Meet Liz Lyons

She’s not just a photographer and writer, but also a dedicated advocate for community arts. With a diverse work background, Liz has dipped her toes in various fields, notably events, fundraising, and hospitality, bringing a wealth of experience to her endeavors. A proud Knoxville native, Liz has always been enamored with the vibrant community spirit of her hometown. From a young age, Liz has been driven by a profound desire to help those in need, a passion that echoes in her every venture. Naturally, her compassionate heart guided her towards the non-profit sector, where she could make a real difference. She’s volunteered her time and talent with organizations like Dogwood Arts, Positively Living, Knox Heritage, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Always ready to meet new faces and explore the undiscovered corners of Knoxville, Liz continues her journey, making connections and uncovering local treasures.

Liz’s first job right out of college was at the thriving Knoxville Visitor’s Center, delighting in the opportunity to welcome visitors to the city and share her personal recommendations for the best places to dine, shop, and soak in some live music. It was during these lunch breaks, savoring the live music on the Blue Plate Special, that she learned about WDVX, a community radio station, that is not just about music but about the people who love it. Liz found herself amidst a community of music enthusiasts, much like herself, and instantly felt at home. Ever since she was a child, she had dreamt of a career that allowed her to enjoy the outdoors and listen to music – a dream that felt so much closer to becoming a reality in the heart of WDVX. And indeed it did! Liz was soon offered a position at WDVX as the events coordinator. This role gave her the chance to plan and execute fundraising events and concerts, allowing her to blend her love for music with her knack for organization. In this position, she worked directly with volunteers, forming lasting bonds that continue to this day. But Liz didn’t stop there. She went on to hone her skills and passion in community radio, dedicating over a decade of her life to stations including WDVX, WUOT, and WUTK. And she was just getting started.

Diving into the heart of Knoxville, articulating its pulse through words, and illuminating the hidden gems of the community is exactly what Liz has been doing as a seasoned writer for Metro Pulse, Knoxville Magazine, and currently, VIP Knoxville. She takes immense pleasure in casting the spotlight on local businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations, presenting them in an engaging and appealing manner. Her writing is not just about narrating tales, but creating meaningful connections. She bridges the gap between people and organizations they might not otherwise discover, fostering a sense of community. Covering the vibrant events these organizations conduct is indeed enjoyable, but what’s even more thrilling for Liz is getting to know the individuals orchestrating those events. Having roots in the nonprofit sector, she understands the tremendous effort and careful planning that goes into fundraising and event management. Through her engagement with VIP Knoxville, she’s established deep connections with board members, volunteers, staff, and supporters of numerous nonprofits in Knoxville. Her work, thus, is more than just writing—it’s about making a difference, one story at a time.

Imagine capturing the perfect moment – a burst of laughter at a gala, the beauty of a newly listed home, or the intense focus of a sports player. That’s the world Liz Lyons immerses herself in. Her love for photography is not just a pastime, but a growing passion that has led her to explore various genres such as real estate photography, portraits, and even sports! But there’s a particular subject that she adores the most – animals. Capturing their essence is a delightful challenge. You see, it’s all about getting on the same wavelength with them, understanding their world, and then snapping that perfect photo. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and improvement, Liz found the ideal platform to further her craft – Cadence Captures Photography. A local company owned by her longtime friend, Jason Cantrell, who graciously offered her a role. Ever since, Liz has been honing her skills and broadening her horizons. She often finds herself working amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Smoky Mountains, a part of east Tennessee that she has always held close to her heart. Every assignment in this area is not just work for Liz, but a beautiful reunion with a beloved region.

Liz is thrilled to have stepped into the role of Director of Operations for the Legacy Housing Foundation. This incredible organization is devoted to providing essential household items for individuals residing in low-income housing. One of the main initiatives is the hosting of “Good Times Events”. These lively gatherings offer residents the opportunity to select items they’d love to bring home. Getting to know the residents the organization serves has been a rewarding experience. She says it has been truly heartwarming to witness the impact we are making in their lives. Alongside her dedicated colleague, Dean Parker, Liz is constantly brainstorming and implementing ways to inject more fun into our Good Times Events. They are committed to making these events not just helpful, but also enjoyable for our residents.

Ever wonder how someone juggling three jobs finds time for a social life? Well, in Liz’s case, she playfully retorts that she’s actually paid to enjoy one! Each of her roles takes her on a daily journey to fresh and exciting locations. And the best part? She gets to share these experiences with some of the most incredible folks in Knoxville. Consider her not just busy, but rather, blessed.