"Good to Great in Tennessee" Panel Discussion featuring Bill Lee, Tim Burchett, and State Representative Jason Zachary

Do you believe Tennessee can lead the nation? Join us on September 11^th for a conversation with Bill Lee, Tim Burchett, and State Representative Jason Zachary. The panel will address the importance of having a united voice, innovative ways to solve our state’s most significant challenges, and how we can partner together to best serve our state and take Tennessee from good to great.

Together, let’s build on Tennessee’s good roots and discuss the next chapter of growth and innovation in our state.

Add your voice to the conversation...

• Submit questions for the panel in advance to: [email protected]
• Tell us one thing you believe would help make Tennessee great. Share Your Idea
• What is your wish for the future of Tennessee? Make a Wish

Meet Our Speakers:

Bill Lee is running for Governor, but he is not a politician. He is a cattle farmer, a businessman, a man of faith, a husband, father and grandfather.

As a seventh-generation Tennessean, Bill Lee’s roots run deep in this state. Bill was born in Middle Tennessee where he still resides today with his wife Maria on his family’s farm. He’s the proud father of four adult children (Jessica, twin sons Jacob and Caleb, and Sarah Kate) and five grandchildren.

After attending Williamson County Schools, Bill went to Auburn University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. When he graduated, he returned home to Franklin to join the family business his grandfather started in 1944. Through hard work, Bill learned what it takes to lead a company, doing what is necessary to help build a business and create jobs. He held several roles at Lee Company before becoming President of the company in 1992. Under Bill’s leadership, the company grew into a comprehensive facilities solutions and home services company.

Life threw some of the most difficult challenges on Bill when his first wife Carol Ann tragically died in a horseback riding accident in 2000. He learned how short life is, how every minute counts, and that only a few things in life truly matter. He took a step back from Lee Company to raise their children.

In Bill’s absence, the company found itself in a very difficult financial position. Determined not to let his grandfather’s company fail, he returned and made tough choices to turn around the business. It was one of the most painful seasons his company ever faced but resulted in a repositioning that put the company on a new course for success.

Now, Lee Company employs more than 1,200 individuals with annual revenues of $215 million. The company has won numerous awards for work culture and business accomplishments, and Bill was named a “Most Admired CEO” in 2015 by the Nashville Business Journal. With his family’s company thriving, Bill stepped back to serve as Chairman of Lee Company in 2016. In 2017, Lee Company was chosen by the Tennessean as the best large company to work for, as chosen by employees.

In addition to his responsibilities as Chairman of Lee Company, Bill is also active in Triple L Ranch, a fourth-generation family farm founded by his grandparents. Triple L Ranch operates a 1,000-acre, 400-head Hereford cattle operation, providing natural beef to farmers markets and farm to table restaurants throughout Middle Tennessee.

With a belief that education can be the gateway to greater opportunities, Bill has served as the 7th Congressional District’s representative to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. He’s also on the Board of Trustees at Belmont University.

Bill has a heart for serving others. Bill is the past president of Tennesseans for Economic Growth, past chairman of YMCA of Middle Tennessee, past president of the Associated Builders and Contractors, and has served on the board of several community organizations including Hope Clinic for Women, Men of Valor Prison Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletics, Operation Andrew and many others.

Bill is a man of faith, and he and Maria are active in Grace Chapel Church and in numerous faith-based ministries, which have taken him all over the world to serve people in need, including Africa, Central America, Haiti, and Iraq.

Tim Burchett is a career fighter, public servant and a Republican candidate for Congress. Tim is running to represent the people of Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District because he is frustrated with Washington politicians who fail to get the job done.

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tim attended Bearden High School before earning his Bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee.

Dedicated to serving his community, Tim has spent much of his adult life serving the people of East Tennessee. First, in the State House of Representatives where he sponsored and supported countless bills cutting taxes, reigning in government spending and protecting the God-given liberties of Tennesseans. Then, in the State Senate, where he solidified his reputation as an effective legislator.

In 2010, Tim was sworn into office as Knox County Mayor. As mayor, he has focused on true conservative leadership by limiting the scope of government. He fought back the biggest property tax increase in county history, cut the county's debt by $50 million, and paid cash to build a new elementary school.

From the capitol in Nashville to the Knox County Mayor's Office, Tim always stands for what is right, no matter the political cost. Tim is a proven leader who gets the job done and puts the best interests of Tennesseans ahead of petty partisanship and personal gain.

His commitment to working hard and his determination to do the right thing came from his parents, Charlie and Joyce Burchett. Charlie and Joyce grew up during the depression, served their country and were both career educators. Tim's father fought under Col. Chesty Puller in the Pacific during World War II. Tim's mother learned to fly an airplane in support of the war effort, an uncommon feat for a woman in the 1940s.

He still lives in Knoxville with his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Isabel, who has given Tim the title of "best crawdad catcher in North America."

Jason Zachary, State Representative for Tennessee's 14th District, is currently serving in his 2^nd term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He won a special election in the summer of 2015 to replace his predecessor. Jason served in the 109^th General Assembly of TN where he was a member of the Transportation full and sub-committee, along with the Business and Utility Committee. Jason was re-elected with 73% of the vote in November of 2016 and currently serves in the 110^th General Assembly as the Vice-Chairman of the Insurance and Banking Committee, while also serving on the Transportation Committee. 

Jason is a 41 year old small business owner of Americomm which was founded 25 years ago by his father. Jason currently serves as President of the company. Jason lives in West Knoxville with his wife Holly and son Tyson. He has served on the boards of the Western Heights Baptist Center and International Sports Consulting, while currently serving on the board of Vital Families. Representative Zachary has been active in youth sports over the last 8 years and is currently the head coach for the Concord Christian School Middle School basketball team. He is also a member of First Baptist Concord in Knoxville where he has served as a Deacon, a member of the Stewardship Committee and Moderator.

Jason is active on social media and may be found at: www.facebook.com/staterepjasonzachary; Twitter: @jasonzacharytn.

Photo Credit: Photo of Bill Lee is from Chattanooga Times Free Press.

 Coffee, light breakfast, and TLC served.