It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Forge Seat gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brentwood, TN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Francie, thank you so much for the brief visit. It was a pleasure to meet”
“I've been working at Always Best Care Nashville for a few months now, and I”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I can't speak”
“"Best care" was definitely our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. After a family”
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. ”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“Francie, thank you so much for the brief visit. It was a pleasure to meet you and have the opportunity to give you my honest assessment of your company and Lisa in particular. From the moment I met Stacy and outlined our needs until I first met Lisa I felt comfortable and felt positive about your company and the staff. You and your staff are very sincere and compassionate. Lisa is a dream come true. She is gracious and kind and extremely well-trained. You only have to request something once and she remembers. She is thoughtful and precise about her work and helps in any way she can. She is the BEST" at her job should be held as the gold standard. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. We enjoyed them very much. Sincerely, Pam W”
“I've been working at Always Best Care Nashville for a few months now, and I can confidently say it's been a fantastic experience. The supportive and collaborative environment here truly stands out. The team is made up of dedicated professionals who genuinely care about providing the best care for our clients. If you're looking for a caring and professional organization to work for or to seek care services from, I highly recommend Always Best Care Nashville. It’s been a pleasure to be part of such a committed and compassionate team!”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I can't speak highly enough about this amazing organization. The team is incredibly wonderful and compassionate, going above and beyond in every aspect of their work. From the very first interaction, it's clear that they truly care about their caregivers and the community they serve. Their dedication to providing top-notch senior services is evident in the genuine relationships they build and the thoughtful care they deliver.”
“"Best care" was definitely our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. After a family member visiting Nashville was stranded in a hotel room following a fall, we were desperate for help. Friday evening at 7PM isn't a great time to go looking for help, but Stacey jumped in and by 9PM we had the support we needed to get us to the next morning's flight back home. Our nurse Eunice was friendly, communicative, anticipated our needs and made us immediately at ease. Ours wasn't the typical case, but I'm sure the urgency and care Stacey and Eunice showed us IS typical for them!”
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to what I needed and helped me find just the right fit AND has continued support as I navigate all the details!! Fantastic organization!”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the company for 7 years 3 months as a caregiver. I've learned much from each and every client l've served and have found the work to be very gratifying and rewarding. During my time, I have formed lasting bonds with several of my former clients and their loved ones.”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. The office communicates great with the family members involved and they are all very professional I would recommend their services to anyone looking for a great support team for their loved one.”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff are incredible and the caregivers pour their whole hearts into caring for others. We're all very passionate about what we do and take so much pride in that. Love my company and highly recommend for any of your needs rather that be needing care or wanting to become a caregiver”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely phenomenal. Very professional, dependable and caring. The support staff for scheduling and billing are very courteous and easy to do business with.”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care for the assistance and great care provided to my mother following her stroke. After a lengthy stay in a rehabilitation center, mom was very clear that she wanted to go home. The stroke had unfortunately robbed her of her independence, and to go home, we would need round-the-clock care. Always Best Care came into our family at that point and made it possible for mom to be at home for over 20 months. Maintaining continuity of care and finding the right match of caregivers is no east task. There are so many moving parts that go into making that happen day after day, and somehow your team made it look easy. Coordinating staffing around last-minute callouts, illness, incompatible personalities, holidays, family dynamics, etc. These and other challenges did arise, but the important thing is that you reliably found solutions. Through a challenging state in my mother’s life, and for our entire family, your caregiver and office staff provide the support and peace of mind we needed. We’ve been very fortunate along the way to have many wonderful caregivers, and I’ve personally enjoyed getting to know them, I want to emphasize that you have very special people on your team. Thank you for supporting our family and caring for my mother!”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along with my husband to doctor’s appointments. I’ve lost track of how many times, but it’s been frequent. And every one of their caregivers have been outstanding. So wonderful to know you can rely on the people at ABC!”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel so fortunate to be working with them.”