ASAP of Anderson welcomes new executive director Shayla Wilson

The Oak Ridger
·2 min read

ASAP of Anderson hired Clinton native Shayla Wilson as the new executive director over the summer.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in kinesiology, Wilson obtained both a master's in education and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. She comes from a career in coordinated school health at both the district and state level and statewide nonprofit work. Some may formerly know her as Shayla Sanderson.

Shayla Wilson
Shayla Wilson

“Anderson County holds a special place in my heart,” Wilson said in a news release. “This county truly helped shape me into the person I am today. I can without a doubt say that the many individuals I grew up with, went to church with and served in volunteerism alongside poured into me from a very young age.

“I was able to serve the county in my teens through the Fairest of the Fair and got involved in organizations that set me up for success. My favorite thing would have to be the people, the community, and the rich history that is held here. It is special to be able to step away, allow myself to grow, and walk back into a small town feeling just as welcomed as when I was 17.”

Wilson started as executive director in May, working alongside former executive director Kayla Simon for a month before taking the role over. She previously was co-chair of ASAP, volunteering her time to go to Washington, D.C., with the youth coalition. She will continue to take local high school students to Nashville and D.C. to speak with legislators about substance misuse prevention policies.

When she is not working, she enjoys playing pickleball, her Goldendoodle Millie, and traveling. She is welcoming her first baby in October with her husband, Andrew Wilson.

To learn more about news and upcoming events, visit ASAPofAnderson.org and follow @ASAPofAnderson on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shayla Wilson director ASAP of Anderson County, Tennessee