People

Jerry DeBerry has been selected as the new chief of the Kingsport Fire Department, taking over from Scott Boyd who retired on April 28 after 36 years with the department. DeBerry brings with him more than two decades of experience and leadership in fire service, having served with the Atlanta Fire...

Kelly McKinley has joined the Tennessee Municipal League as the new assistant director of communications and digital communications specialist. 

Originally from South Georgia and a longtime Gallatin resident, McKinley brings a strong background in digital strategy, public affairs, and nonprofit...

George Killebrew, former mayor of Milan, died April 6, 2025, after a brief illness. Killebrew served as mayor of Milan from 1998 to 2007. A native of Milan, Killebrew became the first mayor of the city to serve a four-year term instead of a two year-term when he was re-elected in 1990. During his...

Shanon Irwin, chief of the Centerville Police Department, died March 19, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic and liver cancer at the age of 50. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, Irwin spent 27 years with the Centerville Police Department. He had served as chief of CPD...

April Sanford has been selected as the new finance director for the city of Springfield. Sanford brings years of experience in financial management and a strong commitment to transparency and community growth. In her new role, she’ll be overseeing the city’s financial operations and working to...

Carolyn Durham has been selected as the new community development director for Springfield. Durham has more than a decade of experience in land development planning in the private sector with an extensive background in the land development process in all its phases. She earned her bachelor's degree...

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...

Patrick Smith has been appointed to fill the municipal judge vacancy in Ashland City following the death of longtime city Judge Bill Stinnett Jr, who died in January. Smith is an Ashland City native who holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and the Nashville School of Law. He is the...

Mayor Fraser joined LaGraize on his meal deliveries as part of the town’s involvement with the March for Meals program, which is administered locally through MIFA. The initiative provides more than 700,000 meals annually to 4,000 older adults across Memphis and Shelby County and is a nationwide...

Major Todd Christian has been appointed the assistant police chief of the Dickson Police Department by Chief Seth Lyles . A 24-year law enforcement veteran, Christian takes over the position from Lyles who took over as chief following the retirement of Chief Jeff Lewis. Christian has been with the...