Full Name
Dr. Sherrie Tennessee
Job Title
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT, THE LEETS CONSORTIUM
Speaker Bio
Dr. Sherrie Tennessee is a hospitality and wellness educator, professor, and industry strategist with more than 20 years of experience spanning education, operations, and leadership development. Her unconventional career journey—from zookeeping to spa leadership to academia—gives her a rare, real-world perspective on growth, resilience, and leading through complexity. Sherrie brings these experiences to life through compelling storytelling that resonates deeply with women navigating career pivots, leadership identity, and purpose-driven success.
As a facilitator, Dr. Tennessee is known for creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that blend insight, humor, and practical application. She empowers women to elevate confidence, strengthen professional presence, and lead with intention—particularly in high-touch, high-pressure industries where emotional intelligence, well-being, and human connection are essential. Her sessions connect leadership behaviors to guest experience, organizational culture, and long-term career sustainability, making her especially impactful for women balancing ambition, service, and self-care.
Dr. Tennessee has facilitated workshops, taught, and partnered with a wide range of academic institutions, government agencies, professional associations, and global hospitality organizations. Her ability to translate leadership concepts into meaningful, actionable takeaways makes her a trusted voice for women leaders seeking both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Clients and Institutions Include: Baltimore School of Massage; Campus (online college); Federal Service Internships through the U.S. State Department; IECSC Conference; Johnson & Wales University (North Miami Campus); Mandarin Oriental (Washington, DC); National Society of Accountants; Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association; NFC Amenity Management; Sandals Resorts International; TRANSCOM (U.S. Government); University of California, Irvine; University of Maryland; University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); and Virginia State University.
EDUCATION/AWARDS
PhD., Wellness/Technology ─ UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
MBA, Marketing/Entrepreneurship ─ Walden University
Graduate Certificate, Integrative Health and Wellness ─ University of Maryland, Baltimore
OPERATIONAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Dr. Sherrie Tennessee combines academic insight with deep operational experience in hospitality, wellness, and service-oriented business environments. She has served in leadership roles that span spa operations, education management, curriculum development, and organizational training—most notably as Education Manager for Sandals Resorts International’s Red Lane Spas, where she launched and directed professional training programs and workforce development initiatives. Her work integrates guest experience excellence, technology adoption, and workforce capability building, equipping leaders and teams to navigate operational challenges while enhancing service quality and organizational performance.
As a facilitator, Dr. Tennessee is known for creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that blend insight, humor, and practical application. She empowers women to elevate confidence, strengthen professional presence, and lead with intention—particularly in high-touch, high-pressure industries where emotional intelligence, well-being, and human connection are essential. Her sessions connect leadership behaviors to guest experience, organizational culture, and long-term career sustainability, making her especially impactful for women balancing ambition, service, and self-care.
Dr. Tennessee has facilitated workshops, taught, and partnered with a wide range of academic institutions, government agencies, professional associations, and global hospitality organizations. Her ability to translate leadership concepts into meaningful, actionable takeaways makes her a trusted voice for women leaders seeking both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Clients and Institutions Include: Baltimore School of Massage; Campus (online college); Federal Service Internships through the U.S. State Department; IECSC Conference; Johnson & Wales University (North Miami Campus); Mandarin Oriental (Washington, DC); National Society of Accountants; Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association; NFC Amenity Management; Sandals Resorts International; TRANSCOM (U.S. Government); University of California, Irvine; University of Maryland; University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); and Virginia State University.
EDUCATION/AWARDS
PhD., Wellness/Technology ─ UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
MBA, Marketing/Entrepreneurship ─ Walden University
Graduate Certificate, Integrative Health and Wellness ─ University of Maryland, Baltimore
OPERATIONAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Dr. Sherrie Tennessee combines academic insight with deep operational experience in hospitality, wellness, and service-oriented business environments. She has served in leadership roles that span spa operations, education management, curriculum development, and organizational training—most notably as Education Manager for Sandals Resorts International’s Red Lane Spas, where she launched and directed professional training programs and workforce development initiatives. Her work integrates guest experience excellence, technology adoption, and workforce capability building, equipping leaders and teams to navigate operational challenges while enhancing service quality and organizational performance.
Speaking At
