Christi Branscom Makes a Big Return to Partners Development in Knoxville

Exciting Moves in Knoxville: Christi Branscom Returns to Partners Development

Knoxville, TN – The energy around downtown Knoxville has ramped up as Christi Branscom, the former Commissioner of the Department of General Services (DGS) for the State of Tennessee, has made a big return to her roots at Partners Development. After a successful six-year stint with the state, Branscom is coming back to the real estate firm where she first made her mark. What’s more? She’s stepping back in as principal, general counsel, and managing broker!

A Journey of Success

Branscom joined the DGS in January 2019, where she was instrumental in paving the way for outstanding service management across the department. During her time there, she didn’t just sit behind a desk. She rolled up her sleeves and overseen the most significant budget in state history, which focused on critical improvements across existing facilities and optimizing the state’s real estate footprint. It’s no small feat – this historic budget included a whopping $415 million for the Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy, making it the largest capital project in the state’s history!

The list of achievements doesn’t stop there. Under Branscom’s leadership, the DGS earned several prestigious awards honoring their excellence in various domains, such as Vehicle Management, Document Solutions, and even Real Estate Management. In fact, they were recognized as a ‘Top Tennessee Workplace’ for five consecutive years! Those accolades surely reflect her commitment and hard work.

Honored by the Governor

Her impressive contributions didn’t go unnoticed. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee had nothing but glowing remarks for her service. “Christi has faithfully served state agencies and her fellow Tennesseans since day one of the Lee administration,” he expressed fondly. He acknowledged her efforts in reducing the real estate footprint and managing taxpayer dollars wisely while also extending his best wishes for her future endeavors.

Back to Her First Love

Now, Branscom is thrilled to rejoin Partners Development, saying, “I am very happy to be back home in Knoxville and to be rejoining Partners Development, which is family for me – literally and figuratively.” Her excitement is palpable! She seems ready to bring all of her invaluable experiences from her time with the state to enhance the work for Partners’ clients.

Partners Development Celebrates the Return

Russ Watkins, president and CEO of Partners Development, couldn’t be more excited about Branscom’s return. “Christi’s experience, especially in managing large and significant capital projects across the state, will greatly support the work we do at Partners.” And he isn’t exaggerating—her work involved overseeing over $4.5 billion in capital improvement projects!

Accolades and Achievements

The accolades keep rolling in for Branscom. In 2023, she was named a Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal and received the prestigious National Ray Walton Leadership Award from the National Association of State Chief Administrators. Not stopping there, she made history as the first woman elected as president of NASCA and snagged the Top Leader Award in 2024 from the Tennessean’s Top Workplaces Awards.

Deep Roots in Knoxville

Branscom’s journey to success has its roots in Knoxville, where she began her public service career as deputy to the mayor/COO for the City of Knoxville. Fun fact: she was the first female to be appointed to either position! Before diving into public service, she spent 25 years with Partners Development in various significant roles.

Champions in Real Estate

As Partners Development prepares to roll out exciting new projects with Branscom back on board, they also bring over 50 years of experience in comprehensive facilities planning, financing, development and management – having worked on commercial projects valued at over $2 billion.

The future is bright for Christi Branscom and Partners Development, and we can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo will achieve next!