Rutherford County panel confirms health-board and judicial appointments, names La Verne representative to power board

The Rutherford County steering committee approved multiple appointments and reappointments during its meeting, confirming two members to the county Board of Health and reappointing judicial commissioners. The committee also appointed Graham Coates as the La Verne representative to the Nashville Electric Power Board.

Chairman Harris announced four vacancies on the Board of Health for four-year terms (current term listed as June 2026) and the committee confirmed Dr. Ronald Wright and LaShawn Dixon to four-year terms after a motion and second. Later, the committee considered reappointments to the judicial commission. One nominee came forward to speak: "So, I am Jay Shipp and I have been here, in this position for almost 18 years," the appointee said, describing his long service and residency in Smyrna. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the reappointments by voice vote. The committee then heard from Graham Coates, who introduced himself as a La Verne alderman and longtime planning-commission member; members moved and approved his appointment as the city’s representative to the Nashville Electric Power Board.

The approvals were taken by motions on the floor and voice votes; the meeting record shows each motion received a second and the committee signaled approval. These appointments will fill local vacancies and give the county representation on external boards and judicial oversight panels.