No silo-thinkers in Lawrence County government

In our ever-changing world, familiar words often take on new meanings. “Silo,” which we know as a place to store feed, now helps describe a reluctance to share information and resources with others in the same organization or workplace.
The “silo mentality” inhibits teamwork, destroys trust, and stops growth. It can happen anywhere, including government. That’s why it’s important for elected officials and department heads to be part of organizations where we can share information and learn from others facing the same challenges. I’m very proud to work with a group of people who know the importance of reaching outside the comfort of their offices to better serve you.
As 2023-24 President of the Tennessee Registers of Deeds Association, Lawrence County Register of Deeds Terra Dickey hosted the organization’s spring meeting in Lawrenceburg May 19 – 22. Over 50 Registers from across the state attended; spouses, deputies and vendors brought the total attendance up to 90.
Most association conferences are held in larger places, but Terra knows Lawrence County has much to offer even a large group of guests. Conference programs were held at the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center, and visitors were also able to spend time at David Crockett State Park, the Amish community, and the shops of Downtown Lawrenceburg. Venues and accommodations got great reviews and several announced plans to return soon with their families.
Terra served as the 2022-23 President of the Middle Tennessee Register of Deeds Association, and formerly as its secretary. She’s been part of the Middle Tennessee and Tennessee associations for over 20 years, beginning as a Deputy attending with Register of Deeds Teresa Dunkin.
Terra also serves on the COAT (County Officials Association of Tennessee) Executive Board and Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Lawrence County Public Records Commission.
Lawrence County Archives Director Ashley Armstrong is a member of the Society of Tennessee Archivists and the Lawrence County Public Records Commission.
Emergency Medical Service Director Michelle Ayers belongs to the South Central EMS Directors Association.
County Clerk Russ Brewer is a member of the Tennessee Clerk’s Association, County Officials Association of Tennessee, and the Lawrence County Public Records Commission.
Agricultural Extension Director Calvin Bryant is a member of the Tennessee Agricultural Agents & Specialists Association, and the Lawrence County Cattlemen’s Association.
Juvenile Court Magistrate Ashley Dunkin serves on the boards of The Shelter, Inc., Lawrenceburg Housing Authority, and Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth.
Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Director Trea Dunnavant serves as the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Region 5 South Representative and is a Certified Recovery Specialist. Locally, he is on the board of Jubilee Trading Company and is Discipleship Leader at Lawrenceburg’s First Baptist Church.
Clerk & Master Kristy Gang belongs to the Tennessee State Court Clerk’s Association, the Middle Tennessee State Court Clerk’s Association, County Officials Association of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Association of Property Tax Professionals.
General Sessions Judge Mike Harris is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference, the Tennessee Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges, and the Lawrence County Public Records Commission.
Property Assessor Brady Hutton is a member of the Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers and County Officials Association of Tennessee.
Solid Waste Director Gary Wayne Hyde is a member of Tennessee Solid Waste Directors Association, which named him Tennessee Solid Waste Director of the year in 2022. He is also part of the Tennessee Recycling Coalition and serves on the Regional Solid Waste Planning Board.
Circuit Court Clerk Tommy Lee Kidd serves on the board of both the County Officials Association of Tennessee and the Tennessee State Court Clerk’s Association, and is Legislative Chairman for the latter association. Locally, he is president of Abigail’s Plan.
Road Superintendent Ryan Krick is a member of the Tennessee County Highway Officials Association and the Tennessee County Services Association.
Veterans Service Officer Donnie Morris serves on the Governor's Council for Armed Forces, Veterans, and Their Families; is District Commander for American Legion; District Commander for Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Commander for Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFW) Senior Citizens Committee; and is Vice President of the Tennessee County Veterans Service Officer Organization.
Sheriff John Myers serves on the Lawrence County E911 Board and is a member of its Hiring Committee. He is also a member of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association.
Library Director Teresa Newton is a member of the American Library Association, the Tennessee Library Association, and the Lawrence County Public Records Commission.
Trustee Kiley Weathers is a member of the County Officials Association of Tennessee, Tennessee County Trustees Association; and the Middle Tennessee Trustees Association.
Administrator of Elections Tanya White belongs to the Tennessee Association of County Election Officials.
Director of Accounts & Budgets Brandi Williams is a member of the Tennessee Government Finance Officers Association.
As County Executive, I am an ex-officio member of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Board and the Economic Development Board. I am also a member of the Lawrence County Higher Education Commission and the Joint Economic & Community Development Board.
I serve as vice-chairman of the regional Railroad Board, am on the Board and Property Committee of South Central Human Resources Agency, and the Board of South Central Tennessee Development District. I am a member of the Tennessee Association of County Mayors, and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Within that organization I am vice-chair of the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee, which is a subcommittee of the NACo Rural Action Caucus.
This month marks the end of my 12 years as Chairman of the Kids Place board, and I serve on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes board. I am on the international board of Advocates for Africa, a faith-based organization that supports the work of individuals making a difference in their African communities. In my work as a pastor, I am a board member of the Tennessee Ministry Network, and am the former Columbia Sector Presbyter.