Established in 2011 by the East Tennessee Historical Society Board of Directors, the award periodically recognizes and honors an East Tennessee history maker who is an ambassador for the region. The 2018 honoree for the East Tennessean of the Year Award will be longtime philanthropist and community leader Natalie Haslam. The award recognizes a recent accomplishment or compilation of accomplishments in history, politics, business, entertainment, education, research or humanitarian work.