White County Executive Q11 Candidate Responses

Over the past several weeks, readers have submitted questions they want answered ahead of the 2026 election—and we’ve taken those directly to your County Executive candidates.

Here is your eleventh question, and answers from those candidates who chose to respond.

What community involvement have you had in the last 5 years?

DENNY WAYNE ROBINSON: Regional & Local Boards and Organizations

Over the past five years, I have maintained active involvement with numerous regional and local boards, representing White County’s interests and strengthening partnerships across the Upper Cumberland region:

· Chairman, Tri-County Railroad Authority

· Chairman, Center Hill Rural Planning Organization

· Chairman, Upper Cumberland Regional Airport

· Chairman, Tennessee Short-line Alliance

· Board Member, Upper Cumberland Development District

· Board Member, Treasurer, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency

· Board Member, Launch TN (appointed by Governor Bill Lee)

· Board Member, White County Anti-Drug Coalition

· Board Member, White County Activity Center

· Board Member, Treasurer, Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

· Regional Vice President, Tennessee Association of County Mayors

· Board Member, Tennessee County Services Association

Economic Development & Business Advocacy

I have been actively involved in economic development initiatives centered on business retention, entrepreneurship, and workforce advancement. My leadership supported:

· The opening of approximately 100 new businesses over an eight-year span, many of which occurred within the last five years

· Expansion of broadband infrastructure, positioning White County as one of Tennessee’s early Gig-capable communities

· Industrial and small-business growth through infrastructure planning and regional partnerships

Tourism, Parks, and Community Promotion

Community involvement also includes leadership in tourism growth and outdoor recreation, with White County being recognized for:

· 11% growth in tourism spending in 2024

· Promotion and planning support for Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park

· Collaboration with local chambers and tourism boards to strengthen quality-of-life initiatives

Public Safety, Health, and Social Services

I played an active role in public safety and social service coordination, including:

· Oversight and distribution of opioid settlement funds to local prevention, recovery, and enforcement organizations

· Support for emergency response coordination and mutual-aid efforts during regional weather emergencies

· Continued involvement with the White County Prevention & Recovery Coalition and related agencies

Financial Stewardship & Community Stability

My community involvement over the past five years also reflects strong emphasis on financial responsibility and oversight, including:

· Achieving a zero-findings state audit for White County

· Addressing long-standing liabilities such as the landfill closure fund deficit

· Maintaining oversight of county finances through transparent reporting and long-term planning

Summary

Over the last five years, my community involvement has centered on:

· Regional leadership and representation

· Economic development and workforce growth

· Tourism and recreation expansion

· Public safety and substance-abuse prevention

· Financial oversight and community stability

These efforts reflect sustained, hands-on involvement beyond day-to-day administration and demonstrate continued engagement across civic, economic, and social sectors of White County.

KYLE GOFF: I’m deeply engaged in serving our community through hands-on involvement. I currently serve as a White County Commissioner for District 7, where I’ve also chaired the Commission and served multiple terms on the Budget Committee.

As CEO of the Sparta–White County YMCA, I’ve had the privilege of leading an organization that has grown significantly but more importantly, one that has expanded its reach to serve. Through that work, our team has led initiatives that directly impact lives across our county. This includes programs like Special Warriors, which serves individuals with disabilities; YCAP, which provides early intervention for at-risk youth; and BAM (Backpack Assistance Ministry), which has delivered thousands of backpacks filled with essential supplies to children in need. Our Y also offers free swim lessons, feeding programs, Shop with a Cop, warming shelters, and outreach efforts that provide resources for those facing hardship. We’ve worked to remove financial barriers through scholarships so that every family, regardless of income, has access to these opportunities.

In addition, I’ve served as a White County Commissioner, including time as Chairman and on the Budget Committee, where I’ve worked to ensure responsible leadership and strong support for our community’s needs.

Beyond these roles, I’ve remained active in organizations such as the Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, anti-drug coalition, suicide prevention coalition, warrior academy, and coaching Special Olympics athletes. These experiences reflect my commitment to investing in people.

PENNY WHALEY: In the last 5 years I have been involved with my local utility district to make sure there is accountability and transparency. There were some issues in past with the utility district that I oversaw by gathering facts and bring them to light in the community as well as working the different organizations and resources to solve them. I also have community involvement with being in the medical field and providing the best care to my patients possible.

JOE HALLUMS: I have been limited to my community involvement in the last 10 years because of my employment outside of White County. This fuels my passion for growing industry and jobs for White County. Nearly one half of working residents commute outside White County to work. However, I have managed to stay involved volunteering and working with our youth through the White County recreation organization. Also, I am very active in my church community activities and local church men’s groups.

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