Members

nick black

Nick Black is a graduate of Maryville High School, UTK, and Clemson University - currently living and practicing law in his hometown of Maryville.  Black, now in his second term and serving as board chairman, shared his vision for Maryville City Schools in this statement: “My hope is that the schools and the board continue to empower excellent teachers, that we invest strategically to maximize the impact on our students’ education experience, and that we seek out every opportunity to help our students be successful.  The Board, administration, teachers, and staff all recognize the need for constant improvement, and every decision we make must look towards providing for every level, department, organization, and team within the Maryville system.” 

JULIE ELDER

Julie Elder and her husband, John, are both 1996 graduates of Maryville City Schools.  Julie earned her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech University and her MBA from UT Knoxville.  After having worked in pharmaceutical sales for many years, Julie has spent the last few years raising her family and volunteering in our community.  She has two sons, Ty & Will, who are students at MHS & MRIS.  Within the community, Julie has served as the Leadership Blount Board of Directors Chair, Maryville City Schools Foundation Board Chair, Harmony Family Center Board Chair, and New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center Board Member. She also serves within the schools on the MHS PTO and the Pre-K Community Advisory Panel.  Julie is a long-time Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church.  

Julie enjoys watching her boys play sports and traveling with her family.  Julie recognizes the school system is a cornerstone of our community, and she works with the board to make sure our schools continue to best serve our children & families within Maryville City. 

chad hampton

Chad Hampton and his family are products of Maryville City Schools.  He and his wife, Amber, are graduates of Maryville High School, and their children attend Foothills Elementary and Montgomery Ridge Intermediate.  Chad earned both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Tennessee.  He practices law in Maryville with a focus on business law, estate planning, and probate administration.

Chad, a member of the Leadership Blount Class of 2019, is active in the community and has served on various boards including Maryville City Schools Foundation, New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, Foundation for the Blount County Public Library, and Wesley Day School. 

Chad believes MCS sets the standard for the highest quality public education in the state.  As a member of the Board of Education, Chad’s goal is to build upon this tradition of educational excellence by supporting Maryville’s amazing community of students, teachers, and staff in every possible way.  

candy morgan

Candy Morgan has served on the Maryville Board of Education since 2012, but her record of volunteer service in education is extensive.  Morgan served on the Maryville City Schools Foundation board and is past president of three school parent-teacher organizations. In addition to local service, Mrs. Morgan is the first MCS Board member to serve on the Tennessee School Boards Association board of directors – serving first as treasurer in 2020, and vice president this year. Candy’s passion for education clearly extends beyond her own three children, into the local community, and across the state. In a statement, Morgan said, “I want to be a voice for public education and especially for classroom teachers. Teachers impact our future in such a way that people don’t understand the full impact – they deserve our full support at every level.”

BETHANY HODSON POPE

Bethany Hodson Pope is a native of Maryville and a graduate of both Maryville High School and Maryville College.  Currently employed at DENSO, Bethany has spent her career working in human resources. Mrs. Pope believes all students should receive the type of education that best serves their individual needs - offering opportunities for both college-bound and career-bound graduates.  As a business professional, parent, and alumni, Bethany feels strongly that all students should be involved in career exploration programs and given a chance to try-out areas of interest long before seeking employment or attending college.  Mrs. Pope was elected to the Board of Education in 2010 and served as Chairman from 2016-2019.