Brittany Among 7 Candidates for Rhea County Executive Office

July 4, 2022

Spring City, TN -- Brittany Fisher Dean is one of seven candidates running for Rhea County Executive. Election day is approaching on August 4th. Early voting begins on July 15 and runs through July 30. Brittany was raised on a farm in Spring City and she lives there with her husband and two children. Brittany graduated from Rhea County High School in 1998 and also graduated from Roane State Community College and Tennessee Technology Center in Crossville, Tennessee. She has served Rhea County as a Licensed Nurse for 23 years with Rhea Medical Center. In 2009 She accepted an administration position with CHI Memorial in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Brittany had this to say about her opportunity to serve Rhea County as Rhea County Executive,

"I continue to live on the farm where I was raised in Spring City with my husband and two children, where I was taught the value of hard work and commitment to my community. I am a member of Wolf Creek Baptist Church. I graduated from Rhea County High School in 1998, and I am a graduate of Tennessee Technology Center in Crossville and Roane State Community College."

"I have served the citizens of Rhea County for 23 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse for Rhea Medical Center, and in 2009 I accepted an administration position with CHI Memorial in Chattanooga, TN. During my time at Memorial, I have designed and implemented a computer processing system that revolutionized admissions to the hospital. This computer process was implemented at all local CHI Memorial facilities and then ultimately initiated in other Catholic Health System Hospitals across the nation."

"I currently hold a corporate position with the 2nd largest non-profit healthcare system in the country. I have traveled to multiple hospitals across the country to implement new technology and provide resources to improve processes and project management. I am Lean Six Sigma Certified and also a dual certified, Level II, Epic IT Software Engineer. I also continue to serve the citizens of this great county as an active Paramedic with Rhea EMS where I have been employed as a PRN Paramedic for the past 13 years."

"In the community, I have served as the treasure for the Spring City Chamber of Commerce and have been an active volunteer for the Rhea County Fair since its inception in 2007. I currently serve as the secretary on the Local Board of Directors and have served as the East Tennessee Director and committee chairman at the state level with The Tennessee Associations of Fairs, a division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. I am a CPR Instructor Trainer employed with Rhea Medical Center where I assist in CPR training for our local industry, churches, and citizens in our community."

"I believe that my experience, work ethic, leadership, and commitment to serve the community make me an excellent candidate for the Rhea County Executive and respectfully and humbly ask for your vote and support."

Brittany took time to answer a few questions.

 Why are you interested in being Rhea County Executive?

"I am just a hometown girl that loves this community. I was raised in this community and taught not only to have morals and values, but how to demonstrate those in my everyday life. In uncertain times, you need a certain person. I am certain that hard work and sacrifice is the key to success. I will work just as hard for our future as I have in my career to get where I am today. I am certain that a servant leader is what this county needs. I was born and raised with a servant’s heart. I am more than ready to serve each and every one of you. I am certain that team work makes the dream work. I am a team player, and I believe that we should all be working together for the greater good of our community. I am certain that core values are the fundamental foundation for the success of any organization. The way an organization conducts business is greatly impacted by the values and commitments of its individual leaders."

"I am committed to our sustainability. I am committed to our innovation and excellence. I am committed to building strong communities and empowering all of our citizens. Finally, I am certain of my commitment to Rhea County."

What has been the prevailing question, you have been asked by voters about Rhea County Executive during your campaign?

"The prevailing question is not a question, but an experience in listening to concerns with the intent of gaining knowledge and a clearer understanding of what is important in the eyes of my community and its citizens. It is collaboration and problem solving through the lens of listening and learning."

What are the main duties of the Rhea County Executive?

"If you were to take a peek in the county technical assistance service manual, it would not take long for anyone to realize that there is no clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of the county executive. Defining these roles should be a top priority. Without clearly defined roles it is nearly impossible for us to hold our elected officials accountable for the job they have been elected to perform. Generally speaking, Rhea County has adopted what is called the strong executive format. In layman’s terms, that means the primary role of the county executive is to provide leadership and oversee the day-to-day operations of the county. She is responsible for overseeing and appointing the department heads of some of the counties internal departments. She serves as the leader and non-voting member on the county’s elected legislative body. She has the power to veto some of the decisions made by the legislative body; however, the veto can be overruled by a majority vote. She is responsible for the overall safety of the citizens and oversees some of the county public safety sectors. The county executive will be involved in plans for developing infrastructure and other projects that will lead economic growth and bolster the county’s revenue. Most importantly she serves as the liaison between our citizens and the local, state, and federal government."

How many hours a week do you feel the job will require?

"While many job requirements are defined by a certain amount of time, the responsibility of a job well done is defined by ethics, integrity, and performance in seeing a commitment fulfilled."

What is the one top priority that you think needs to be addressed by you when elected?

"My top priority is uniting the county through transparency and trust."

 If you could change the structure of the county executive office, what would you add or take away?

"The objective is not restructuring the office, but utilizing the responsibility of the position as a new perspective in improving our shortcomings, strengthening our resolve, and uniting our county to expect more from our leaders."

What are the biggest challenges that you think Rhea County will face in the upcoming year?

"While there will be challenges, we should be reminded to take one day at a time."

Describe your time on the campaign trail so far?

"For me, the campaign is about building relationships, engaging in my community, listening to others, and humbling myself as a servant leader."