Our Spring 2012 edition of Spotlight on a Leader highlights the accomplishments of newly appointed Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Commissioner, Jai Templeton.  Templeton is a 1999 WestStar graduate from McNairy County where he previously served as county mayor. Templeton is also a graduate of Leadership McNairy County and AgStar professional development programs.

In June 2011, Templeton was appointed Deputy Commissioner by Gov. Bill Haslem.  According to the department’s website, his duties include “overseeing day-to-day operations, directing programs and services ranging from food safety, animal and plant health, pesticides and consumer protection to forestry and agricultural development”.

Templeton’s journey to Nashville began as a 6th generation farmer in McNairy County producing grain, cotton, hay, timber and cattle.  From 1995 to 2003, Templeton served as a field representative for former U.S. Representative Ed Bryant He also served as a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Templeton was elected county mayor in June 2006 after serving as a County Commissioner.  While mayor, he led the county to reduce debt, and increase fund balances without raising taxes during the economic downturn. During that time, he served on the UT Martin-McNairy County Center Advisory Board, the West Tennessee Railroad Authority, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority and the Southwest Tennessee Development District Executive Board.

He is a member of the McNairy-Chester County Cattlemen’s Association, the McNairy County Forestry Landowner’s Association, the Tennessee Farm Bureau, the Mid-South Farmer’s Co-Op, and the Stantonville Ruritan Club.

WestStar and West Tennessee are proud of what Jai Templeton has accomplished for the state and region.  Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Julius Johnson compliments Templeton saying,

“Jai is a proven leader who has extensive experience in government and firsthand knowledge of agriculture and rural issues both as a farmer and as former mayor of McNairy County. He brings an invaluable perspective to our department as we seek to build our rural economy and better serve the farm community. Governor Haslam and I are pleased to have him as a part of our team. Jai is a great representative of West Tennessee and the WestStar program and will serve the entire state well as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture.”