VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER | WVLT-TV, CBS KNOXVILLE

Jasmine Hardin is no stranger to East Tennessee. Growing up in Sevier County and attending college at the University of Tennessee, she knew all about this area and what it had to offer. So, after taking jobs that led her to Nashville and Atlanta, Hardin knew she wanted to make her way back to Knoxville to raise her family. And as the current Vice President and General Manager of WVLT-TV, she did just that. “I am very happy to call Knoxville home,” she said. “I am excited about the downtown revitalization, and I look forward to seeing continued growth in Market Square, the Old City and Gay Street. Knoxville is a great place to raise a family.”

In her role at WVLT-TV, Hardin works diligently to create a hard-working, successful team. “I am very proud of the team we’ve been able to build, and I like to think that I have a good eye for talent,” she explained. “The most gratifying part of any job I have held is seeing good people develop and feel empowered to grow in their career. Then seeing them actually accomplish those goals is very rewarding.”

Having worked in the media business for nearly 20 years, Hardin has seen positive changes in the industry over time. “We are starting to see more women in leadership positions,” she stated. “In addition, the opportunities for flexible time and working from home options have increased in the past several years. This allows for women to have more choices when it comes to having a career and a family.”

Hardin loves the opportunities she has been given and credits her parents for the confidence to follow her dreams. “I am so thankful to have parents that have shown me that hard work, dedication and forward thinking can make a person successful,” she said. “They have always encouraged me to follow my passion. I try to instill the same beliefs and support to my children.”

And no matter which career path her children may take, Hardin believes the life lessons are the same. “I want my children to know that they don’t have to be the best at everything, but that they can always work the hardest,” she explained. “They should know that you really can be whatever you want to be if you work hard and always strive for more. And always, always choose the path of kindness.”