Commission bids six members farewell

August 26, 2026 by Ben Pounds

Several commissioners had their last Anderson County Commission meeting on Aug. 17 and received praise for their service. 

In the last election, Anthony Allen lost to Aaron Wells and Ebony Capshaw for District Six.

Republican Jawrell Cook and Democrat Elizabeth “Liz” Henry defeated incumbent independent Phil Yager in District 8.

Democrats Sharon Bourgeois Capshaw and incumbent Steve Verran defeated incumbent Republican Sabra Beauchamp in District 7.

Joshua Anderson chose not to run for County Commission this year in District 3, but ran unsuccessfuly for county mayor. Republicans Shelley Vandagriff and Shannon Gray taking the District 3 seats.  

Resolutions approved unanimously honored Allen, Yager, Beauchamp, Smallridge, Anderson and White, with some of them sharing thoughts. 

“This is the last time that we will be together with one common purpose, and that is to serve Anderson County,” said Chairwoman Denise Palmer who will stay in September, to her fellow commissioners, some of whom will leave. She thanked the departing commissioners for their service. “We’ve spent four years working together. We’ve accomplished a lot. We have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for, but it’s time to say goodbye to some and welcome to others.”   

White 

Many of White’s family members were on hand to wish him well for the next chapter of his life. 

Robert McKamey, read the resolution honoring White.  

“Yes, we have ran together and served together since 2006,” said McKamey, adding White was there before that and performed better than him in the races in which they ran. “The thing about it is he beat me every time. And he even recruited an individual to run in his place this coming election and he beat me.” 

The resolution stated he began in 2002 and had missed only one scheduled meeting during that time. He served on multiple committees, including 24 years on the Board of Zoning Appeals. 

White said his favorite accomplishment was missing only one meeting.

“We’ve made some good decisions as a commission and we’ve made some bad decisions, and we’ve made some tough decisions,” he said. “But we’ve tried to lead the county the best we could.” He said he planned to focus on his family and his job.

Anderson 

Commissioner Shelly Vandagriff read Anderson’s resolution, thanking Anderson as one of her greatest supporters. She also said she hoped he would continue to help share information with citizens as he had before and his replacement, Gray would help.  

Anderson was first elected in 2018. He served as chairman from September 2020 through August 2023. He also chaired the audit committee and Anderson County Conservation Board and served on many other boards and committees. His time on the Library Board led to the Tennessee Library Association honoring him as Library Trustee of the year.  

Anderson reminisced about being a senior in high school when White was on the Board of Education in 2002 and how White inspired his career. 

He advocated for funding for after school programs to White, a request he and other Board of Education members granted. 

“You were part of the scene that got the wheels turning in me when I was there and thought ‘hey, maybe I want to run for local office someday.’” He said everyone should either run or work on a political campaign. 

“It really teaches you a lot and it’s eye opening,” Anderson said. “But as Kenny Rogers said, you got to know when to fold them too. So, I’m going home.” 

He told The Courier News he wanted to focus on his children who were about to start middle school rather than running again for any position.

He said he was most proud of keeping the county running through COVID-19 pandemic using virtual meetings. He said he was also proud of his time with the Library Board and answering constituent phone calls.

Smallridge 

Yager read comments honoring Smallridge as his wife Carol joined him. 

“Without Carol Smallridge there is no Bob Smallridge,” Yager said. 

Smallridge was on Commission for nine years, although he had served in other roles including as superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools.  

“He was the reason that I decided to throw my hat in the ring for County Commission,” Smallridge said of Yager. “He lied to me and told me there was only one meeting a month,” Smallridge added, referring to the additional meetings for committees that Anderson County Commissioners attend.  

“I have enjoyed my time on County Commission, and I hope in some small way, and I’m sure it was a very small way that I hope I’ve made some contribution along the way.” 

He praised and thanked County Commission and county staff.  

Commissioner Ebony Capshaw posed with Smallridge, explaining that he was superintendent when she was in school.  

Allen 

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank read the resolution honoring Commissioner Anthony Allen. 

Frank said she met Anthony Allen at Choices Resource Center during its early days. Allen joined County Commission in August of 2022. 

The resolution honored Allen’s work not just on committees and boards but also his community service work as a computer science tutor and provider of scholarships to graduating students in the county. 

Capshaw also wanted to pose for a picture with him as she was one of the students to whom he gave a scholarship while she was in high school.  

“I am reminded of a verse Genesis 4:9,” Allen said. “It is a question that has always been asked, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ And I have always answered that question yes. As a commissioner it was always important to me that I keep my brothers and my sisters safe, that I do the things that would enhance their lives.” 

Allen said he was still trying to decide what to do next but thought taking care of his house and yard were immediate priorities. He also said he wanted to go back to his “first joy,” programming and the scientific community.

Beauchamp 

Commissioner Chad McNabb read the proclamation honoring Sabra Beauchamp. 

“I know this is a hard night for us losing six commissioners, moving on to the next chapter of their lives,” McNabb said, adding he had learned from all of them. McNabb said Beauchamp was like family to him. 

“She’s known as Aunt Sab to my kids and has been an incredible commissioner to the people of District 7 and an absolute watchdog for the taxpayers. She’s got a great legacy,” said McNabb. “I know you’re not going anywhere,” he said, adding though that he was likely to get emotional.  

Beauchamp swore in on Sept. 1, 2022. She has served as parliamentarian for the Commission. The resolution also mentions her work on the Family Justice Center, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, Blankenship Field revitalization and Oak Ridge High School athletics. 

Yager 

“I’ve enjoyed my service serving with all of you guys,” Beauchamp said. “But I get the best for last.” She read the resolution honoring Yager which stated he “advanced to new heights fiscal responsibility for the citizens of Anderson County.”

Yager thanked the county staff including Anderson County Emergency Medical Services Director Nathan Sweet, Financial Director Robert Holbrook, and Human Resources and Risk Management Director Andrew Stone, who he said kept him humble.

“There’s not a day that goes by that he does not give me some kind of an insult,” Yager said to laughter from the audience. “I’ll miss that communication.”

He said he would also miss County Commission but will be seeing them even after his term ends.