TCA Staff

Kaylah White

Executive Director 
kwhite@tnconcrete.org
O: 615-360-7393
M: 615-267-3438

Kaylah White, a native Nashvillian, graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University, with a focus in petrography. She has 15 years of construction association executive experience with
the Associated General Contractors of Middle Tennessee.

During her time with AGC, she successfully grew membership, increased member value and participation in the association, and helped build one of the most iconic industry events in Middle Tennessee construction, the BBQ in Red Shoes. Kaylah has also worked for the Construction Financial Managers Association of Middle Tennessee, the Masonry Institute of Tennessee, and ACE Mentorship Nashville helping each group reach association goals. She is a Past President and active member of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, now the largest chapter in the United States. Kaylah is the Communications Chair and active Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House of Nashville.

Kaylah and her husband live in Smyrna, Tennessee with their dog Thorin. They enjoy
concerts, road trips, and spending time with friends and family.

John B. Pearson P.E.

Director, Technical Services
jpearson@tnconcrete.org
cell: 865-440-6316

John is working to expand TCA's certification services, bolstering our educational and marketing efforts, and working to extend TCA's research projects as well as other member services.

For the past 25+ years John has assisted producers, contractors, government agencies, architects, engineers, and nuclear clients across the country with technical matters related to concrete and construction materials. He is recognized for his extensive knowledge of concrete testing, concrete troubleshooting, and concrete mix development. John began his career in 1994 as part of a highway design team at Florence & Hutcheson in Paducah, Kentucky before returning to Tennessee to work at S&ME, Inc. John has held various roles while working in the concrete construction industry including Construction Services Project Manager, Concrete and Aggregates Laboratory Manager, Construction Materials Technical Committee Chairman, and Technical Principal Engineer.

John received his BS and MS degrees in civil engineering from Tennessee Technological University (TTU). John is an active member of the American Concrete Institute and is qualified as an examiner for numerous ACI certification programs. John is also a member of ASTM C09 Committee on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, and Subcommittee C09.50 Aggregate Reactions in Concrete.

ACI Certifications:
Nondestructive Testing Specialist-Concrete Strength                                                                                Concrete Flatwork Associate
Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1
Adhesive Anchor Installer Piston-Plug
Self-consolidating Concrete Testing Technician

Darla Sparkman

Director, Certifications
dsparkman@tnconcrete.org
615-360-7393

Drag Yarbro

West TN Liaison

Joseph McDaniel

Workforce Coordinator 

Joseph McDaniel is driving TCA’s workforce development efforts with energy and focus—connecting students and young professionals to rewarding careers in the concrete industry. Since joining the team full time in 2023, Joseph has helped expand the Skate4Concrete program, engage high schoolers through Concrete Quest, and lead hands-on experiences like TCA’s Student Concrete Bootcamp.

Joseph’s background is rooted in the field: he grew up working in his family’s business, McDaniel Construction, and is an experienced concrete finisher and carpenter. He holds a two-year Construction Technology certificate from Gadsden State Community College and earned his Bachelor of Science in Concrete Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University in 2023.

While at MTSU, Joseph interned with a commercial concrete contractor, gaining experience in project management and operations. He also worked part-time at TCA, supporting events and facility operations before stepping into his full-time role as Workforce Coordinator. Today, he works closely with the TCA team to inform, educate, promote, and qualify the next generation of concrete professionals.

Kate Shariati

Office Manager
kshariati@tnconcrete.org
(615) 360-7393 

Kate Shariati is the new Office Manager at the Tennessee Concrete Association, bringing over 17 years of experience in operations management and leadership—including 9 years dedicated to the unique demands of association work. With a foundation in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, Kate has built a career rooted in organization, efficiency, and thoughtful member engagement.

Kate’s core strengths include event coordination, office administration, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail. Known for fostering a positive, productive workplace, Kate consistently ensures smooth operations and meaningful connections within her organization.