The Town of Farragut is ushering in a fresh leadership structure as they head into the 2026 fiscal year. According to a recent announcement on the town's official website, two notable promotions are underway, signaling strategic shifts aimed at amplifying efficiency across various departments. Michelle Pence, previously wielding the mantle of Human Resources Director, now broadens her scope as the newly minted Director of Administrative Services. Her role extends across a gamut of departments including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Customer Service.
In a statement shared by the Town of Farragut, Pence expressed her enthusiasm by saying, "I’m honored to step into the role of Director of Administrative Services for the Town of Farragut. Passionate about serving our community, I remain dedicated to providing exceptional service to both our staff and community with integrity, adaptability and a friendly approach." Similarly, Chris Sheffield transitions from Operations Manager to Director of Public Services, taking the helm of Community Development, Engineering, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works.
Sheffield's zeal was palpable as he told Town of Farragut, "Our Community Development, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works teams are at the heart of what makes Farragut such a beautiful, close-knit place to live. I’m truly excited–and grateful–for the chance to work alongside and lead such a dedicated and talented group of people." This move intends to streamline departmental reporting lines with the goal of fostering greater efficiency and alignment with the town's strategic vision. Both Pence and Sheffield will now report directly to Town Administrator David Smoak.
Smoak detailed the rationale behind the reshuffle, explaining that both Pence and Chris already play vital roles within the town's administration and have demonstrated their effectiveness as leaders. "This restructuring will facilitate improved efficiency within the departments, help align our strategic goals with our resources, allow for greater adaptability and provide better focus on our customer service initiatives," Smoak described. The FY2026 budget, which includes provisions for the new roles, was not just rubber-stamped but went through extensive scrutiny and discussion. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen formalized it on June 26 after starting the process back in January and running a series of workshops in the following months.
