The Grundy County Republican Party held a reorganization convention and elected the following people to the 2009-11 leadership team:
Chairman – Iva Michelle Russell
Vice Chairman – Scott Pilkington Jr.
Secretary – Jim Waller
Treasurer – Marianne Waller
Vice Treasurer – Alf Adams
Finance Chairman – Matt Pilcher
Precinct Chairman – Chuck Clabber
Publicity Chairman – Jennifer Parmley
Immediate Past Chairman – Ted Smith
District 14 State Executive Committeeman – Betty King
District 14 State Executive Committeeman – Reuben Watkins
The new chairman said, "I am very honored to be serving as county chairman this term, especially with such an accomplished leadership team. Due to the efforts of so many conservatives across the state, we now have an historic opportunity to build our party locally due to the shifting power structure in state politics and the historic presidential vote in Grundy County. With the new majority status in the state General Assembly, we were able to elect three Republican Constitutional Officers as well as receive a majority status on all 95 Election Commissions.
"I am confident that our people will lead the way in preserving and expanding gun rights, pro-small business legislation and shedding the light on back-room deals that have greatly hurt the state of Tennessee and the citizens who pay the price.
"As a conservative Republican, I strongly believe in the philosophies’ of Ronald Reagan: Less government, less taxes and personal responsibility…especially fiscal responsibility. In a down economy, it is more important than ever to find qualified candidates who understand how to run budgets and to make every dollar count. We will also be looking for candidates that understand the need to educate our children for the jobs of the future and to give them every opportunity to succeed in life. We have many challenges ahead in our county, including infrastructure and job creation, I am confident that we will find candidates with the heart and soul to come up with solutions and to work in a non-partisan way with everyone in our community. I respect every individual and their right to choose a party that fits their belief structure.
"Our job will be to educate and motivate Grundy County voters to get involved in the process, and if we do our job right, vote for our candidates because they are the most qualified to represent the needs of our people.
"As always, I will rely heavily on our people with military and first responder backgrounds. They understand honor codes, work ethic and a team approach to any situation. I am very thankful that my new leadership team has several members that fit this description and I look forward to finding candidates with the same convictions.
"In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Immediate Past President Ted Smith for his unwavering vision and belief structure. Great leaders learn from the mistakes and successes of the past in order to build and shape a brighter future. They must also have conviction of purpose. Ted Smith is one of those leaders. In the words of Winston Churchill 'Never, never, never give up.' Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to serving you."