2026 Candidates for Office
Andy Gilley was named Director of Hendersonville Parks & Recreation in 2018. He gained his Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) in 2026. Throughout his career, he has been committed to enhancing communities through parks, recreation, athletics, and public service while building strong partnerships and investing in the professional growth of others. Under Gilley’s leadership, the City of Hendersonville has seen tremendous success with the addition of facilities, programs, and events, while winning awards along the way.
Prior to entering the parks and recreation profession, Andy served as an award winning teacher at Hendersonville High School for 18 years, while also serving as a state championship-winning baseball and golf coach. He also has extensive experience in the music and entertainment industry, working with artists, promoters, and community organizations to produce concerts, festivals, and special events. These diverse experiences have shaped his collaborative leadership style and passion for serving communities across Tennessee.
As a candidate for TRPA President-Elect, Andy is committed to strengthening professional development opportunities, mentoring future leaders, fostering collaboration among agencies of all sizes, and continuing to advance the parks and recreation profession throughout Tennessee.
My name is Molly Ealy, and I serve with the City of Newport Parks and Recreation. I like to tell people that I'm the department's "Swiss Army knife" I do a little of everything. Whether it's writing grants, managing communications, planning special events, building partnerships, coordinating projects, or simply jumping in wherever I'm needed, I love being part of a team that serves our community.
Before beginning my career in parks and recreation, I spent over a decade in healthcare leadership. That experience strengthened my passion for service, collaboration, and building strong organizations; skills I've been fortunate to carry into this profession. Since joining Newport Parks and Recreation, I've become actively involved with TRPA through professional development, serving on the TRPEF Board of Directors, and having the opportunity to present my first educational session at a TRPA East District Workshop earlier this year.
Parks and recreation has become so much more than a career to me; it's an opportunity to connect people, tell meaningful stories, and make a lasting impact in our communities. As a candidate for TRPA Treasurer, I am committed to serving our members with integrity, transparency, and sound financial stewardship while helping ensure our association continues to grow and thrive. It would be an honor to earn your support.
I serve with the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department and would be honored to serve as Treasurer/Secretary and continue developing my leadership skills through this role. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration (2022) and a Master of Business Administration (2023) from Freed-Hardeman University. I am also pursuing certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. For the past two years, I have been an active member of NRPA and TRPA and have regularly attended conferences and workshops to expand my knowledge. I served on the planning committee for the 2026 TRPA East District Workshop and have experience coordinating programs, managing events, promoting community initiatives through social media, and supporting daily operations through strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and business software.
My passion for parks and recreation began as a child attending Parks and Recreation camps. I later volunteered, served as a summer camp counselor, and now have the privilege of leading many of the same programs and camps that inspired me. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the positive impact parks and recreation professionals have on their communities and have strengthened my commitment to serving others.
2026 TRPA Board of Directors
2026 TRPA Committee Chairs
