Emily Lilley

Emily Lilley has a diverse work experience that spans a range of industries and roles. Emily began their career as a Fund Student Representative at the Auburn University Alumni Center in 2005. Emily then interned at Chambliss, Bahner in 2007, followed by an internship as an Intern/Student Teacher at Auburn High School. In 2007, they also worked as a Third Grade Teacher at Heritage Preparatory School.

Lilley then joined the Chattanooga Publishing Company as an Associate Editor in the Target Publishing Department in 2008. Here, they edited and proofread content for a monthly publication and performed administrative duties. From 2011 to 2012, they served as a Managing Editor at True North Custom Media, where they planned and executed strategic editorial marketing and public relations content for financial and healthcare clients. Emily also mentored copywriting staff and participated in brand development.

In 2012, Lilley took on the role of Communication Director for the Bishop for Congress campaign, where they developed communication plans and strategies, coordinated media coverage, and acted as a spokesperson for the campaign. Emily then joined the Tennessee Charter Schools Association as a Director of Communications, focusing on advancing education options through advocacy and public relations efforts.

Lilley continued their work in the education sector at the Tennessee Charter School Center, where they held various roles. Emily started as a Government Relations Specialist in 2013, advocating for autonomous public education and supporting charter schools. Emily later became the Director of Policy/Government Relations in 2014, overseeing government relations and education policy research. Lastly, Lilley served as the Vice President of External Affairs, starting in 2020.

In addition to their education and advocacy work, Lilley also ventured into entrepreneurship as one of the owners of The Book & Cover, an independent bookstore and coffee bar in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As an owner, they are involved in all aspects of the business, including book buying, marketing, customer support, and event planning.

Overall, Emily Lilley has a broad range of experience in education, communications, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Emily Lilley attended the Girls Preparatory School for an unknown period of time, but did not receive a degree. In 2007, they graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in General Social Science Education. From 2012 to 2017, they pursued a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication at The Johns Hopkins University.