Celebrating Leadership in Action: Tennessee Development Districts Honor Legislators of the Year in Nashville

This week, Mike Harrison, Executive Director of FTDD, attended the Tennessee Development District Association meeting in Nashville. During the meeting, several local leaders were presented with Legislator of the Year awards to outstanding leaders who have demonstrated exceptional service to their districts and to the State of Tennessee.

Representative Rebecca Alexander

Rebecca Alexander has served Tennessee’s 7th District with integrity, wisdom, and heart since taking office in January 2021. In the Tennessee House of Representatives, she has worked diligently on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Judiciary, and Transportation Committees, as well as Children and Family Affairs and Disaster Relief—focusing on issues that impact our farms, families, infrastructure, and communities in times of need.

She has earned the trust of her colleagues, serving as Majority Caucus Treasurer in the 114th General Assembly and as Chair of the Northeast Tennessee Delegation. She leads not for recognition, but for results.

Her dedication extends far beyond the halls of government. Deeply involved in her church and community, she volunteers locally, supports rural healthcare initiatives, and advocates tirelessly for working families across Washington County. A graduate of Milligan College and East Tennessee State University, where she earned a Master of Education with an emphasis in Storytelling, she brings both knowledge and compassion to her work.

We honor a servant leader who represents her district with strength, faith, and genuine compassion.

Senator Bobby Harshbarger

Since taking office in January 2025 as Senator for Tennessee’s 4th District, Bobby Harshbarger has brought a practical, real-world perspective to the Senate. As a pharmacist, business leader, and man of faith, he understands the challenges facing our families, our healthcare system, and our local economy.

A graduate of East Tennessee State University and Mercer University, he built his career on service and excellence. That experience now guides his legislative work, particularly on the Health and Welfare Committee, where he helps shape policies that directly affect Tennesseans’ lives.

Beyond the Capitol, he is a devoted husband to Erin and proud father of two sons, as well as an active member of the Kingsport community. In every role, he leads with integrity, serves with purpose, and puts people first.

Statewide Legislator of the Year – Representative Gary Hicks

Gary Hicks, who has served in the Tennessee House since December 2015, was selected by all Development Districts across the state as Statewide Legislator of the Year. The honor recognizes his consistent leadership and strong support for initiatives that benefit communities across Tennessee.

A graduate of East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, Rep. Hicks has built his career on service and fiscal stewardship. He and his wife, Laura, are proud parents of two daughters, Madelyn and Caroline, and remain deeply engaged in their community.

In the General Assembly, Rep. Hicks holds several key leadership roles, including Chair of the Council on Pensions and Chair of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. He also serves on multiple committees focused on fiscal oversight and public policy, playing a critical role in shaping responsible state budget and finance decisions.

Before his time in the Legislature, Rep. Hicks served as Hawkins County Commissioner, Budget Chairman, and Commission Pro Tempore, along with active involvement in local party organizations and community development efforts.

His selection as Statewide Legislator of the Year reflects not only his legislative accomplishments, but also his decades-long commitment to responsible governance and service to the people of Tennessee.

We are proud to recognize Representative Alexander, Senator Harshbarger, and Representative Hicks for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Tennessee.