Revisit the officials previously highlighted through Pray Tennessee and learn more about the men and women who help lead Tennessee.
Betsy Henderson represents District 6 on the Knox County Board of Education. Known for her focus on academic achievement, fiscal responsibility, and strong support for teachers, she works to ensure students have access to high‑quality educational opportunities. Henderson emphasizes transparency, parent engagement, and policies that strengthen Knox County Schools while keeping students at the center of decision‑making.
Lauren Morgan serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 5, elected in 2024 as part of a new wave of board leadership. A strong advocate for public education and community engagement, she focuses on supporting teachers, improving student outcomes, and strengthening collaboration between families and schools. Morgan emphasizes transparency, accountability, and student‑centered decision‑making as she works to advance the goals of Knox County Schools.
Katherine Bike serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 4. A longtime advocate for strong public schools, she focuses on supporting teachers, improving academic outcomes, and ensuring families have a voice in district decisions. Blake emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and student‑centered policies as she works with educators, parents, and community partners to strengthen Knox County Schools.
Patricia Fontenot‑Ridley represents District 3 on the Knox County Board of Education, elected in 2024 for a term through 2028. A former teacher with more than 30 years of classroom experience, she is committed to strengthening partnerships between parents and educators and addressing challenges such as socioeconomic barriers and high‑stakes testing. Her focus is on supporting students, protecting teachers, and rebuilding teamwork across the school community.
Anne Templeton represents District 2 on the Knox County Board of Education, elected in 2024 for a term through 2028. A longtime advocate for public education, she previously served as PTA president at Beaumont Magnet School and as Board President of the Shora Foundation, supporting arts education and after‑school programs. With a decade of community leadership in Knoxville and a professional background in marketing and large‑scale event planning, Templeton emphasizes collaboration among families, educators, and administrators to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Rev. Dr. John A. Butler represents District 1 on the Knox County Board of Education, serving since 2022 and running for re‑election in 2026. A longtime education advocate, he has focused on improving academic achievement, strengthening 21st‑century curriculum, and supporting high‑quality staff. During his tenure, Knox County Schools advanced from a “District in Need of Improvement” to an “Advancing” district under state evaluation. Butler continues to champion accessible, high‑quality education for all students in the communities he serves.
Dr. Jon Rysewyk is Superintendent of Knox County Schools, Tennessee’s third‑largest district, serving about 60,000 students across more than 90 schools. A University of Tennessee graduate with a Doctorate from East Tennessee State University, he has over 26 years of experience in education, from teacher and principal to Chief Academic Officer. Since becoming Superintendent in 2022, he has led with a student‑centered approach focused on foundational skills, great educators, career readiness, and success for every student. Under his leadership, the district has seen sustained academic growth and continued progress toward its Every Student Future Ready 2030 Strategic Plan.
Larsen Jay is serving his second term as At‑Large Commissioner (Seat 10) on the Knox County Commission, representing all county residents. First elected in 2018 and re‑elected in 2022, he previously served as Commission Chairman. A University of Tennessee graduate with degrees in Arts and Business Administration, Jay spent nearly 15 years in film and television production, earning multiple Telly Awards and an Emmy. After surviving a near‑fatal accident, he founded Random Acts of Flowers, a national nonprofit delivering recycled flowers to healthcare patients. As Commissioner, he focuses on fiscal responsibility, education, public safety, veterans’ support, and infrastructure, and is currently running for Knox County Mayor.
Andy Fox serves as the 9th District Commissioner on the Knox County Commission, elected to his first term for 2024–2028. Representing South Knoxville, he works to stay accessible and responsive to residents through his office at the City County Building. Fox focuses on supporting county services, addressing community needs, and ensuring constituents have a clear line of communication with their local government.
Amelia Parker is an At‑Large City Council member in Knoxville, currently serving her second term. She represents City Council on the Knoxville Community Media Board and serves on the University of Tennessee College Scholars Board. A Knoxville‑raised community advocate, she holds degrees in race and ethnicity studies, human rights law, and gender and the law. Her career includes work in human rights, legal advocacy, and grassroots organizing, and she previously led Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM).
Adam Thompson is the 8th District Commissioner on the Knox County Commission, serving his first term from 2024–2028. A 6th‑generation Corryton farmer with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee, he is active in community discussions on land use and development. As commissioner, he prioritizes responsible growth, support for education and law enforcement, and maintaining the rural character of the district.
Debbie Helsley is an At‑Large City Council member for Knoxville and currently chairs the Beer Board. A South Knoxville native, she brings decades of experience from her career at Bell South/AT&T and her long leadership tenure with the Communications Workers of America. She has served on the Civil Service Merit Board, United Way Board, and multiple community leadership programs. Elected in 2023, she remains active in neighborhood and community service organizations across Knoxville.
Rhonda Lee serves on the Knox County Commission representing District 7. She is an attorney specializing in criminal defense and serves on several county committees, including Finance, Legislative Affairs, and the Beer Board. A longtime Powell resident and 8th‑generation Tennessean, she has a background in law, real estate, homebuilding, and community service, and remains active in local business associations and volunteer work.
Lynne Fugate is Knoxville’s Vice‑Mayor and an At‑Large City Council member, currently serving her second term. She also represents City Council on the City’s Pension Board and is the CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. With a background in banking and extensive nonprofit and civic leadership, she has been active in education, community development, and regional organizations throughout Knoxville.
Terry Hill serves as the 6th District Commissioner of Knox County, elected to her first term in 2024. A Master of Social Work and longtime clinical social worker with Knox County Schools, she spent 30 years in public service, including six years on the Knox County Board of Education. Hill has also taught at UT Knoxville and Tennessee Wesleyan and served as an expert witness for the U.S. Department of Justice. She remains active in community organizations and is the mother of two daughters and grandmother of three.
Denzel Grant represents District 6 on the Knoxville City Council, elected in 2025. A father, U.S. Army combat veteran, and nonprofit leader, he grew up in Austin Homes and brings lived experience to his work on equity, safety, and opportunity. He founded Turn Up Knox, a community‑based violence‑prevention initiative, and prioritizes homeownership, small disadvantaged businesses, youth development, and fair investment in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Angela Russell is serving her first term as Knox County Commissioner for District 5, representing residents since 2024. A lifelong Knox County native, she focuses on fiscal responsibility, transparent leadership, and community‑minded development. She also supports public safety and constructive approaches to homelessness
Charles Thomas serves as the Knoxville City Council member for District 5, first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023. A Middle Tennessee native and longtime Knoxville attorney, he brings over 30 years of legal experience to public service. His work on council focuses on balancing neighborhood, business, and environmental interests to support sustainable, community‑centered development.
Shane Jackson is the 4th District Commissioner of Knox County, serving his first term from 2024 to 2028. A husband, father, veteran, and community banker, he brings over 20 years of financial experience and a strong understanding of East Tennessee’s housing and economic landscape. His priorities include strengthening public schools, expanding parks and greenways, and planning for sustainable, community‑focused development.