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while I had to be away from home. I was a little nervous since we had never used this type of service before. The two ladies who interviewed us and explained the procedure could not have been nicer and more professional. When the caregiver Rhonda arrived, she immediately put us at ease. She was very efficient in making sure she had my husband’s medicine doses correct and in asking questions pertinent to his Parkinson’s. When I returned home, they both seemed to have had a great time looking at my husband’s extensive photography collection and watching westerns on TV. We will most definitely use Always Best Care again!”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like family. When faced with the difficult decisions that come along with caring for a senior, they showed compassion and helped guide us with confidence. My family can not recommend them enough!”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are grateful to have such wonderful families to work with and take care of in addition to great staff like Stacey Leverette. To Whom it May Concern, I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. My experience with them has been great! My father had advanced Parkinson's disease as well as some other physical problems. He finally got to the place he needed some assistance. I contacted Stacey and she came out and met with my dad and myself. She was very knowledgeable and thoroughly answered all the questions and concerns for us. More than anything else, she calmed all the concerns that my father had. In a very short time Stacey had someone on site. We've had days where we needed to change the day or time of service because of appointments, holidays or something else. When that occurs, I simply call Stacey and give her the information and she makes the adjustments in a seamless manner. If you work with her for a little bit, you will see quickly that she is very good at what she does. It has been a very good experience. I recommend Always Best Care. Yours Sincerely, Bill A.”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love having ABC come in our community to be an extra support to our residents. Casie will take good care of you!”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give the best care we possibly can to our clients and families!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Crockett Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mere Bulles Restaurant & Events or visit Owen-Cox House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brentwood, TN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brentwood, TN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brentwood, TN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Springfield’s former city manager, Jason Gage, named as the new city manager in Brentwood, Tennessee.Jason Gage stepped down from his role as Springfield’s city manager in January 2025. At the time, Gage said he felt the time was right to move on.Despite the resignation, he received a compensation package of $316,000.“With a new Council may come shifte...
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Springfield’s former city manager, Jason Gage, named as the new city manager in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Jason Gage stepped down from his role as Springfield’s city manager in January 2025. At the time, Gage said he felt the time was right to move on.
Despite the resignation, he received a compensation package of $316,000.
“With a new Council may come shifted community priorities. Recognizing when it is time to embrace new challenges is often as crucial as celebrating past accomplishments, and I believe that time is now,” he said.
The city of Brentwood named Gage as its new city manager on Friday. He will begin his new role on April 28.
“We are pleased to announce our decision to hire our new City Manager, Jason Gage,” Brentwood Mayor Mark Gorman said. “We believe Jason matches the culture and performance expectations of all stakeholders. Jason understands we are looking for incremental improvement and not structural change. Please join me in welcoming Jason Gage as our new city manager.”
Gage was among five finalists, out of more than 50, applicants for the role in Tennessee. The city of Brentwood says the former city manager retired after more than 24 years.
“I am very excited to be selected as Brentwood’s next manager,” Gage said. “Brentwood is a very special place. It is my privilege to work for this city commission, lead their highly qualified staff team, and serve this incredible community!”
Significant Accomplishments during Jason Gage’s tenure as Springfield’s City Manager:
Collin Quigley has taken over as Springfield’s interim city manager. Quigley was promoted to deputy city manager in 2018.
Quigley has shared that he is not a candidate for the permanent City Manager position but is dedicated to serving the city in the interim. The city council and Executive Search Firm Strategic Governmental Resources (SGR) are conducting a nationwide search.
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BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The City of Brentwood recently named five finalists in its national search for a new city manager, and Brentwood residents are invited to learn more about these candidates during a Meet and Greet event from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the John P. Holt Brentwood Library Friends Gathering Room.On Jan. 31, City Manager Kirk Bednar retired, ending his more than 24-year career in Brentwood. The City Commission hired Government Professional Services (GPS), an executive search firm, to conduct a national searc...
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The City of Brentwood recently named five finalists in its national search for a new city manager, and Brentwood residents are invited to learn more about these candidates during a Meet and Greet event from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the John P. Holt Brentwood Library Friends Gathering Room.
