People

Jim Thomas has been named the interim leader of the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Public Service (IPS) while 14-member committee conducts a search for permanent leadership. Thomas will take on the role beginning Oct. 1, following the retirement of current director Dr. Herb Byrd III. Thomas...

Ben Baird, former LaFollette chief of police, died May, 25, 2026, at the age of 80. A LaFollette native, Bard joined the police department as a patrol officer in 1973 after graduating from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. He then moved quickly through the ranks, serving as a sergeant...

Nancy Johnson, former assistant fire chief and city clerk for Orlinda, died June 2, 2026, at the age of 67. Johnson served the city for three decades and was married to former Orlinda Fire Chief Dusty Johnson, retiring alongside him from their respective roles three years ago. For many of the 23...

A.J. McKinney has been named the first-ever sports tourism business development manager with the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, which is a division of the city of Gallatin. The new position was created to promote the city as a premier destination for sports tourism, regional tournaments, and...

Jeff Damron has been selected as the city administrator for Tullahoma after having served in the role on an interim basis since March. Prior to being selected as interim city manager, Damron served as the deputy director of Tullahoma Parks and Recreation since June 2022. He also serves as a board...

Brian Ramsey has been named the interim city manager for Bristol, following the departure of City Manager Kelli Bourgeois to move closer to family in Minnesota. Ramsey joined the city in 2022 as director of engineering and was then promoted to his most recent role as director of public works since...

Charles Knapper, the first mayor of Nolensville after the town was reincorporated, died May 29, 2026, at the age of 74. After the referendum that reincorporated the town in 1996, Knapper was elected the first mayor and served from 1996 to 2006. During these formative years, he helped establish the...

Scott Mason has resigned from his position as city manager of Harriman after five years, stating he feels it is time for a change. Mason joined the city in June 2021, having previously served as principal of Midway High School. Mason said he has no future plans, but does expect to stay in the local...

Tim Ellis, longtime Goodlettsville City Manager and TML District 5 Director, has announced his intention to retire after nearly 40 years of service in local government. Ellis will have served as Goodlettsville’s city manager for 15 years at the time of his retirement, which is scheduled for Sept. 30...

Candace Whitt has been selected as the new grant procurement accountant for the town of Farragut. In this role, she’ll ensure that the Town’s grants, contracts, expenditures and financial records meet all legal requirements. Whitt comes to Farragut from Blount County government where she worked as a...

Hailey Russell is the new town recorder for Farragut. A certified municipal clerk, Russell is also in the process of becoming a certified municipal manager. She comes to Farragut from the town of Louisville where she served as an administrative assistant and performed duties similar to those of town...

Leadership changes are coming to Metro Nashville’s Department of Law. 

Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced current director Wallace “Wally” Dietz will retire from his position in July 2026. Tyler Yarbro has been tapped to succeed Dietz as the department’s director. 

Dietz has headed the law department...