Ernie Brooks joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley in 1977 as the Aquatic Director.  Other positions he has held during his 40 years with the organization include:  Physical Director, Unit Director, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Volunteer Services, Vice President of Support Services, Vice President of Corporate Relations, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee, and he currently serves as the organizations Major Gifts Officer.        

Over the years, Ernie has supported numerous events that have raised   hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. These events include the D.D. Lewis Golf Tournament, the Phillip Fulmer Golf Tournament, the Knoxville Open, as well as working tirelessly to ensure that over twenty years, the Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race was a financial success as well as raising awareness in the community for the Boys & Girls Club.  He supports the five advisory boards that serve the Clubs and outlying counties of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.  His dedication to supporting and developing advisory board members has resulted in the growth and financial commitment of each of these boards.      

Ernie participates in numerous organizations in the Knoxville area.  He has been a member of the Optimist Club of Knoxville since 1985, serves as a speaker for the United Way of Knoxville, is a member of the Masonic Alpha Lodge #376, board member of the North             Knoxville Business & Professional Association, is President Elect of the Dow Chemical Community Action Panel and is a National Level USA Track & Field Certified  Official.  In addition to his volunteer work, Ernie has also served on and chaired the Southeast Training and Professional Development TAPDAC, the National Board of Directors for The Professional Association and is a Boys & Girls Clubs of America Field Consultant.  He graduated from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Management Program, Knox County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America School of Executive Leadership.    

Ernie has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to the youth of the East Tennessee region, receiving numerous awards over the years.  These awards include:  Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Region Professional of the year, Ringling & Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus 3 Rings of Hero’s Award and USA Track & Field Outstanding Official Award.     Ernie attended Tennessee Tech on a track scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and with a Major of Secondary Physical Education.  He holds the Clinton Senior High School record for the mile and has held three Tennessee State Road Race Age Records in the mile. He competed in the 2013 and 2017 National Senior Olympics and is competitive in his division in local and state races. Ernie has been married to Pam Brooks for 38 years and together they have a son, Steven and daughter-in-law Jennifer.  He dotes on his 3 grandchildren Adelaide, Sullivan and Vivienne.