Dawn & Brent Whaley

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Dawn is originally from New Jersey but has resided in Sevier County for the last 23 years. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and an Accounting & Assurance Principal at Coulter & Justus, P.C. She has a passion for running and traveling. She has completed a marathon in all 50 states, a marathon on each of the 7 continents, and a marathon at the North Pole.

Her most recent running accomplishment was the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days), in which she finished 3rd place for females. She originally met Brent in 1999 at the National Championship game in Tempe, Arizona. At the time, she was attending Florida State University, and he was at UT. While their paths didn't cross again for several years, they eventually worked through their football differences and have been married for 16 years.

Dawn looks forward to hitting the dance floor with Brent and helping raise money for the United Way of Sevier County. Oh yes, and Dawn and Brent are in it to WIN IT, on both counts!

Brent Whaley is a lifelong resident of Sevier County and a 1997 graduate of Sevier County High School. Brent earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Tennessee in 2002 and entered the Hospitality Industry before beginning his banking career in 2007. Brent is a member of the Gatlinburg Rotary Club and Smoky Bear Quarterback Club. Brent enjoys raising awareness and support for Sevier County's schools and other charitable and civic groups.

A fierce supporter of the SCHS Smoky Bears, Brent can be heard commentating the Bears' home football games on the school's YouTube Channel. When not found at Lon C. Burchfiel Stadium or Neyland Stadium, Brent will most likely be on the golf course or chasing his wife around the world on one of her running adventures.

Brent has been married to his dance partner, Dawn Doucette, for 16 years. Brent and Dawn are both looking forward to stepping out of their comfort zone to help benefit their fellow Sevier Countians through the United Way of Sevier County. It is VERY important that everyone takes into account that Brent has ZERO dance experience or ability but he will be giving this adventure 110% effort. Brent and Dawn hope to be part of the greatest United Way – Dancing with the Stars to date.

Jessie Blalock is a marketing and communications professional whose work spans the spirits, construction, mechanical services, tourism, and hospitality industries throughout East Tennessee. As Marketing Director for Old Forge Distillery, Jessie oversees the distillery's marketing strategy and brand presence, including advertising, social media, public relations, creative direction, product launches, partnerships, events, promotions, and market expansion. She also leads marketing and communications for Citadel Construction and The Cherokee Group, managing brand strategy, digital marketing, advertising, community outreach, recruitment, and project communications across both companies.

Jessie also serves as President of the Tennessee Distillers Guild, working with distilleries and industry partners across the state to support Tennessee's distilled spirits industry and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail through advocacy, marketing, partnerships, strategic planning, and industry initiatives. Major event planning is another key part of Jessie's work. She coordinates everything from consumer events and brand activations to industry meetings, fundraisers, golf tournaments, product launches, live broadcasts, corporate events, and community initiatives — often managing the entire process from concept and promotion through logistics and execution.

For many years, Jessie has been actively involved in supporting nonprofits throughout Sevier County, including United Way of Sevier County, lending her experience in marketing, event planning, promotion, and community outreach to help strengthen local organizations and their initiatives. Outside of work, Jessie enjoys traveling, skiing, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family. She is married to her husband, Wes, and is a devoted dog mom to Nelly.