Brentwood swears in new commissioners; Nelson Andrews elected mayor, Ray Little vice mayor

The Board of Commissioners of the city of Brentwood swore in newly elected commissioners and chose its leadership at a May 2025 meeting that drew a large public turnout.

At the start of the meeting, the oath of office was administered by Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson to newly seated commissioners. After the swearing-in, commissioners voted to elect Nelson Andrews as mayor and Ray Little as vice mayor. The mayoral ballot was unanimous for Nelson Andrews; all seven votes were cast for him. Ray Little won the vice mayor vote by a clear majority after the commission cast ballots.

The leadership votes came after the commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Susanna McMillan and seconded by Commissioner Ray Little; the minutes were approved with Commissioners Janet Donahue and Commissioner Garris recorded as abstaining.

Mayor Nelson Andrews, who addressed the packed meeting room after his election, described the result as “an incredibly humbling experience” and pledged to “do everything I can to live up to the expectations and the faith that this commission and this community has put in me.” Vice Mayor Ray Little thanked the community and family members who supported him and said he looked forward to serving with the commission.

City Manager Gage announced an administrative appointment: Brian Collins has been named the city’s new fire chief and a badge-pinning ceremony is planned for June 9. No public record of a vote on the appointment was taken during the meeting; the item was presented as an announcement.

On a separate governance matter, the commission considered an outstanding ethics complaint against former Commissioner Mark Gorman alleging violations of several sections of the Brentwood code of ordinances. Commissioner Dunn moved that, because Gorman is no longer a commissioner, further formal action by the commission would be moot and that the matter be disposed of with no further city investigation; Commissioner Janet Donahue seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion to take no further action.

The meeting also included routine consent items that were approved and brief department reports and commissioner remarks. Commissioners used their remarks to thank veterans, highlight upcoming local events and library programs, and emphasize a focus on transparency and community engagement under the new leadership.

Votes at a glance - Election of mayor (Nelson Andrews): unanimous (7–0) in favor; outcome: elected mayor. - Election of vice mayor (Ray Little): majority in favor; outcome: elected vice mayor. - Approval of minutes: motion by Commissioner Susanna McMillan, second by Commissioner Ray Little; outcome: approved (2 abstentions: Janet Donahue, Garris). - Consent agenda (including annual software maintenance and repairs to Engine 51): motion by Commissioner McMillan, second by Commissioner Travis; outcome: approved. - Disposition of ethics complaint regarding former Commissioner Mark Gorman: motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Donahue to take no further action; outcome: approved.

The new mayor said he intends to prioritize transparency, community outreach and consistent financial practices in the months ahead. The commission set its next regular items for later meetings and encouraged public participation in upcoming community events.