Hoping to make a “dent in the universe,” Austin founded Compass with an eye for developing East Tennessee’s future. As Compass continues to grow and add to its portfolio of projects, Austin envisions more dreams becoming reality through development. He has a passion for Downtown Sevierville’s revitalization efforts and contributes to those as Chairman of the Sevierville Commons Association and developer of projects including The Appalachian and Graze Burgers.
As a homegrown Sevier County local, Austin’s passion for his hometown led to involvement with numerous civic organizations in various roles. Austin is a graduate of leadership programs Leadership Tomorrow, Leadership Sevier, and East Tennessee Region Leadership. He now serves on Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, United Way of Sevier County’s Board of Directors, and Sevier County Quarterback Club as Chairman. He previously served on Carson-Newman Alumni Board, Sevier County Republican Party Board, and co-founded Young Executives of Sevierville.
Austin graduated from Carson-Newman University with a B.S. in Business Administration, then briefly worked in finance in Knoxville before returning to Sevierville with his wife Katie. They have been blessed with twins Harper and Rhett, as well as with their newest addition Baker.
Austin leads Compass to a bright future as “Opportunity Creator,” and also leads his community to one. He will continue to leave a positive impact on the people and places his success-oriented mentality reaches.
Beginning in 1992, Jimbo began building his diverse real estate, operations, and development portfolio that is spread throughout the Sevier County area, which he loves to call home. Jimbo's experience in real estate development includes campgrounds, restaurants, condos, apartments, and more. Jimbo likes to get the dirt moving on a project as soon as possible. He is forward-thinking and has big dreams for his community. As a Sevier County and Carson-Newman graduate, his love for his hometown has grown into a passion for growing it, preserving it, and amplifying its potential. As a partner in Compass, he brings his expertise and experience to lead our team and make great things happen. He is our "master instigator," and he loves to get bigger and better projects moving quickly!
Mandy: Mandy is Jimbo (and Compass') "Voice of Reason." With experience in healthcare administration before teaming up with Jimbo in life and business, Mandy brings a perspective, an order, and an organization to all Compass operations. She is a level-headed leader with an immense love for her community and its people. The Conners' developments provide local jobs that help build our local economy and boost tourism. They have a sincere love of quality and convenience on every level and enjoy creating ways to make people’s lives better. As a partnership, Mandy is the order to Jimbo's chaos, and she is very much the same to the Compass team.
Katie is the Director of Human Resources at Compass. In her role at Compass, Katie focuses on creating and implementing Human Resource Management Policies. Katie has prior experience in Human Resources and Recruiting and briefly worked as a Licensed Real Estate Agent before becoming full-time CEO of The Williams Family Operations, i.e., Mom to Rhett, Harper, and Baker, she and Austin’s three kiddos.
Katie believes Human Resources isn’t all “policies and procedures;” it is also about helping her team members create strong futures for themselves. She loves to elevate others by studying what makes each individual unique and helping them bring out their best self. This is what makes HR a true passion of Katie’s.
Katie graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology. She also graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, making her a native of Sevier County. With a combined passion for Sevier County, Katie and Austin enjoy working together to create positive growth in the area. She and Austin are committed to this goal and will continue to serve the community through Compass initiatives.
Kacie joined Compass as our in-house Civil Engineer in early 2022. We are beyond excited to utilize Kacie’s talents and experience on current and future Compass projects, as well utilize her development expertise with our partners, clients, and investors.
Kacie attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 2006. She then received her State of Tennessee Engineering License in 2011. Kacie currently serves as a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) as well as on the City of Sevierville Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Her leadership skills and care for her community shine even further as a graduate of Leadership Sevier’s Leadership Tomorrow.
Kacie previously worked for Norvell & Poe Engineers for 15 years. She then transitioned to Robert Campbell & Associates. Kacie brings her smile, light, and experience to Compass daily. She provides an invaluable service to everyone she encounters in both business and community.
As a graduate of Sevier County High School and current resident of Sevierville, she deeply understands the needs and best interests of the area. As a mother to Braden, Blakely, and Beau, and a wife to Dustin, she values family and faith first. She spends most nights and weekends watching her kids play baseball and basketball, and her workdays with Compass.
As Compass' In-House Architect, Dakota is an enthusiastic designer who strives to simplify and enhance people’s interaction with the built environment. She excels at coming up with creative solutions to design needs and meeting Compass’s timeline expectations (Translation: She is quick like a fox!). Dakota enjoys walking everyone through the design and construction process. Her experience includes a variety of projects including custom residences, commercial buildings, historic renovations, industrial buildings, and affordable housing.
A graduate of The University of Tennessee School of Architecture in 2013, Dakota received her State of Tennessee Architectural license in 2019. Dakota is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Dakota also serves on the Sevierville Commons Association Design Committee.
Dakota enjoys spending time with her two kiddos. She loves spending time outdoors and gardening. She enjoys being involved in the Deaf Community which her son is part of and jumps at the opportunity to serve her community as needed.
