Damon “Dee” Prince has not only faced adversity throughout his life, but has continued to succeed and thrive in the face of it. In 2022, his resilience, leadership, and service to others were formally recognized when he was named one of Cookeville Lifestyle’s Most Influential People.
When Dee’s late wife, Heather Kernell-Prince, was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2016, he found strength in her steady demeanor and unwavering encouragement. Though she is no longer physically present, her legacy continues to drive him every day.
A Tennessee Tech University graduate, Dee did not follow a traditional path to success. “There were several periods of time when I was in school, and periods when I was not,” he shared. “When I started a family, I stepped away for a while and eventually came back and finished my degree.” During his time on campus, Dee was actively involved in student life and became a member of Man Up, a mentoring program for young Black male students.
“One of my mentors at Tech—and still to this day—is Robert Owens,” Dee said of Tennessee Tech’s Chief Diversity Officer and the founder of Man Up. “There wasn’t much diversity when I was a student, so finding a sense of connection could be a struggle.” Dee credits Owens and programs like Man Up with helping create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. Today, he continues that work by returning to campus to speak at Man Up meetings, spending time with students, and even playing football with them. “I want to aid in those efforts,” he said.
Now serving as the Human Resources and Benefits Manager for the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency and the Upper Cumberland Development District, Dee has played a key role in securing $25 million in funding that will directly support families across the 14-county Upper Cumberland region.
“We have to make sure the funds are budgeted and allocated correctly over the course of three years,” Dee explained. When asked about the challenge of breaking cycles of poverty, he is realistic yet hopeful. “It’s going to be incredibly tough, but our approach will be successful if we focus on changing mindsets instead of just situations,” he said. “We want to be realistic with families about what they can expect with employment and how they can adjust their lives accordingly.”
With a goal of serving more than 1,600 families, the program emphasizes accountability and individualized support. “We’re not just handing out money,” Dee said. “Families have to go through steps to receive funding.” By tailoring resources to each family’s specific needs, Dee believes the program can help create long-term change and interrupt generational poverty.
Beyond his professional work, Dee maintains a strong presence in the Cookeville community. He has served on the Cookeville Multicultural Board, established by former Mayor Ricky Shelton and County Mayor Randy Porter to advise city leaders on cultural issues. He also served as Vice President of IMPACT Cookeville, mentors youth through Teens Need Training, and previously worked as Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a child advocacy organization.
One role especially close to his heart is his involvement with the Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation. “They do so much incredible work helping people with medical needs and financial assistance,” Dee shared.
Before Heather passed away, she founded Legacy XI, a charitable organization created to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer in the Cookeville community. Dee continues to oversee the foundation in her honor.
“It was an incredibly tough time when my wife passed,” he said. “She was my best friend. She pushed me to be my best and wanted me to do great things. My kids are the reason I was able to move forward, and now I’ve got to prove that my wife was right.”
A father of eight, Dee has also coached youth sports since the age of 21. “I coached kids when they were 10 years old who now have kids—or even grandkids—that I’m coaching,” he said with a smile. “I love being a positive and uplifting influence in their lives.”
When those former players look back on the mentors who shaped them, there is little doubt that many will remember Coach Dee—not just for what he taught on the field, but for the example he set off of it.
— by Chelsea Dartez
