TCSA County Awards
As part of TCSA’s commitment to excellence and innovation in public service, the Board of Directors annually recognizes eligible counties and county officials who have exceeded the standard set in their communities. Though they are typically awarded at TCSA’s Annual Awards Banquet during its Fall Conference & Trade Show, nominations for these annual awards are accepted throughout the year.
Robert M. Wormsley ‘Outstanding County Official of the Year’ Award
This prestigious honor recognizes someone whose dedication as a public servant exemplifies the qualities of a leader, such as Director Emeritus Wormsley, who retired from TCSA in 2003 after a lengthy career with the University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the State of Tennessee.
A Campbell County native, Wormsley has served in various roles assisting counties. In all, he has more than 50 years of experience in state and local governments. He now serves as President/CEO of the Local Government Insurance Pool. Its creation in Wormsley’s name is intended to honor his “unmatched compassion and commitment to effective county government.”
| Year Awarded | Name, County Served, and Office Title |
| 2025 | Patty Woodby, Carter County Mayor |
| 2024 | Jeff Headrick, Blount County Highway Superintendent |
| 2023 | Rusty Orick, Campbell County Commissioner |
| 2022 | Kevin Davis, Hardin County Mayor |
| 2021* | Jim Westbrook, Weakley County Commissioner |
| 2021* | Jonas Smelcer, Sevier County Highway Superintendent |
| 2019 | Rogers Anderson, Williamson County Mayor |
| 2018 | Van Boshers, Maury County Highway Superintendent |
| 2017 | Richard Arnold, Obion County Commissioner |
| 2016 | Brent Greer, Henry County Mayor |
| 2015 | Johnny Deakins, Washington County Highway Superintendent |
| 2014 | Ben Clabo, Sevier County Commissioner |
| 2013 | Peggy Bevels, Lincoln County Mayor |
| 2012 | John Woodall, Franklin County Highway Superintendent |
| 2011 | Lettie Kendall, Montgomery County Commissioner |
| 2010 | Larry Waters, Sevier County Mayor |
| 2009 | John Grasham, Marion County Highway Superintendent & Mayor |
| 2008 | Ralph Puckett, Obion County Commissioner |
| 2007 | Jeff Huffman, Tipton County Executive |
| 2006 | Harold Austin, Hamilton County Highway Superintendent |
| 2005 | Allen King, Haywood County Commissioner |
| 2004 | Claude Ramsey, Hamilton County Mayor |
Success Stories Featured Throughout Tennessee
Your county’s success story could be recognized across many media! Along with being recognized at the TCSA Fall Conference banquet in October, your story will be published in the winter 2026 edition of Tennessee Counties magazine, sent to more than 3,500 subscribers across the state, including county officials, state agency partners, and legislative leaders.
Check out last year’s submissions below to gain an idea of what your county can see! Questions? Contact Wes Doyle, Communications Specialist, at wes.doyle@tennessee.edu or (615) 532-3762 for more information.
