Ellie Kittrell

KNOXVILLE - The East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) welcomes Ellie Kittrell as its new Executive Director, beginning a new chapter as the organization continues advancing thoughtful, community-centered design across the region.

Ellie brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Advancement at United Way of Greater Knoxville and previously as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Muse Knoxville.

“What drew me to ETCDC is the organization’s unique ability to connect skilled volunteer architects, designers and planners with nonprofits and communities that need their expertise, along with the Community Collaborative’s work to ensure community voice guides thoughtful growth across our region,” Ellie shared. “I’m excited about the opportunity to deepen how our work supports the social sector and strengthens communities throughout East Tennessee.”

Ellie succeeds Duane Grieve, who led the organization for the past eight years with dedication and vision. Building on more than five decades of community-centered design work, ETCDC looks forward to continued partnership and impact across East Tennessee.