The Putnam County School System is pleased to introduce Chris Petty as the newest member representing District 6 on the Putnam County Board of Education. Petty fills the seat previously held by Kerry Ledbetter, who was elected Putnam County Clerk.

A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, with deep family roots in Baxter, Petty spent weekends and holidays in Putnam County throughout his youth. After graduating from high school, he attended Tennessee Tech University before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 crew chief. Following his military service, Petty utilized the GI Bill to earn a degree in Agriculture (Agronomy and Soils) from Tennessee Tech. He later worked as a defense contractor overseas in Afghanistan, and for nearly a decade, he has served as a commercial property appraiser in the Putnam County Property Assessor’s Office.

“I just felt the need to serve,” said Petty on his decision to run for the School Board. “I'm excited, and my goal is to maintain the smooth operation of the school system. I want to support our students and staff and look for any room where we can continue to improve.”

Petty brings both personal commitment and community perspective to the role. He and his wife, Pamela—a retired 20-year Air Force veteran—are proud parents of three children, Eryn, Seth, and Gavin. Seth is a Upperman High School graduate, and Gavin currently attends Upperman Middle School.

Petty expressed appreciation for the support of his family, friends, and District 6 constituents as he steps into his new role. His first official Board of Education meeting takes place this Tuesday evening.

He joins current board members Lynn McHenry (Chair), Dr. Dawn Fry (Co-Chair), Kim Cravens, David McCormick, and Jill Ramsey.