John E. Simmonds to Head Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board.
For Immediate Release
July 11, 2018
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced the appointment of John E. Simmonds as board president, and Harold Graeter to serve as vice president and president-elect. Simmonds has over 40 years’ experience in the financial industry as a regulator, president and CEO with completion of over 20 successful mergers. Simmonds served as vice president of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame from 2016 to 2018. Governor Bill Haslam appointed him to represent Middle Tennessee on the board in 2012. Simmonds will serve as the Hall’s president through 2020. The board of directors looks forward to the continued growth of the Hall of Fame under Simmonds.
Tabbed as the new vice president and president-elect is Harold Graeter. Graeter, the associate executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and a valuable board member since 2009, was voted vice president by the board of directors on June 16th. The Hall of Fame is very excited for Graeter to continue the leadership and dedication to the organization he displayed for the last nine years. Graeter grew up in Memphis and represents the West Tennessee region.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also welcomes Commissioner Kevin Triplett as the new Treasurer. Triplett currently is the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and will bring his experience and knowledge of Tennessee tourism and marketing to the Hall of Fame. Executive Director Dr. Bill Emendorfer is excited and looks forward to working with this new group of officers.