Ben Epperson

FOUNDER
 

Ben founded TimberDoodle after 12 years of working in Public Health as a built environment specialist. He made a name for himself as East Tennessee’s creative placemaking expert in his work with the Knox County Health Department and Great Schools Partnership. In 2014 Ben was awarded the Tennessee Public Health Association Visionary Award for his work with Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities. In 2015 Ben served as 1 of 7 experts on the State’s Built Environment Rising Stars Team to guide Public Health policy strategy for the State of Tennessee.

Ben has spearheaded many of Knoxville’s firsts: Paint the Pavement Project, Pop Up Park, Natural Playscape, Arts Playscape, Healthy Cornerstore, Mobile Skate Park, Urban Orchard and more.

Ben is a trained and certified facilitator, placemaking expert and charrette specialist. His work on PlanEastTennessee’s Equity Team, Mayor’s Maker Council and Connect Knox Steering Committee have strengthened his reputation as a cross-sector collaborator and thought leader.

Ben lives in Kodak Tennessee with his wife, Justine Cucchiara, and three children: Violet, Hazel and Luca.