Macee joined Compass Ventures in the Summer of 2020 after obtaining her B.A. in Communication Studies and minor in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She hopes to positively impact her hometown of Sevier County. With a passion for people, business, and marketing, she specializes in communications, social media strategies, and operations for Compass.
Macee graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman high school as a Valedictorian and multi-sport athlete. After growing up in the area, she sees the immense value and ever-growing potential of Sevier County. She aspires to learn from the expertise of the Compass team and commits to bettering the community with each Compass project. She graduated from Leadership Tomorrow in the class of 2022, serves on the Sevierville Commons Association Promotions Committee, Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center's Junior Board as Marketing Officer, and the Leadership Tomorrow Advisory Board.
Ryan Stott brings his business acumen to Compass as Chief Financial Officer. Ryan received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, where he also accomplished a Master of Accountancy through graduate studies. He is a licensed CPA, working for six years as a public accountant at Pugh CPA’s in Knoxville.
His experience includes serving both individual and corporation needs and he has worked extensively with real estate companies, financial institutions and automobile dealerships. He is a member of the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA). Ryan and his wife, Shelby, children, Cameron and Miles, reside in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Abe joined Compass following 7+ years of management consulting at Ernst & Young and Deloitte where he focused on building outcome-based business models across the Fortune 500. Prior to consulting, he graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Systems Management from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University, and earned his MBA with a focus in Business Strategy and Supply Chain from Penn State, Smeal College of business.
Abe is a real estate investor who understands the specifics of purchasing, financing, and repositioning real assets to optimize value. He owns and manages a portfolio of 100+ rental properties in Eastern TN and beyond that he has purchased, funded, and repositioned. He has raised multiple investment funds for developing assets and is committed to bringing investment to the mountains of Eastern TN.
Abe moved to Sevierville, TN in 2020 with his wife and 4 young children and enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, RV’ing throughout the US, and traveling the world.
Corey has 10 years of broad real estate development experience in several different capacities. Prior to joining Compass, Corey worked in the public sector as a city planner and economic development professional. Following his stint in local government, he transitioned to the private sector where he has served many roles in the sourcing, acquisition, and execution of a variety of real estate development transactions.
As Vice of President of Development at Compass, Corey is responsible for sourcing, researching, vetting prospective property purchases, negotiating purchase terms, finalizing purchase contracts, meeting with government officials, and leading various other contributions to the development process.
Corey earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from East Tennessee State University. Corey, his wife Savanna, and their daughter Kate live in Knoxville.
Mark brings a wide-ranging 30-plus years of experience in the construction industry. A lifelong native of Sevier County and a graduate of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, he accumulated over two decades of experience working as an independent contractor. Following his work in the private sector, he worked as a public building official in local government for another decade.
Mark provides Compass with diverse expertise from his work in both the private and public sectors of construction. His knowledge of code enforcement and building regulations ensures projects are completed successfully and on budget. He oversees projects from conception to completion, collaborating with our in-house design professionals. In his hybrid role, he both manages projects and serves as construction administrator.
Mark is an ICC-certified Building Plans Examiner, a Tennessee-licensed inspector (building, mechanical, and plumbing), and a Tennessee-licensed contractor (building, mechanical, and electrical). He and his wife Melanie live with their dog Layla in Gatlinburg; their son Luke attends Davidson College.
Austin Conner joined Compass in the Summer of 2019, after graduating from Carson-Newman University with a B.S. in Finance and Economics. Austin previously worked in bookkeeping and now works in Project Development. Austin opened his first concept, The Wag Social, in May of 2023 with his wife, Alex.
Austin graduated from Sevier County High School as the valedictorian in 2015. He also played baseball throughout high school and college at Carson-Newman University. Growing up around Sevier County Development, Austin has always been intrigued by improving his hometown and hopes to bring high-end development to Sevier County.
Lisa is proud to call Sevier County her home. With almost 20 years of experience in finance and office administration, she is passionate about helping her community thrive. She is excited to share her enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge in an effort to assist Compass in its vision.
She also loves spending time with her three boys, being outdoors, and reading.
Macy’s passion for the people of East Tennessee and her vision for progress led her to Compass in 2023. As a community and creative specialist, Macy broadens the Compass Ventures impact by nurturing one of our most valuable assets: our relationships.
Macy holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Vanderbilt University where she graduated with highest honors, and a B.S in Business Management and Marketing from Carson-Newman University. Macy comes to Compass with experience helping local businesses flourish, most recently serving as the Director of Marketing and Sales at Cruze Farm Dairy. The Strawberry Plains native enjoys traveling across the country and abroad, but the Smoky Mountains will always be home.
When not working, you are most likely to find Macy trying a new restaurant, spending time on the lake, tackling a new DIY project, or with her husband Matt and puppy Winnie.
.jpg)
