2025-2027 Marion County TN Election Commission

The five person Board of Election Commissioners oversees the operations of the Election Commission office. The bi-partisan board is appointed every odd year on the first Monday in April by the Tennessee State Election Commission with input from the state legislative representatives, and others, of the county. The composition of the board is directed by §2-12-103(a) which states: “Three (3) members shall be members of the majority party and two (2) members shall be members of the minority party” of the TN House of Representatives. The Commission currently holds its regular monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month (rescheduled for holidays when applicable) at 5:30 pm central time. The address is 109 Academy Street, Jasper, TN 37347.

Members of the public wishing to address the Commission are encouraged to arrive early to sign in on the Public Comments sign in.

Russ Hood

Chairman

Republican (Served since 2020)

Rooted deeply in the heart of Marion County, Robert Russell “Russ” Hood brings decades of local dedication to his role as Chairman of the Election Commission. A proud native of this community, Russ’s commitment to the county extends through his business, public service, and unique hobbies—each reflecting his Love for our county’s heritage and vitality.
A staple of the local economy, Russ co-founded and led Russ Hood Insurance, later joining Tower Community Insurance as Principal specializing in personal and commercial insurance. For years, he has guided families and businesses through life’s uncertainties with integrity and expertise. His brokerage isn’t just a business—it’s a pillar of trust in the community, embodying Russ’s belief that sound planning begins with personal connection.
Russ’s community-oriented mindset extends into his family life. His wife, Kim Hood, has dedicated her career to serving Marion County’s children through long-term employment with the county school district. Together, their shared commitment extends beyond their roles—they both do their part to ensure well-being, whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or at the voting booth.
Never one to stand on the sidelines, Russ pursued public office on two separate occasions, motivated by a genuine desire to serve. Though he chose not to continue on the campaign trail, he realized his strengths were best suited to uphold elections—where precision, impartiality, and public trust are required.
In 2025, his dedication was rewarded when the bipartisan Election Commission Board appointed him Chairman . In this leadership role, Russ oversees monthly Commission meetings (third Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.), ensuring absentee and early voting operations run smoothly, polling sites remain accessible, and every citizen’s vote is respected—reflecting the values he has always championed.
Away from the office, Russ has been known to merge his need for order with his need for speed. An avid drag racer, he jokes that he’s always trying to reduce two things: red lights at the commission table… and indeed, his personal best time, under 10 sec. In joking reference, he quips, “I’m chasing a six‑second meeting—not on the drag strip, but around the table!” It’s this blend of humor and precision that defines his leadership style: focused, fast-moving, and always respectful.
Under Russ’s steady guidance, the Election Commission has strengthened its reputation for transparency and efficiency. He champions voter education efforts, encourages open dialogue at public comment sessions, and has overseen enhancements to staff training, polling location accessibility, and crisis-response protocols.
At his core, Russ believes elections are about people, not politics. He treats every voter interaction as a moment to build trust, offering help to first-time registrants and veteran voters alike. Under his chairmanship, Marion County has become a model of civic engagement—where every office, every signature, and every vote counts.

Anita Tipton

Secretary

Democrat (Serving Since 2020)

Anita Y. Tipton brings a rich blend of political leadership, public service, and civic pride to her role on the Marion County Election Commission. With a steadfast commitment to democracy and community, she plays a key part in ensuring transparent, voter-focused election administration.
Anita’s passion for public service led her to seek a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2012, running as a Democratic candidate in District 92. Her candidacy underscored her dedication to representing Marion County at the state level and advocating for the needs of local citizens.
Furthering her political engagement, Anita served as Chairperson of the local Democratic Party, guiding outreach efforts and fostering civic participation across the county. In this capacity, she helped organize candidate forums, voter registration drives, and community education programs—leaving a lasting impact on the local political landscape.
Anita’s pride in her child shines through in everything she does. She is a devoted mother, drawing daily inspiration from balancing parenthood, career, and community service. Her personal experience as a parent continues to inform her advocacy—reminding her that strong communities begin with strong families.
Appointed by the bipartisan board, Anita now serves as Secretary of the Marion County Election Commission, helping oversee voter registration, polling logistics, absentee ballots, and election-day operations . In this role, she draws on her political acumen and organizational skills to support fair, accessible elections.
Her work includes overseeing commission minutes and assisting with public comment sessions. Thanks to her background as a community organizer and parent, Anita is particularly adept at ensuring voting processes are welcoming and understandable—particularly for first-time and young voters.
Anita’s story is woven through Marion County’s civic life—first as a candidate advocating for her neighbors, then as a party leader uniting supporters, and now as a dedicated election official ensuring every voice is heard. Her unwavering belief in public service, strong families, and democratic participation makes her a vital asset to the Commission.
Whether it’s registering new voters, coordinating educational outreach, or making sure every ballot is counted, Secretary Tipton approaches her duties with authenticity, professionalism, and heart—holding true to her lifelong devotion to Marion County.

