Catching up with Chris Caldwell

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Knox County Finance Director Chris Caldwell is known as an expert on keeping track of the budget, expenses, and future needs of the county. He reports to the county mayor, the commission, committees and public meetings.

Caldwell is always quick to respond to inquiries and heads a department that wins national recognitions year after year.

 

Tell us about your days at Lincoln Memorial University.

I started attending LMU as a junior in the fall of 2000. I didn’t live on campus. I chose to live at home and continue to work part-time while commuting to campus. In the last decade, LMU has significantly expanded in terms of new buildings and student population.  When I was on campus, it was less bustling.  However, I enjoyed the time there with fellow students and the great relationships built with professors.  I thoroughly cherished my time there.

 

What motivated you to go into accounting?

Oddly enough, I took an accounting class in high school as an elective and loved it.  Early in college, I took some professional personality tests, and the accounting profession always appeared on my list.  At that point, I knew my major.

 

Tell us about your childhood.

I would characterize my childhood as typical.  As a young child my parents divorced, but both were very supportive of me.  I had wonderful family and friends that made me the person I am today.  I grew up in Campbell County, which is a small, tight-knit community.  I still stay in touch with my hometown and visit whenever possible.

 

How do you handle the responsibility you have as a chief financial officer?

As a CFO, I approach responsibility with a strong sense of accountability, strategic foresight, and integrity. I understand my role directly impacts Knox County’s financial health and long-term sustainability. I focus on three key areas:

– Strategic Leadership

– Risk Management and Compliance

– Team Empowerment and Transparency

Ultimately, I handle the responsibility by staying focused on both the details and the big picture-ensuring accuracy in our numbers while driving sustainable growth and financial resilience.

 

If you were not doing what you are, what else would you like to do?

I’ve been doing governmental accounting for so long that I’m not sure how to answer that. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career, and I always strive to improve Knox County’s financial health. At this point in my life, I would probably be a consultant related to accounting, specifically helping governments with economic development, strategic leadership, and compliance.

 

Any future plans beyond this office?

No, but in my position, you are always aware that it has a shelf life. Eventually, a mayor will want to go in a different direction, and that is perfectly fine. I’ll wish them nothing but the best. Hopefully, when that happens, someone will see that I can make their organization better.

 

What are your hobbies and interests?

In my position, I feel that you must have time to decompress. I enjoy working out and running.  I often take weekend walks downtown while listening to podcasts.  I should say I work out and run because I love food, ha-ha.  I love catching up with friends and colleagues over food.  I love UT athletics, and you will often find me at a football, basketball or baseball game.  I’m a big movie buff.  I’m very old school and love seeing movies in theaters.  You’ll often find me on weekends at Regal Riviera downtown catching a new release.  Finally, my latest hobby is watching the Knoxville Smokies in the new downtown stadium.  Such a beautiful amenity for our community.

 

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a leader who made a lasting, positive impact—not just through results but through people. Someone who led with integrity, made sound decisions under pressure, and helped others grow along the way. I hope colleagues remember me as someone who balanced strategic thinking with empathy, stayed calm in uncertainty, and always put Knox County’s long-term fiscal health first.

Most of all, I’d like to be remembered as someone who left things better than I found them—whether that means a stronger finance team, a more resilient business, or a culture of trust and collaboration.