Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has hired Marisa A. Moazen as director of policy and strategic partnerships, a new role for the organization.
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
“Marisa will focus on expanding and strengthening strategic partnerships with local, state and federal agencies, residents and community stakeholders,” said Ben Bentley, executive director and CEO of KCDC. “She also will develop and lead initiatives designed to increase access to education, employment, connectivity, workforce development, transportation and health resources for residents at KCDC communities. Marisa fills a new and vital position at KCDC to advance our mission, and we welcome her to the team.”
Moazen joins KCDC with extensive experience after working at the University of Tennessee, most recently as assistant vice chancellor for research engagement, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), where she had a key role in the procurement of grants and guided, developed and coordinated projects and programs.
Moazen worked at the university from 2014 to 2020 after serving ORAU for seven years. Prior to that, she served as the director of the Professional Development Institute at Tusculum College, where she also developed courses in marketing research.
Moazen holds both a Bachelor of Science in finance with minors in German and economics and an MBA with marketing concentration from the University of Alabama. She earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration with a concentration in leadership, statistics and quantitative analysis from UT.
Her community involvement includes serving on the United Way of Greater Knoxville’s community engagement and mobilization committee and the investment committee. She also is a leader for Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians’ Troop 22040 and Cub Scouts Cubmaster Pack 949.
Moazen resides in West Knoxville with her two children and their dog, Bubba. Moazen, who is a member of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, enjoys golfing, cooking, crafting and travel.