Vanessa Blevins

Commissioner

Republican (Served Since 2020)

With deep roots in community service and a passion for empowering families, Vanessa Kay Blevins brings steadfast dedication and financial savvy to her role as Commissioner on the Marion County Election Commission. Her background spans nearly three decades of leadership in hunger relief, a devotion to her children, a strong faith community, and a commitment to financial literacy initiatives in Marion County.
For over 25 years, Vanessa served with distinction at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, most recently as Chief Financial Officer at the CHATT Foundation, the Food Bank’s philanthropic arm. During her tenure, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, strengthened fiscal stewardship, and fostered partnerships that bring food security and nutrition education to families across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Her strategic leadership has been instrumental in expanding food access and community resilience. Recently, Vanessa has retired her tenure at Chatt Foundation to focus her energy here in her home community.
Vanessa is a devoted mother to her son and daughter, and her love for them is at the heart of all she does. She is also deeply anchored in her church community—an active member who volunteers, teaches, and helps coordinate outreach efforts. Her spiritual life and family experiences give her a compassionate lens through which she views her civic duties, especially when ensuring election services are accessible and fair for all families in Marion County.
Recognizing that financial stability is key to civic participation, Vanessa hosts free financial literacy workshops throughout Marion County. These periodic classes provide practical guidance on budgeting, credit awareness, and navigating personal finances. Her goal is to help county residents—especially young adults and newly arrived families—build secure foundations and feel empowered in both financial and civic life.
In 2020, Vanessa was appointed to the Marion County Election Commission, joining fellow commissioners in managing voter registration, absentee ballots, early voting, and polling operations . As commissioner, she uses her organizational skills and caring approach to make election processes transparent and welcoming. Her familiarity with nonprofit governance and public outreach adds unique insight into planning and implementing voter engagement strategies.
Vanessa often reflects that her work in hunger relief, her financial education efforts, and her community advocacy are interconnected paths of service. “Helping families feed themselves and their children isn’t just about food—it’s about dignity, stability, and participation,” she says. Her approach aligns with her election work: ensuring everyone can participate in democracy with confidence and trust.

Deb Conley

Commissioner

Republican (Served Since 2024)

A lifelong advocate for education and community engagement, Deb Thompson Conley brings passion, experience, and deep local roots to her role as Commissioner for the Marion County Election Commission. Appointed in 2024, Deb continues a legacy of service deeply woven into the fabric of Marion County schools and civic life.
Born and raised in Marion County, Deb’s deep roots drive her work today. She has witnessed the county’s growth and embraced every chapter of its evolving story. When Deb calls herself a “homegrown Marion Countian,” it isn’t just an expression of origin—it’s a reflection of decades worth of local investment, friendships, and community pride.
In 2024, Deb expanded her public service by accepting an appointment to the Marion County Election Commission, where she now helps oversee voter registration, early and absentee voting, polling-site coordination, and election-day operations. Her educational career—rooted in clear communication, patience, and attention to detail—has translated seamlessly into ensuring elections are conducted smoothly, fairly, and transparently.
As Commissioner, Deb is committed to leveraging her educational insight and community connections to:

  • Clarify voting processes and enhance voter education,
  • Support initiatives for first-time and returning voters,
  • Foster an efficient, friendly, and accessible election experience.

She believes every voter—whether long-time resident or new arrival—should feel welcomed, respected, and understood at the ballot box.

Rhkisha Whisnant

Commissioner

Democrat (Served Since 2024)

Ms. Whisnant brings a blend of educational insight, civic dedication, and community experience to her role as Commissioner. Appointed in 2024 by the bipartisan Election Commission Board, Rhkisha is devoted to ensuring every Marion County voter feels represented, informed, and heard.
Long before her appointment to the Commission in late 2024, Rhkisha was a familiar face at election polls across the county, volunteering as a poll worker. In that role, she ensured smooth operations at polling locations—welcoming voters, answering procedural questions, and upholding orderly, accurate vote-counting. Her frontline experience—alongside her grounded knowledge of school governance—shaped her belief that democracy thrives when everyday citizens serve and participate with integrity.
A natural leader, Rhkisha stepped forward as a candidate for local office in recent years and the experience sharpened her understanding of the democratic process—from ballot qualification to campaign outreach. As she notes, “Running for office taught me how important it is that every step—from paperwork to public engagement—works right. That’s why I want to help keep it working for everyone.”
In April 2024, the statewide Tennessee Election Commission appointed Rhkisha to the Marion County Election Commission. As Commissioner, she brings her insight to crucial areas such as:

  • Voter registration: Ensuring new voters—including students and newly arrived residents—receive accurate guidance
  • Absentee and early voting: Overseeing protocols that expand access and accountability
  • Poll-site readiness: Applying her logistical education experience to streamline training and operations

Ms. Whisnant’s experience with healthcare both as a caregiver and administrative oversite offer a profound foundation from which she is able to advocate for the voters, and candidates, of Marion County.

David Riley

Administrator of Elections

David Riley brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement, community journalism, and electoral administration to his role as Administrator of Elections for Marion County.

