From the field to the forefront

Few journeys are as transformative as moving from the sidelines to the center of a community’s future. For Randall Hutto, Mayor of Wilson County, Tennessee, a career that began on the high school sports field and in the classroom has evolved into a lifelong commitment to public service and community building.

Before entering politics, Hutto spent 18 years as a teacher and coach at Lebanon High School in Wilson County, where he nurtured young talent on the football and basketball courts.

“I really enjoyed my days of coaching, but felt at the time a little underappreciated,” he recalls. “As I look back, I realize I was appreciated and that it was what it took to move me forward.”

That sense of being ready for a bigger challenge eventually led him to work for the Lebanon Special School District in 2003, where managing budgets and guiding adults prepared him for county leadership.

His extensive experience in education and his deep connection to the community have shaped his approach to governance and public service. In 2010, an unexpected invitation to become Mayor of Wilson County propelled him into politics.

“I had never been involved in politics before, but I realized that both of those places were battlegrounds for me, building blocks for what I do today,” he explains.

An emphasis on education

Since taking office, Mayor Hutto has overseen a period of unprecedented growth.

“Our population has leapt from 114,000 to 163,000 in 2023,” he notes, a change fueled by Wilson County’s appeal as a gateway to Nashville without the inner-city congestion.

For many families, the draw is clear.

“People come here primarily because of our excellent educational system,” he says.

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Under his leadership, the county has built 12 schools in the past 12 years. But beyond education, Hutto has worked tirelessly to bolster public safety.

“We are probably one of four counties in Tennessee that have 24/7 rural ambulance and fire services,” he explains, emphasizing that his administration’s commitment to emergency services means even rural residents get quick responses.

When increasing the county’s capacity became necessary, he says, “We’ve doubled the size of the jail, and we just passed a resolution to build a US$84 million multilevel court system, putting all the courts under one roof.”

Building community

At the heart of Hutto’s success lies a commitment to unity.

“I take my coaching background and use it to get everyone on the same playing field,” he says.

This philosophy has been instrumental in building a collaborative environment among commissioners, department heads and elected officials.

Through initiatives like the ‘Looking into the Future’ series – public meetings that bring together local officials, utility providers and economic developers – Hutto has fostered an open dialogue on infrastructure, public safety and community growth.

“Being able to work with the other mayors and councilmen – rolling up our sleeves together instead of being territorial – has been a large portion of our success,” he reflects.

This spirit of collaboration extends to the private sector as well.

“We actively engage with local chambers and the Joint Economic Development Organization to help local businesses thrive,” he explains, underlining that these partnerships are critical to sustaining the county’s economic momentum.

Future growth

Looking forward, Hutto is keenly aware that growth brings both opportunity and challenge. He sees a strategic path centered on attracting high-quality jobs, advancing transportation options and expanding broadband access – all vital in order to keep pace with rapid development.

“We have a commuter rail, WeGo Star, that makes 12 trips a day to Nashville,” he says. “We’re studying ways to expand this service, and we’re working with local utilities to extend high-speed broadband across the county.”

Partnerships are essential for such a goal, with the county working with local providers where possible, like the Tennessee-based DTC Communications.

The ultimate goal is a community where economic progress and quality of life go hand in hand.

“We want to create high-paying jobs and reduce commute times so that families can have more time at home,” he says.

In his view, every decision, whether building a new school or enhancing emergency services, reinforces his vision for a thriving, united Wilson County.

For Hutto, leadership is about building a community that people are proud to call home, much more than simply managing budgets and infrastructure.

“Our success isn’t just about numbers,” he emphasizes. “It’s about the positive impact we have on our employees, our residents and the sense of pride that comes from knowing you’re part of something bigger.”

His approach is a blend of humility and resolve – a belief that by working together, Wilson County can continue to be “the place to be.”

As growth continues to reshape the county, Hutto’s mission remains: to guide Wilson County with a coach’s heart, an educator’s insight and a leader’s determination. His story is one of resilience, unity and a deep commitment to the future – a future that, as he sees it, belongs to us all.