On Jan. 31, City Manager Kirk Bednar retired, ending his more than 24-year career in Brentwood. The City Commission hired Government Professional Services (GPS), an executive search firm, to conduct a national search for Bednar’s replacement. The firm received more than 50 applications from highly qualified candidates, and the City Commission narrowed that pool to five finalists.
Those individuals – Walter Denton, O’Fallon, Illinois; Jason Gage, Springfield, Missouri; Bradley Gotshall, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Doug Lukonen, Maury County, Tennessee; and Andrew Patton, Williamson County, Tennessee – will be available to talk with community members during the Feb. 26 Meet and Greet.
The Candidates
Walter Denton – City Administrator, O’Fallon, Illinois
Walter Denton is the city administrator for O’Fallon, Illinois, a position he’s held since 2002. He previously served as assistant city manager for the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and he is an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he teaches High Performance Local Government concepts to graduate students in public administration.
Denton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He attended the University of Virginia Senior Executive Institute, the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Gettysburg Leadership Institute, and the University of Kansas Leading EDGE Program.
He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and is involved in several professional and service organizations, including serving terms as the president of the Southwestern Illinois City/County Management Association, a board member for the Illinois City/County Management Association, chairman of the Illinois Municipal League City Manager’s Committee, president of the Rotary Club of O’Fallon, and a board member for the United Way of Greater St. Louis-Illinois Division.
Jason Gage – City Manager, Springfield, Missouri
For more than six years, Jason Gage served as the city manager of Springfield, Missouri. He previously worked as the city manager for Salina, Kansas; Stillwater, Oklahoma; and De Soto, Missouri.
A southwest Missouri native, Gage earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri. He is a credentialed member of the ICMA, and he has served on various professional and community boards, including the Kansas Association of City/County Management (past president), the American Red Cross, the United Way (board chair), and the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.
In 2013, he received the Buford M. Watson Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Management from the Kansas Association of City/County Management, the highest honor for a city manager in Kansas.
Bradley Gotshall – Township Manager, Lower Paxton, Pennsylvania
Bradley Gotshall has served as the Lower Paxton Township Manager since 2018. He was previously the borough manager for Millersville, Pennsylvania; Indiana, Pennsylvania; and Red Hill, Pennsylvania.
While in high school, he served his hometown as a two-term elected councilor, library board trustee, and executive board member on a regional community and economic development non-profit. Gotshall attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy and a master’s degree in public administration.
Throughout his career, Gotshall has worked in several levels of local government, including at the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall.
Doug Lukonen – Finance Director, Maury County, Tennessee
Doug Lukonen is the finance director of the Maury County Office of Financial Management, and that office oversees the financial operations for Maury County Government and Maury County Public Schools. He has served in that position since September 2017.
Lukonen attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree and his Master of Accountancy degree. He went on to earn his Certified County Financial Officer designation through the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s Office.
During his career, he has served as Chairman of the Opioid Abatement Committee, a founder of the Middle Tennessee Finance Directors organization, and as a member of the Maury Alliance Chamber of Commerce and Maury County’s Ambulance Committee, Growth Committee, and Rules Committee.
Andrew Patton – Human Resources Director, La Vergne, Tennessee
In 2021, Andrew Patton was named director of Human Resources for the City of La Vergne, Tennessee, which was the only municipality in the state to be named a 2025 “Best Place to Work in Tennessee.” He previously served in various human resources roles with Amazon, and he spent more than 25 years as a music and entertainment industry executive.
Patton received his bachelor's degree from Kent State University and his MBA in Human Resource Management from Fitchburg State University. He has his Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certification, and he is a Certified Municipal Finance Officer.
Patton has continuing education credits from Harvard University and Cornell University, and he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Trevecca Nazarene University in Tennessee and Bethel University in Indiana. He is the founder of the 20-Mile Group, a network that connects municipal leaders across Middle Tennessee.
