WGNS PODCAST - On this episode of The WGNS RoundTable, host Dr. Bill Kraus welcomes Howard Kittell, retired President and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation, and Shank Kothare’, State Farm Agent and past President of the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. The discussion centers around the value of preserving history, the evolution of urban development, and how terminology like “Urban Renewal” has shifted in meaning and usage. Kittell reflects on his early career with the Michigan Department of Transportation, where he advocated for rerouting highways to protect historic sites, and later, his pivotal role as Director of Preservation for the City of Philadelphia.
Kittell also shares insights from his 15-year leadership at The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s historic home in Tennessee, now a widely respected museum. Kothare’ joins to provide a community perspective, highlighting his collaborative work with Kittell and the vital role of local organizations in preserving cultural heritage. Together, they explore how a shared respect for the past can influence modern planning and civic engagement, offering listeners an inspiring look into the people and policies that protect America's historical legacy.
ABOUT THE WGNS HOST: A member of the faculty at the Institute of Government, Dr. William H. "Bill" Kraus transferred to Tennessee State University from his tenure in the Department of Public Management. Dr. Kraus, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, spent most of his life in Southern California where he completed two Masters Degrees and his Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He spent most of his professional life as a City Manager, serving five Southern California communities over a twenty-year period, ranging in size from 5,000 to 100,000 residents. In the last twenty years, Dr. Kraus, through his own Management Services Firm, managed a number of Health, Community and Professional Non-profit Associations.
Since 1974, Dr. Kraus served on the faculty of a number of campuses of the California State University system as well as a number of private colleges and universities in California.
In 2003, he and his wife, Barbara, relocated to the Nashville area to be near their daughter and family, and in addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is the City Manager of Oak Hill, one of Davidson County's six "satellite" cities. Dr. Kraus is currently an officer with the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration as well as the Tennessee Political Science Association.
Specialties: Dr. Kraus combines over forty years of outstanding highly effective and efficient "hands-on" experience in the senior level management of a wide variety of nonprofit associations, public agencies, as well as significant higher education instruction and academic management.
