Meet the 2026-2027 Tennessee State Advocacy Committee

The American Heart Association is proud to introduce the 2026-2027 Tennessee Advocacy Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who help shape public policy priorities and advocate for healthier communities across the state.

Representing communities across Tennessee, these leaders bring professional expertise, personal experiences, and a shared commitment to improving health and saving lives.

Meet the Committee

• Amanda Beckham (Bartlett), Chair – Amanda’s passion for advocacy comes from firsthand experience navigating serious health challenges with her family, including kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. After helping her husband recover from a stroke and surviving a heart attack herself, Amanda has become a dedicated advocate for patients, caregivers, CPR awareness, and cardiac emergency preparedness.
• Cheryl Smith (Knoxville), Co-Chair – Founder of CPR Choice, Cheryl has spent more than two decades teaching lifesaving CPR skills. As an American Heart Association instructor trainer and local volunteer leader, she is committed to helping more Tennesseans feel confident responding in an emergency.
• Chris Hopkins (Chattanooga) – Chris is a financial advisor, former American Heart Association board chair, heart attack survivor, and heart transplant recipient. He uses both his professional expertise and personal experience to advocate for policies that improve health and save lives.
• Quincy Wyke (Ramer) – A construction safety manager and community advocate, Quincy was inspired to become involved in heart health advocacy after losing his oldest brother to sudden cardiac arrhythmia. His work focuses on prevention, awareness, and helping families avoid similar tragedies.
• Juanita Charles (Clarksville) – Juanita is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing health equity, civic engagement, and economic opportunity. Through her work in housing, advocacy, and community development, she helps build stronger and healthier communities.
• Wilma Jean Pippenger (Benton) – An educator and school health leader with more than 60 years of service to Tennessee students, Wilma Jean has spent her career promoting children’s health and well-being. Her experience in education and coordinated school health programs brings a valuable perspective to the committee’s work.

Together, these leaders will help guide advocacy efforts focused on healthy school meals, tobacco prevention, and other priorities that support longer, healthier lives for Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Advocacy Committee recently approved the state’s 2026-2027 policy agenda and will help advance these priorities throughout the coming year. Watch for upcoming American Heart Association Heart Powered opportunities to get involved and help create a healthier Tennessee for everyone.