Jul. 06, 2026
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has added a new commissioner and elected the 2026-27 officers for its Board of Commissioners.
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Brian Wanamaker, a lawyer based in Knoxville, serves as the North American legal counsel for Kanadevia Inova, a Swiss and Japanese clean energy company. Prior to joining Kanadevia, Wanamaker was general counsel for a U.S. senator, senior legal advisor to a publicly traded restaurant company, a law clerk in both state and federal courts, and a private practice attorney.
“We welcome Brian to the board,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “He brings a wealth of experience and is committed to community service in Knoxville. Brian will provide considerable expertise and insight and will be an asset for the organization.”
Wanamaker currently serves on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley and previously served on the vestry of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension and as a district committee member of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kansas and a juris doctor from Washington University School of Law. Wanamaker lives in Knoxville with his wife and two children.
The board elected officers at its May 28 meeting. Becky Wade, retired director of Housing and Neighborhood Development for the City of Knoxville, will serve as chair. Felix Harris, a HUD Certified Housing Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, will take the role of vice chair. Nadim Jubran, a partner in Capstone Concepts, LLC, owner of PIER Group, LLC; and founding member and partner of One Knoxville SC, will serve as treasurer. Bentley serves as secretary.
The other board members are Kimberly Henry, independent financial advisor; Kelly Johnson, whose family business operates 12 independent restaurants in Sevier County; and Martha Tate, resident commissioner at North Ridge Crossing.
The seven citizen members of KCDC’s Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Knoxville mayor to oversee programs provided by the agency, including affordable housing administration and redevelopment. Board officers are elected for one-year terms.
About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit kcdc.org.
