Stephanie Willis joined TNSTEP in 2020 as Director of Communications and now serves as Deputy Director. She leads communications, government affairs, community engagement, and organizational operations, including fundraising, development, and internal systems.
Stephanie holds a B.S. in Public Relations Management from Belmont University and brings a background in strategic communications, marketing, and video production. She oversees content strategy across platforms—including messaging, web, and multimedia—and led the organization’s rebrand from STEP, Inc. to TNSTEP, expanding outreach and visibility statewide. She is also a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences, sharing best practices in marketing, IT systems, and youth engagement.
Her work is also deeply personal. As the parent of a child with dyslexia, Stephanie experienced both the uncertainty of navigating early learning concerns without support and the clarity and confidence that come with becoming an informed advocate. That perspective informs her work advancing TNSTEP’s mission through partnerships with state agencies, coalitions, and community organizations to increase awareness of and access to services.
Stephanie led the development of TNSTEP’s STEP Up to the Plate Youth Council and TNSTEP Youth Tour, reflecting her commitment to advancing self-advocacy and strengthening community advocacy across Tennessee.
