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Published on: 07/16/2026

TML names 2026-27 board; Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks elected president

Julian and KEvin
TML Immediate Past President and Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic, left, accepts a golden gavel as a recognition of his service to the League from incoming President and Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks during the TML Annual Conference in Kingsport. McTizic will continue to serve on the board as Immediate Past President.

The Tennessee Municipal League (TML) elected its 2026-2027 board of directors during its general business meeting recently held in conjunction with the TML Annual Conference and Expo in Kingsport. 

Swearing in.
From left to right: TML President Julian McTizic, Gallatin Councilman Steven Carter standing in for Finance Director Rachel Nichols, Nolensville Vice Mayor Jessica Salamida, Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney, Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery, Bartlett Alderman Kevin Quinn, and Millington Alderwoman Bethany Huffman. 

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was elected president. As president of the League, Mayor Brooks will lead the organization as it advocates for the interests of 345 cities and towns across the state of Tennessee, and the citizens they serve. 

 “For such a time as this, we mayors, city managers, and leaders have gathered to the table. Our steps are ordered,” Brooks said following his swearing in  “Our voices will be heard, and together, I believe some of our greatest days are ahead.” 

Other board positions elected include 1st Vice President Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay, and  2nd Vice President Millington Alderwoman Bethany Huffman. TML vice presidents are traditionally in line to ultimately serve as president.  

Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic will remain on the board as immediate past president.  

The four at-large directors were nominated by a nominating committee composed of municipal officials statewide. They were then elected for a one-year term by a majority vote from members in attendance at the business meeting. 
Those directors are Humboldt Mayor Arthur Boykin, Jackson Councilman Johnny Dodd, Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery, and Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey.

The eight district directors, representing their section of the state, were nominated and elected during district caucuses. They are District 1: Michael Baker, Erwin Alderman; District 2: Gary Chesney, Morristown Mayor; District 3: Stefanie Dalton, Red Bank Mayor; District 4: Jerry Lowery, Sparta Mayor; District 5: Rachel Nichols, Gallatin Finance Director; District 6: Jessica Salamida, Nolensville Vice Mayor; District 7: Kim Foster, Paris City Manager; and District 8: Kevin Quinn, Bartlett Alderman.

Affiliate representatives on the board include Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund Chairman and Portland Mayor Mike Callis, Tennessee City Management Association Vice President and Belle Meade City Manager Jennifer Moody, and Public Entity Partners Representative and Fayetteville Mayor Donna Hartman. 

The new members of the 2026-2027 TML Board of Directors will begin their duties on Sept. 1.

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