David began his local civic career in 2016 when he was appointed to the Marion County Election Commission, where he served through August 2024. In this capacity, he contributed to overseeing voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, and election-day logistics—helping to guide the Commission’s nonpartisan mission and foster public confidence in local elections.

Parallel to his public service, David has been deeply involved in local media since 2009. He worked with the South Pittsburg Hustler and Jasper Journal, and continued with their merged publication, the Marion County News, founded on the legacy of both papers. As a reporter and publisher, he covered government meetings, sports, and community events—driven by a sincere interest in local politics and public affairs.

In late 2024, David stepped down from the Commission to lend his campaign and communications expertise to a U.S. Congressional campaign. Following the election, the Marion County Election Commission invited him back—this time to act as the Commission’s day-to-day representative in the office as Administrator of Elections, leveraging his institutional perspective and hands-on election experience. Upon his appointment, David reflected, “It’s exceptionally gratifying to be asked to serve in this role by the Commission, most of whom I served with, and they kind of know the good, bad, and the ugly by now and still found my skillset to be advantageous.”

Since taking office, David has enjoyed serving with the office staff in achievements in the local administration of civic programs—such as youth voter outreach in partnership with South Pittsburg High School, which received statewide recognition for voter registration efforts among its student body.

Tina Wirstrom

Deputy Administrator of Elections

 Tina Wirstrom serves as the Deputy Administrator of Elections for Marion County, based in Jasper, Tennessee. Bringing a valuable perspective as someone newer to the community, Tina represents the interests and needs of residents who’ve recently settled in the area. Her insight helps ensure the office remains attentive and accessible to all voters, regardless of how long they’ve called Marion County home.

Before transitioning into elections, Tina built a strong foundation in the dental medical field. She earned her credentials through the Bryan Institute, qualifying as a registered dental assistant and gaining front-office experience. Over several years, she provided patient care and administrative support in dental clinics—learning to manage schedules, communicate clearly with clients, and maintain meticulous records . These skills—organization, attention to detail, and empathy—translate directly into her current role in election administration.

Together with her husband, Drew, Tina co-owns and operates a small local business, demonstrating her commitment to the community’s economic health and small-business environment. Their enterprise not only contributes services to residents but also fosters a mindset of service and accountability—qualities reflected in Tina’s work at the Election Commission.

In her role as Deputy Administrator, Tina assists in overseeing all stages of the electoral process, including:

  • Voter registration and absentee ballot processing

  • Early voting operations and polling-site logistics

  • Staff training and support for election-day duties

  • Public outreach, including educational programs for newcomers and first-time voters

Her administrative background and welcoming approach make her especially effective in supporting those who may feel uncertain about navigating a new county’s election systems.

Debbie Keahey

File Coordinator

For Debbie Keahey, serving the citizens of Marion County isn’t just a job—it’s a calling rooted in generations of tradition, community involvement, and a deep love for her hometown. Born and bred right here in Marion County, Debbie’s family roots run deep in the Sequatchie Valley. With her lineage seeded firmly in the county’s soil, she proudly continues the legacy of hard work, integrity, and community connection that defines so many families in this part of Tennessee.

Before joining the Marion County Election Commission, Debbie spent more than three decades serving the people of Marion County through her work in the local newspaper industry. Her career in journalism spanned over 30 years and 11 different publishers, a testament not only to her versatility but to her unwavering commitment to documenting and celebrating the life of the community. Whether reporting on local government, school events, or high school football on a Friday night, Debbie played a quiet but essential role in keeping Marion Countians informed and connected.

Her newspaper work helped shape the public narrative of Marion County for a generation. She brought a careful eye for detail serving as, among just about every administrative and logistic role you can, one of the primary proofreaders. She possesses sincere love for storytelling, and a natural ability to build trust with people from every walk of life. These are the same qualities she brings to her work at the Election Commission office today—greeting voters with a smile, keeping records accurate, and ensuring every citizen feels welcome and heard.

Outside of the office, Debbie and her husband, Robert Keahey, are widely known and deeply respected for their decades-long commitment to Southern gospel singing. The couple has performed throughout the region, using their talents to uplift and inspire audiences in churches, festivals, and community gatherings across Marion County and beyond. In addition to their musical contributions, Debbie and Robert are beloved for their recurring roles as “Santa and Mrs. Claus” at holiday events across the county. Their appearances bring joy to children and families each year, and their dedication to spreading cheer has made them cherished figures during the Christmas season—an extension of their lifelong pattern of service and generosity to the community.

Debbie brings the same heart and diligence to her work at the Marion County Election Commission. Whether assisting with voter registration, preparing for upcoming elections, or helping first-time voters understand the process, Debbie provides steady, compassionate support to the office and to every resident who walks through the door.

Her deep ties to the area give her a unique understanding of Marion County’s people and values. From long-time residents whose family names go back generations, to new citizens registering to vote for the first time, Debbie treats everyone like a neighbor—because to her, they are.