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All the way from the rolling hills of Salt Lake City, Utah, the trademarked originator of so-called "dirty sodas" is heading to the Nashville area soon.Soda-shop chain Swig will open locations in Brentwood and Spring Hill this year — with the first coming this month — as the company works to become one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the country. Since the original Swig opened in St. George, Utah, in 2010, the company has expanded to 100 stores across 14 states as of the start of 2025. At least 16 ne...
All the way from the rolling hills of Salt Lake City, Utah, the trademarked originator of so-called "dirty sodas" is heading to the Nashville area soon.
Soda-shop chain Swig will open locations in Brentwood and Spring Hill this year — with the first coming this month — as the company works to become one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in the country. Since the original Swig opened in St. George, Utah, in 2010, the company has expanded to 100 stores across 14 states as of the start of 2025. At least 16 new locations, including the two in Middle Tennessee, are planned for this year, according to the Swig website.
“We’re beyond excited to announce the grand opening of the very first Swig in the Greater Nashville Area, located in the amazing city of Brentwood,” Swig franchise partner Mark Kunz said in a statement. “The outpouring of love and support from the community has been incredible, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the Dirty Soda buzz.”
The Brentwood location will make its debut on Feb. 27, offering free 24-ounce drinks to all customers through March 1, and the Spring Hill location has yet to announce an opening date sometime this spring.
A 'dirty soda' is any combination of soft drinks with flavored syrups, creamers or fruit add-ins. Swig trademarked the term in 2014 and fought a legal battle against soda shop competitor Sodalicious to get the brand to stop using the phrase in 2017.
Swig offers a variety of Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper products mixed with purees, juices, syrup and fresh fruit. The shops also have a limited food menu with pretzel bites and sugar cookies topped with a swirl of pink icing.
While Swig had been around for more than a decade, the 2024 Hulu reality television series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" placed a heavy emphasis on the brand and launched it into a new realm of popularity.
“The concept of dirty soda is still foreign and intriguing, and 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' poured gasoline on that," Swig Chief Marketing Officer Dylan Roeder said to public relations magazine PRWeek. "People watch the show and think ‘I need to try this.’”
The Mormon mom influencers visited Swig and explained their signature orders on the show, most of which have a carbonated base with additions like sugar-free fruit syrups and coconut cream. They also explained the reason why soda shops like Swig are so popular among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We don't drink alcohol or do drugs,” influencer Demi Engemann said on the show. “So it's kind of our vice.”
Swig Brentwood will open on Feb. 27 at 5024 Harpeth Dr. The Spring Hill location is slated for a spring 2025 opening at 4821 Main St.
The chain's first Tennessee location opened in Alcoa at 1110 Franck St. last summer.
Hadley Hitson covers business news for The Tennessean. She can be reached at [email protected]. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.
MayorCity Incorporated – 1969Mark W. Gorman 2023-Rhea E. Little, III 2019-2023 (2 terms)Jill Burgin 2017-2019Regina Smithson 2015-2017Betsy Crossley 2013-2015Paul Webb 2011-2013Betsy S. Crossley 2009-2011Joe Reagan 2007-2009Brian J. Sweeney 2005-2007Anne Dunn 2003-2005Joe Reagan 2001-2003Regina Smithson 1999-2001Anne Dunn 1997-99Joe Reagan 1995-97Brian J. Sweeney 1989-95Harold J. McMurtry 1987-89T....
