TCA Staff

Alan Sparkman CAE, LEED AP, CCPf

Executive Director 
asparkman@tnconcrete.org
615-360-7393
cell: 616-975-6696

Alan has served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Concrete Association since 1998. In July of 2016, Alan was recognized by the Tennessee Society of Association Executives as their 2015 Association Executive of the Year. He regularly teaches concrete industry professional courses across the US and served as an Assistant Professor at Middle Tennessee State University for the Concrete Industry Management program for the 2010-2011 academic year. He developed and teaches a class on Concrete Construction Sustainability for the “Concrete” MBA program at MTSU.

He has been deeply involved with pervious concrete for over a decade and regularly places pervious concrete both for TCA demonstration projects and commercial projects where he is asked to assist and train contractors learning about the correct placement of pervious concrete. Alan holds the NRMCA Pervious Concrete Craftsman certification and is a co-author on several research publications relating to pervious concrete, as well as other concrete topics. He works closely with universities in Tennessee to design and direct research relating directly to current concrete issues, and TCA publishes this research in Tennessee Concrete magazine on an ongoing basis.

As a firm believer in lifelong learning, he completed his Masters of Business Administration degree in May of 2004 from Jones International University. In November of 2006, Alan became a LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S Green Building Council and in January of 2007 Alan earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, a certification earned by less than 5% of all association professionals. He currently holds 15 technical and professional certifications related to concrete, construction and association management.

Alan was honored to receive one of the prestigious Kodak American Greenways Awards in 2004 for his efforts in making the Count on Concrete bike ride across America a success. He was honored with the 2010 Tennessee Sustainability Award by the Tennessee Environmental Council, and has twice been honored with the TCA President’s Award (2008 & 2013).

In April of 2016, Alan received the Concrete Sustainability Award from the American Concrete Institute “for significant mentorship of the concrete community in the field of sustainability and exemplary outreach to those in the public, private and social sectors improving recognition, understanding and appreciation for the sustainable benefits of concrete as a building material.”TCA has been named by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association as the State Association of the Year three times under Alan’s leadership, with the most recent award coming for 2015.

NRMCA Certifications:
Concrete Sales Professional
Concrete Technologist Level 2, 3, & 4
Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 2
Pervious Concrete Craftsman
Certified Environmental Professional
Green Building Specialist

ACI Certifications:
Flatwork Technician
Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1
Adhesive Anchor Installer

CSI Certifications:
Certified Document Technologist

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.