John GentryJohn Gentry presently serves as the McMinn County Mayor, the position formerly known as the County Executive. The County Mayor is the chief elected local official and is charged with the day-to-day operations of general county government. John Gentry is only McMinn County’s third County Mayor since Tennessee adopted the County Mayor/Board of Commissioners form of government in 1981. Hugh “Doc” Lamb served from 1982 – 1986, and Ronald L. Banks served from 1986 to 2002.
The McMinn County Mayor serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the county legislative body and he or his designated representative serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member of each committee of the county legislative body and of each board, commission or authority of the county government. Except as provided by general law or private act, the county mayor appoints members of county boards, commissions, and department heads, subject to confirmation by the county legislative body. The County Mayor is charged with the care and custody of all county property unless it is placed with another officer.
| The following departments fall under the direction of the McMinn County Mayor | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Litter Control |
| County Parks | Maintenance |
| Economic Development | Planning |
| Engineering | Sanitary Landfill |
| Financial Oversight | Special Projects & Events |
| Juvenile Services | Water Quality |
| Legal | Veterans' Services |
The County Mayor also oversees activities of the County Attorney and serves as the county’s official representative on state and regional agency boards and commissions, such as the SE TN Development District, SE TN Human Resource Agency, Association of Tennessee Valley Governments, SE TN Community Corrections, and SE TN Regional Health Council. The County Mayor is elected by the eligible voters of the county to a term of four years.
John Gentry is a lifelong resident of McMinn County. Mr. Gentry holds a B. A. degree in History from Lee University and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from Regent University. He has earned the designation of Certified Public Administrator by the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service. He was selected as Lee University’s 2005 Alumnus of the Year and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce 2002 Young Man of the Year. Prior to his election Mr. Gentry served as clerk and master of the chancery court.
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