UCLWDB LEO Spotlight: County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson
Mayor Robinson was born and raised in White County, leaving only briefly to serve in the U.S. Army before returning to begin a 25-year career at Ed Rogers Chevrolet. While traveling across Tennessee and the nation for work, he began to notice patterns—communities building infrastructure ahead of growth, preparing for
opportunities that had not yet arrived. At the same time, White County was losing its three major employers and slipping into “economically distressed”status, the lowest designation in Tennessee. Robinson saw the effects firsthand as friends, neighbors, and coworkers suddenly found themselves without the stability they once relied on.
“It felt like a ripple effect hitting the whole community,” he recalled. “I felt helpless, and I knew I needed to do something.” Encouraged by his wife, Robinson ran for County Commission. He realized he needed a deeper understanding of policy, economics, and long-term planning. He enrolled in Tennessee Tech as an adult student, adding economic development classes in addition to his degree coursework, to prepare himself to be a more capable leader.
When elected to the County Executive office, Robinson placed economic development at the center of his administration. Rather than relying solely on large factories, he pursued a diversified approach that broadened the county’s economic base. While White County has drawn in its share of major investments—including Hörmann’s $80 million capital project and several hundred new jobs—Robinson speaks with equal pride about those employing 25 to 100 people.
“We’ve opened somewhere around 100 new businesses in the last eight years,” he shared. Many are small manufacturers, restaurants, and boutiques. Mayor Robinson points out that these small businesses may not garner media headlines, “but they’re the heartbeat” of local economies. The strategy worked. Today, White County has more jobs, and a larger workforce, than at any point in its history.
Success, however, brought new challenges. Much of the county’s water infrastructure dated back to the 1950s and 60s. Robinson’s administration has invested $5–6 million in upgrades in just a few years, supported by grant funding and significant contributions from local utility districts. Broadband expansion has been another priority.
Through close partnerships, particularly with Ben Lomand, White County became one of the first Gig communities in TN, essential for modern commerce, education, and quality of life. The development of Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park is another major asset expected to strengthen regional tourism. The park will be a centerpiece of the county’s long-term tourism and outdoor recreation strategy. As national inflation strains household budgets, small-town tourism (affordable and family-friendly) offers communities like White County a strategic advantage.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Mayor Robinson commented on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing and the changes that come with those advancements. White County, like many Upper Cumberland communities, once simply needed workers. Today, employers increasingly require specific training. In the next decade, those requirements will grow even more specialized. Robinson sees this shift clearly, noting that factory work isn’t what it was 15 years ago, and it won’t be what it is today, 15 years from now. He, like the UCLWDB, is already realizing the growing need for training programs in mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, and robotics—fields projected to generate high-income careers for the next generation.
He is excited about the county’s growing aerospace potential with the development of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. Plans include attracting commercial flights and potential opportunities for educational institutions like Motlow and TCAT to expand training programs, which represents additional opportunities for the region.
Mayor Robinson’s desire to see residents thriving doesn’t stop at the county line. He is quick to point out the contributions of surrounding counties to workforce advancement and sees that as a key partnership. His hope is clear. In the next 5 to 10 years, “I want a young person graduating high school to have every opportunity they could dream of right here at home, but also the knowledge and skills to go anywhere they want.” Mayor Robinson recognizes that cooperation with the surrounding counties, UCLWDB, and educational partners are vital components in making that hope a reality.
From revitalizing the economy to modernizing infrastructure, from preparing for a technology-driven future to strengthening tourism and regional partnerships, Mayor Denny Wayne Robinson has guided White County through significant progress. His ongoing work continues to focus on providing the people of White County with the chance to succeed, thrive, and feel proud of the community they call home.