Factory at Franklin.
“As we celebrate 30 years and transition into the next chapter, rest assured that Leadership Franklin will remain the same organization that has made such an indelible impact on this community,” Blanton said. “There’s never been a more important time for citizens to be truly engaged in shaping our future.”
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Blanton, Bibb and Executive Director Paula Harris are inviting Leadership Franklin alumni to save the date for a special event to be held on July 30, 2026, at Bicentennial Park.
For more information, including details on how to apply for future classes, please visit www.leadershipfranklin.com.
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