Chad Gilbert elected Cookeville Mayor during a transition meeting Thursday, as the city council seated new members and honored outgoing officials.
“I’d like to thank the citizens putting their trust in me as Mayor along with this new Council to lead our great city,” Gilbert said. “That honor and responsibility are not lightly taken, and as much has been as been accomplished over the last four years, I couldn’t be more excited to start the next chapter of our city story and to contribute to its legacy.”
Council Member Luke Eldridge will again serve as Vice Mayor. Eldridge nominated Gilbert for the mayor’s role, as set forth by Cookeville protocol. The top vote getter in the council race serves as mayor after council ratification.
Incoming council members Cigi England and Kelly Parkison were sworn into office by Judge Gary McKenzie.
“I just want to say it’s an honor to serve the city that I love so much and to follow behind such a great council who’s already made such an impact,” Parkison said.
“I hope that I can serve everyone in the city and serve us well and help support and just make us even better than we already are,” England said.
The meeting marked the final session for outgoing Mayor Laurin Wheaton and Council Member Eric Walker. Both received accomodations for their service to the city.
“All mayors by the end of their term reach a reflection point and wrestle with one question,” Wheaton said. “Did I make a difference? It has been one of my greatest joys to represent the citizens of Cookeville.”
“It is hard to remember everything over the past eight years, but I knew when I first ran for this office that expanding our infrastructure, improving our roads, and continuing to improve our town would be central to what I wanted to accomplish,” Walker said. “I think we can clearly see we checked some of those boxes.”
Gilbert said he intends to maintain the city’s current momentum while remaining accessible to the public.
“Looking ahead, I am committed to leading with humility, accessibility, and support for our citizens,” Gilbert said. “There is no doubt in my mind there’ll be challenges, but I am even more confident that there will be outnumbered by opportunities and I look forward to working alongside this council to make sure we do what is best for Cookeville at every turn.”
