Bio

Alexis J. Willis is a dynamic leader, strategist, and community builder with over a decade of experience driving entrepreneurship, economic development, and real estate growth across the Chattanooga region. She currently serves as the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Max Fuller Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she leads initiatives that support under-resourced founders, maintains an 80%+ participant retention rate, and distributes more than $80,000 in microgrants while connecting local entrepreneurs to global innovation networks. A committed civic leader, Alexis has served on numerous boards—including the Chattanooga Library Foundation, Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association, the Southside Council, CHA Ballet, National Park Partners, and others—bringing her passion for innovation, equity, and community transformation to every role she undertakes.