Earlene Teaster to retire after 63 years with Pigeon Forge

After 63 years of service to her hometown, Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster has announced plans to retire on June 30 after serving as city manager for 44 years.  

Teaster’s career includes the distinction of being the Volunteer State’s first female city manager.   

Teaster was named Pigeon Forge City Manager in 1980. She is currently the longest-serving city manager in the state. Teaster was first hired as city clerk in 1961 before advancing to city recorder.  

“As I reflect on my time in office, I’m overwhelmed with immense gratitude as I know what a blessing it has been to serve this fine city and its people,” Teaster said. “I’ve lived my entire life in Pigeon Forge and gotten a front row seat to watch the city and my family grow, and both have brought me tremendous joy. I close this chapter with the certainty and confidence that Pigeon Forge’s foundation is solid, and the best is yet to come.”  

“Earlene Teaster’s impact on the City of Pigeon Forge is immeasurable,” said Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear. “On behalf of our City Commissioners, our residents and our visitors, we are forever grateful for her unwavering leadership and steadfast support. We’re all better for having had the chance to work alongside someone of her impeccable character.”   

In more than six decades, Teaster has witnessed first-hand Pigeon Forge’s growth and success as a family vacation destination. She recognized the gateway city’s potential and has been a strong advocate for supporting tourism, the city’s only industry, through partnership with local businesses and improved infrastructure.  

She guided efforts to establish new businesses, including Dollywood theme park in 1986, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge in 2013, and the Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge in 2016. Dollywood is Tennessee’s most visited ticketed attraction.  

In 1986, she led efforts to establish Pigeon Forge’s Fun Time Trolley, which now functions as Pigeon Forge Mass Transit, the third largest rural transit system in the U.S. 

The city of Pigeon Forge was officially established and incorporated in 1961. Under her leadership, Pigeon Forge has sustained record growth, achieving more than $1 billion in annual revenue for 11 consecutive years.  

Her public administration career also includes guiding Pigeon Forge through the 2016 wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Teaster was born and raised in Sevier County where she also raised her family, along with her late husband Glen. She is the proud mother of two sons, Steve and Phil. She enjoys spending time with them along with her five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is a member of Wears Valley First Baptist Church.  

As a lifelong public servant, she is very involved in her local community, including active roles in supporting Pigeon Forge Schools as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Pigeon Forge. She is a former Boy Scouts den mother and relies on their “always be prepared” motto to this day. She is a recipient of the J. Prichard Barnes Community Service Award and was a member of the inaugural Leadership Sevier class. Teaster is a member of both the Pigeon Forge and Sevier County High Schools’ Halls of Fame. 

Professional accolades include the Southeast Tourism Society’s Shining Example Award in 2010; Tourism Leader of the Year in 1994; membership in the Tennessee City Management Association and International City/County Management Association. TCMA named her City Manager of the Year in 2000. She has represented the tourism industry in various capacities on the East Tennessee Development Districts board.