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MEET THE CAMPAIGN TEAM
Putnam County Trustee Candidate
Kelley McNeal
I have spent my entire career as a public servant. I have always been very involved in my church and helping my community. I want to take the next step serving Putnam County as your Trustee.
Campaign Manager
Amanda Howard
Amanda has helped with numerous successful state and local campaigns. She is an attorney that owns her own law firm and title company. Most recently she served as the Vice-Chair of the PCRP. With her years of campaign experience, Amanda is excited to support Kelley McNeal, who is a true public servant with the experience needed to be the next Putnam County Trustee.
Campaign Treasurer
Darren Wilson
Darren Wilson serves as the Treasurer for Kelley McNeal’s campaign for Putnam County Trustee, bringing a solid background in business, real estate, and financial management. As a small business owner and licensed broker/Realtor, Darren has extensive experience in budgeting, compliance, and overseeing complex transactions—skills that translate directly into his role managing campaign finances. He previously served on the Putnam County Republican Committee, further reflecting his long-standing dedication to conservative values and local involvement. A trusted professional in the Putnam County community, Darren is committed to ensuring that all campaign funds are handled with transparency, accuracy, and integrity. His attention to detail and passion for responsible leadership make him a valuable part of the team supporting Kelley McNeal for Putnam County Trustee.
Campaign Marketing Director
Elizabeth Webb
Having known Kelley and Harvey McNeal for nearly a decade, Elizabeth first connected with them during her time as Chairman of the College Republicans at Tennessee Tech. Their support was instrumental in strengthening the organization and expanding her network of political contacts across Tennessee. Elizabeth also served two years with the Tennessee College Republicans as both Treasurer and Secretary, gaining valuable experience in grassroots organizing and campaign operations. Now the owner of a marketing business, she brings the creative strategy and communications expertise needed to lead campaign messaging and outreach. Elizabeth proudly supports Kelley, a woman of integrity and generosity, whose commitment to service will be a true asset to the people of Putnam County.
MEET THE TEAM MEMBERS
Team Member
Harvey McNeal
A longtime resident of the Upper Cumberland, Harvey studied Political Science at Tennessee Tech and has a diverse professional background including work with 94.7 FM as a DJ, Sunbeam-Oster, TRW, and the State of Tennessee Department of Forestry. Deeply involved in local politics, Harvey served as Chairman of the Putnam County Republican Party for two years and has played key roles in multiple congressional and senatorial campaigns. With decades of grassroots and leadership experience, he brings valuable insight and strategy to the campaign. Most importantly, Harvey proudly supports Kelley not only as a team member—but as her husband—because he knows firsthand her commitment to integrity, community service, and fiscal responsibility.
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Team Member
Luke Thornton
Luke Thornton is the owner of Thornton’s Lawncare and a proud supporter of local small businesses here in Putnam County. A Cookeville native, Luke graduated from Cookeville High School and earned his degree in business from Tennessee Tech University.
A strong conservative and active member of Caney Fork Baptist Church, Luke is deeply rooted in his faith, family, and community. He and his wife Courtney—a dedicated local teacher—live in Cookeville with their two sons.
“I’ve known Kelley and her family for many years. She’s honest, hardworking, and exactly the kind of person we need as our next Trustee. My family and I are proud to support her.”
Team Member
Renee Wilson
Team Member
Stacey Baxter
Stacey brings over a decade of leadership and community involvement to the team through her work with local nonprofits, civic organizations, and the Putnam County Republican Party. As the Campus Director of the Highlands Training Center, she is deeply committed to empowering others and fostering meaningful connections across the community. Stacey previously worked alongside Kelley during her time at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, where she saw firsthand Kelley’s integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service. She is proud to support Kelley’s campaign and is leading efforts to engage young voters, organize student outreach, and build grassroots momentum throughout Putnam County.
Team Member
Dwight Henry
Dwight has served as Mayor of Cookeville, in addition to two additional terms on the Cookeville Council. He served Putnam County in the legislature as state representative from 1988 to 1990. Dwight Henry won 90 of 95 counties in Tennessee’s primary race for governor in 1990 thus becoming our state’s republican nominee. He has served for some 11 years as a Hospice Chaplain currently associated with Gentiva Hospice. Dwight and his wife Cathy reside in Cookeville. He serves a Pastor of Bethel Baptist church in Spring City. Kelley McNeal’s integrity and uncommon worked ethic coupled with over 20 years of service as an auditor and 7 years experience with County Technical Advisory Service as a trainer of County publicly elected officials, including Trustees, make her unusually well qualified for this position.
Team Member
Amanda Gallop
Amanda is a financial professional, small business owner, and community advocate with nearly two decades of experience in accounting, budgeting, and strategic planning. Born and raised in rural Tennessee, Amanda is passionate about financial literacy and empowering families to build stability and generational wealth. She’s served both private businesses and nonprofits with the same dedication: creating order, building trust, and helping others thrive. As a longtime friend and supporter of Kelley, Amanda is proud to stand behind a candidate who leads with integrity, humility, and heart.
Team Member
Stephanie Jones
Stephanie is retired from Cookeville Regional Medical Center and previously served as City Clerk and Finance Director for the City of Cookeville. She also worked for the State of Tennessee, where she and Kelley were coworkers. A proud graduate of Monterey High School and Tennessee Tech University, Stephanie brings decades of public service and financial experience to the team. Stephanie and her husband Jeff live in Putnam County and enjoy spending time with their two daughters and three grandchildren.
“I’ve known Kelley for many years as both a friend and a coworker. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to serve as Trustee. She’s hardworking, honest, and truly committed to the people of Putnam County. I’m honored to support her and be part of this campaign.”
Team Member
Ginny Tayes
Ginny is native of Putnam County. She was raised in Cookeville, and is a proud graduate of Monterey High School. She has always had a passion for helping the sick, especially those in our area. She has been in the medical field for 30 years, the later portion as an oncology RN. She is employed by Tennessee Oncology. She is currently pursuing her nurse practitioner degree to further serve the people of the Upper Cumberland.
​“I have known Kelley personally my entire adult life. I cannot think of a more responsible, qualified person for the job of trustee. She has the same passion to serve our county and will do so with excellence.”
Team Member
Marcia Riddle
Marcia was born and raised in Cookeville and graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1993 with a degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. She spent 25 years at Pacesetters, Inc., supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and now works at the Upper Cumberland Development District in the Relative Caregiver Program and Emergency Repair Program. She also serves part-time at the Putnam County Family YMCA. Marcia has two children who both live and work locally—one as an engineer and the other as a teacher in the Putnam County school system.
​Having known Kelley for eight years, Marcia describes her as trustworthy, honest, and committed to serving others with integrity. She proudly supports Kelley and believes she will be a responsible steward of the county’s funds and a true asset to the people of Putnam County.
Team Member
Bobby Lane
Bobby is a life-long resident of Putnam County, living in Algood. He graduated from high school in 1978 and then earned B.S. and MBA degrees in Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University. He began a career in Information Technology with TRW Automotive in its Cookeville location, and since 1995 has worked in IT management with global responsibilities. Bobby is a past chairman of the Putnam County Republican Party and has been involved in many campaigns. He is currently serving as a church elder at the Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ. His three children reside in Putnam County, and his grandchildren attend Putnam County schools.
“In my lifetime, I have seen tremendous change in our county. Our county government is a big operation, and we need qualified, professional officials to lead us into the coming years. I have known Kelley McNeal for over 30 years and I am excited she is willing to serve our county in this very important role. She will do a great job. A strong work ethic, experience, and integrity make her an ideal candidate for Trustee.”