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Position/philosophy statement
My 20+ years of experience in business and community development in Chattanooga TN have equipped me to make a meaningful impact in Glen Alpine.
Current Occupation
Self-employed - Sales Representative
Age (optional)
54
Campaign Phone
4236184466
I enjoy working in and serving my local and regional community. That’s been a consistent theme throughout my adult life.
During my 20 years in Chattanooga, I worked in outdoor retail with Rock/Creek Outfitters, where I held many roles—sales associate, manager, general manager, buyer, head buyer, vice president, and ultimately co-owner of the business.
Success in retail—and in all business—depends heavily on community engagement. Communities that foster partnerships between businesses and residents will always thrive.
I also bring nonprofit leadership experience as the former Southeast Director for the Land Trust for Tennessee.
In that role, I worked to create successful partnerships between small businesses and city government.
Like many small towns, Glen Alpine is facing challenges related to:
Economic Development
Funding for Community Infrastructure
Business Retention and Growth
Our town has started to build momentum with projects like the Old Mill and the development of new public park spaces near the town center. The next steps include:
Fostering synergy among existing businesses
Attracting new businesses that serve both locals and the many visitors who pass through Glen Alpine on their way to outdoor recreation
Ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of a growing and evolving community
This kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when a community works together with purpose and vision.
My family has already begun investing in and engaging with the Glen Alpine community. In March 2022, we purchased the Old Glen Alpine Knitting Mill, which is now home to several successful, locally owned businesses:
Tea Tree – a long-standing home goods store owned by Tammy Taylor
Peak Fitness and Physical Therapy – owned by my wife, Rebecca Wykle
Jean Pitts – a workspace for this local seamstress
During my time in office, I intend to engage with more local businesses and organizations in Glen Alpine. My goal is to foster collaboration and strengthen the sense of community, making sure everyone feels like they have a voice and a stake in our shared future.
Glen Alpine has a rich and proud history. Our parents, Tim and Susan Abernathy, were both born and raised here. They were part of the legendary high school sports teams at Glen Alpine High School. The Old Glen Alpine Mill itself is a testament to our legacy of honest work, dating back to before the 1920s.
Like many mountain towns along the I-40W corridor, Glen Alpine is poised for a revival. We serve as the gateway to Lake James and the southern end of the Linville Gorge—home to rock climbing, steep creek boating, flatwater paddling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, wilderness backpacking, and trail running.
My hope is that Glen Alpine will strengthen its growing connection to these vibrant outdoor communities while preserving the character and charm of small-town Appalachia. With thoughtful leadership and active community engagement, we can achieve this together.