Mayor
City Incorporated – 1969
Mark W. Gorman 2023-
Rhea E. Little, III 2019-2023 (2 terms)
Jill Burgin 2017-2019
Regina Smithson 2015-2017
Betsy Crossley 2013-2015
Paul Webb 2011-2013
Betsy S. Crossley 2009-2011
Joe Reagan 2007-2009
Brian J. Sweeney 2005-2007
Anne Dunn 2003-2005
Joe Reagan 2001-2003
Regina Smithson 1999-2001
Anne Dunn 1997-99
Joe Reagan 1995-97
Brian J. Sweeney 1989-95
Harold J. McMurtry 1987-89
T. Mack Blackburn 1985-87
Brian J. Sweeney 1983-85
Thomas S. Nelms, III 1981-83
Brian J. Sweeney 1977-79
R. C. Bailey 1975-77
Raymond F. Weiland 1973-75
John E. Sloan, Jr. 1971-73
Emery Pewitt 1969-71
City Manager
Kirk E. Bednar 2013-2025
Michael W. Walker 1990-2013
Frank W. Clifton, Jr. 1985-90
Robert B. Adgent 1983-84
J. David Woodard 1981-83
Larry W. Blick 1978-81
William F. Rosson 1976-78
Frank L. Parrotte 1974-75
Finn D. Moffett 1974
Joe F. Hudgins 1973-74
T. Cecil Wray 1972-73
Joe Arbuckle 1970-72
Joe Roberts 1969-70
Assistant City Manager
Department Created – 1998
Jay Evans 2013
Kirk Bednar 2000-2013
Brian W. Wilcox 1998-2000
Public Works
Department Created – 1970
Todd Hoppenstedt 2018
Jeff Donegan 2007-2017
Ray Mize 1997-2007
Louis J. Baltz, III 1979-97
Thomas P. Harlan 1978-79
Paul Anderson 1975-78
Frank L. Parrotte 1972-75
Harlan B. Cathey 1971-72
Police
Department Created – 1971
Jim Colvin 2025-
Richard Hickey 2022-2025
Jeff Hughes 2012-2022
Ricky Watson 2000-2012
Howard D. Buttrey 1971-2000
Planning
Department Created – 1979
Bob Leeman 2022-2024
Jeff Dobson 2009-2022
Joe Lassus 1999-2009
Colette Meehan 1993-98
James Crowell 1987-93
Joanne Oberacker 1985-87
Robert Hoge 1979-85
Finance
Department Created – 1980
Karen Harper 2020
Richard Parker 2017-2020
Carson Swinford 2000-2015
Randy L. Sanders 1992-99
Roger A. Horner 1985-92
Gregory V. Howell 1980-85
Water & Sewer
Department Created – 1982
Chris Milton 2006-
John C. Grissom 1983-2006
Thomas P. Harlan 1982-83
Library
Department Created – 1983
Lee Boulie 2024-
Susan Earl 2010-2024
Charles Sherrill 2000-2010
Tedgina Bradford 1983-2000
Fire
Department Created – 1985
Brian Goss 2011-
Kenny Lane 1993-2011
H. David Clark 1989-93
Dean Filer 1985-89
Human Resources
Department Created – 1987
April Curlin 2022-
Julie Roeder 2021-2021
Mike Worsham 2006-2021
Kirk Bednar 2000-2006 (Assistant City Manager)
Brian W. Wilcox 1998-2000 (Assistant City Manager)
Susie Hardin 1990-97
William Frensley 1987-90
Parks & Recreation
Department Created – 1989
Dave Bunt 2000-
Debra Robinson 1994-2000
Kim D. Ward 1989-94
Technology
Department Created – 1999
Sarah VanWormer 2022-
John Allman 1999-2022
Community Relations
Department Created – 1987
Charles Booth 2023-
Deanna Lambert 2016-2023
Linda Lynch 1987-2016
City Attorney
Kristen Corn 2018-
Roger A. Horner 2001-2018
Robert H. Jennings 1973-2001
Frank King 1969-73
Engineering Director
Department Created – 2006
Darek Baskin 2022-
Lori Lange 2021-2022
Mike Harris 2006-2021
City Engineer
Jason Deal 2024-
Kevin Blackburn 2024-
Grant Heintzman 2021-2024
Zane Pannel 2021-2024
Lori Lange 2019-2021
Darek Baskin 2017-2023
Steve Foster 1996-2019 (Continued employment as City Engineer reporting to Engineering Director)
Steve King 1994-96
Mohsen Abdelfatah 1987-94
Service Center Director
Department Created – 2013
Mike Harris 2013-2021
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