John Bilderback

Natural Treasures Program Director

John grew up on a dairy farm in Sweetwater, TN and is a proud graduate of Sweetwater High School.   He moved to Chattanooga to attend college at UTC where he completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees. While in college, John met his wife Riann, and they are the proud parents of their son Ben.   John enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, visiting the farm, and going to University of Tennessee sporting events. 

Outside of Thrive Regional Partnership, John Bilderback also currently serves as the Chair of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority’s (CARTA) Board of Directors, a member of the River City Company Board of Directors, and on the TPO Executive Board. Before joining Thrive, he devoted nearly twenty years to public health, healthy eating/active living initiatives, children and adults with disabilities, and food insecurity. John’s work with community partners has resulted in innovative solutions such as the Chattanooga Mobile Market, improved walkability and bikeability of neighborhoods, and policies designed to improve after-hours public access to playgrounds at elementary schools. 

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