Growing Pains: Exploring The Challenges in a Thriving Sumner County

In this episode of Growing Pains, Deanne DeWitt sits down with Tennessee State Representative and Congressional candidate Johnny Garrett for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of Tennessee.

From his roots in Goodlettsville to his years serving in the Tennessee General Assembly, Johnny reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to governing and the lessons he's learned making difficult decisions...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Administrator of Elections Lori Atchley for an inside look at how elections are actually run and why trust in the process matters. Drawing from more than 15 years of experience overseeing elections in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties, Atchley explains the systems, safeguards, and people working behind the scenes to ensure every vote i...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Hendersonville Alderman Mark Evans and Sumner County Commissioner Shannon Burgdorf for a candid conversation about leadership inside the Republican Party, the challenges of growth in Middle Tennessee, and the future of civic engagement in Sumner County. We also explore how growth is reshaping Sumner County culturally and politically, while emphasizing the importanc...

In this special compilation episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt brings together powerful moments from five previous conversations exploring the future of Sumner County, the challenges of rapid growth, and the importance of civic engagement. Featuring voices from local leadership, education, economic development, and public service, this episode highlights the ideas and conversations shaping one of Tennessee’s fastest...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Schools’ Chief Academic Officer Frankie Skinner for an in-depth conversation about the future of education in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities.

From her years in the classroom to district leadership, Skinner shares the philosophy driving Sumner County Schools and the mission to develop students into capable, service-minded in...

In Part 2 of this special Growing Pains compilation, host Deanne DeWitt continues the “Meet the Candidates” series with another round of conversations featuring individuals running for office in Sumner County’s May elections.

Whether you’re still learning about the candidates or preparing to vote, this episode offers a valuable starting point to hear directly from those on the ballot and better understand wha...

In this special compilation episode of Growing Pains, you’ll hear directly from candidates running for office in Sumner County ahead of the May elections. This episode offers a fast-paced introduction to the individuals stepping forward to lead, serve, and shape the future of the community.

From county commission races to school board positions, each candidate shares why they’re running, what issues matter most to them, ...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett for a wide-ranging conversation on elections, civic responsibility, and what drives the future of communities like Sumner County. From overseeing elections to supporting libraries and businesses across the state, Tre breaks down the full scope of his office and how it impacts Tennesseans every day.

Tre shares a simple but pow...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Jacyn and Jamie Abbott to explore what makes people choose to stay, return, and invest in Sumner County. From multi-generational roots to new families planting themselves here, the conversation centers on what gives a community its identity, and how to protect it while still embracing growth.

The Abbotts share their perspective on why Sumner County continues to attr...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Wade and Liz Evans for an honest conversation about public service, education, and what it means to raise a family in a fast-growing Sumner County. From serving on the school board to working on the front lines as a teacher, the Evans share a unique dual perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local schools and communities.

They tackle complex issues ...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Portland Mayor Mike Callis to unpack the realities of leading a city through growth. From long-term decision-making to the challenges of balancing community expectations, Callis shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to plan for the future while serving the present.

The conversation highlights the critical role of infrastructure and public safety, and why ci...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Diane DeWitt sits down with former Sumner County Planning Director Josh Suddath to go inside the decisions shaping Sumner County and how communities actually plan for growth. From zoning rules and subdivision approvals to long-term comprehensive plans, the conversation explores the often misunderstood process that shapes the future of fast-growing counties like Sumner County.

Josh also discuss...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Chancellor Louis Oliver for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of Chancery Court, the history that shaped it, and what decades of public service reveal about growth and leadership in Sumner County.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Oliver reflects on his time as Hendersonville’s city manager, the explosive population growth from 600 residents ...

Inside Sumner County’s Most Candid Leadership Conversations with Tammy and Jonathan HayesIn this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Tammy and Jonathan Hayes, two longtime servant leaders who have helped shape education and local government in Sumner County. Tammy, a soon-to-retire School Board member, and Jonathan, a former Hendersonville alderman, reflect on decades of service guided by the principle...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Commissioner Mark Harrison for a straightforward conversation about what county government actually does and why it matters. Drawing from his experience in both banking and public service, Harrison explains the core responsibilities of the county commission, including setting the tax rate, approving the budget, and funding schools, public safety, and ...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with former Gallatin Economic Development Agency Director James Fenton to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of major investment and growth in Sumner County. With more than a decade leading economic development, Fenton explains why communities must invest in themselves before companies will invest in them, and how relationships, infrastructure, and steady lead...

This special compilation episode of Growing Pains brings together some of the most meaningful, challenging, and hopeful moments from conversations across Sumner County.

Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, this episode gives you a snippet of just some of the conversations that capturing the heart of what this podcast exists to do: acknowledge that growth is hard, educate with honesty, and contribute positive local media rooted in service and s...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Thomas Dean, the newly appointed District Attorney for Sumner County, for a wide-ranging and illuminating conversation about justice, public safety, and what it really means to “do what’s right” in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities.

Dean breaks down the role of the district attorney in clear, human terms, explaining how prosecuto...

In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Desneige Bourret, founder and CEO of Grace Place Ministry, for one of the most honest and challenging conversations the show has had about growth, housing, and the human cost of policy decisions in Sumner County. Grace Place is a long-term home and life restoration program serving single mothers and children experiencing homelessness, and after more than a decade o...