Board of Directors

James Parker, President

James Parker, an attorney based out of Knoxville, joined the Harbours Gate Board of Directors in January of 2015; he currently serves as its chairman. Born and raised in Knoxville, James graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in public administration and Washington and Lee School of Law. For a brief period between undergraduate and law school, James lived in Nashville where he served as legislative aid to the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee during the second session of the 107th General Assembly. A passion for helping others and dedication to East Tennessee led James to Harbours Gate.

Why Harbours Gate: While Tom’s charismatic personality was the first thing to get my attention, the organization’s innovative structure and philosophy—dedication to developing a neighborhood peace corp, operating “triage” units in the heart of the communities it serves as opposed to one centralized office across town, and working hand-in-hand with other non-profits to make sure that each and every individual has access to the help that they need—made Harbours Gate stand out.

Dr. Brian Winbigler

Dr. Brian Winbigler, a native of Blount County, received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology from The University of Tennessee Knoxville, a Master of Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from the University of TN Health Science Center and completed a community pharmacy residency through South College School of Pharmacy (SCOP) and Kroger Pharmacy. 

He now works as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at SCOP and as an affiliate pharmacist at Kroger Pharmacy.  Dr. Winbigler volunteers and serves as a co-chair for the Blount County Community Health Initiative’s Substance Abuse and Prevention Action Team, is the SCOP faculty advisor for Generation-Rx, and works with the Knox County Naloxone Community Collaborative. All three organizations provide educational opportunities and resources that address substance abuse prevention in our community. 

He serves on the Blount County Board of Health and the UT Board of Governors. Dr. Winbigler holds active membership in both state and national organizations including the American Pharmacist Association, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), and Tennessee Pharmacist Association (TPA).  He is currently serving on the TPA Resolutions Committee and serves as SCOP’s faculty delegate to AACP.

David Shanks

As a lifelong Tennessean, David Shanks of Shanks and Associates is familiar with life in the Volunteer State. A native of Rogersville, Tennessee, David
has spent more than 15 years in commercial real estate, working as an appraiser, contractor and investor, a unique combination that allows David to bring exceptional value to the clients that he works with at Shanks and Associates. In addition to these skills, David is also a MAI Designated appraiser, making his knowledge and expertise unique among brokers.

The MAI Designation that David holds comes from his meticulous work in earning this title. Recognized on a global basis, a MAI Designation is earned as a series of courses that extend over and above state certifications for appraisers. An incredibly strenuous process, the MAI Designation is the highest achievement for commercial appraisers that is renewable every five years to ensure that individuals who have receive MAI Designation are aware of the latest information for appraisers.

David is the member of several boards in the Blount County and Maryville communities, including:

  • Blount County Chamber of Commerce: Board of Directors, 2017-Present
  • Blount County Chamber Government Relations/Rapid Response Team, 2016-Present
  • Harbours Gate Board of Directors, Treasurer, 2016-Present
  • Maryville High School Athletic Boosters Board, 2016-Present
  • Fairview United Methodist Church: Board of Trustees, 2012-2014, Staff Parish, 2017-Present

David Shanks is a resident of Maryville, Tennessee, where the offices of Shanks and Associates are located. David lives with his wife and three children, who are the driving force behind the work that David does for Shanks and Associates.

Chris Rop

  • Senior Accountant at Whitlock & Company, began working with them in 2013
  • B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee with a major of Accounting and concentration in Supply Chain Management
  • Master of Accountancy from East Tennessee State University
  • Certified Public Accountant in the State of Tennessee
  • Member of the American Institute of Public Accountant (AICPA) and the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA)
  • Member of Partners in Business East Tennessee (PIBET)
  • Teach 5th and 6th grade Sunday school at Blount Community Church
  • Works in the Nursery and Children’s Church at Outreach Christian Church
Bryce E. Fitzgerald

Bryce E. Fitzgerald is an attorney with Kramer Rayson LLP in Knoxville, Tennessee. Bryce joined the Harbours Gate Board of Directors in June 2018. Originally from Bristol, Tennessee, Bryce is grateful to be a part of an organization that is committed to improving the lives of East Tennesseans through compassionate care on the front lines. Bryce completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, and his law degree at Washington and Lee University School of Law. He is a resident of downtown Knoxville with his wife, Alexandrea.

Erin Barnett

Erin Barnett is the co-host of “Living East Tennessee,” on WATE 6 News. A friend invited Erin to a Harbours Gate event several years ago, where she instantly felt led by God to help. Her role as a reporter has allowed Erin to interview several people who have come through the doors at Harbours Gate, sharing their testimonies and shedding a light on some of the community issues burdening our neighbors. Erin is married to Mario Azevedo, a local attorney. They have a two year-old son, Mario III.

Ann Drake

Secretary

George Lucke

Financial Advisor Edward Jones

Brian Mason

Co-founder CEO Altar’d States

Brian Winbigler, Treasurer

South College/Kroger Pharmacy