My name is Barry Beeler, and I am running for Secretary of the Knox County Republican Party. I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve Knox County Republicans.
General Background
I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN and I am a graduate of Bearden High School. I then graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan with a degree in Biology where I also played baseball for four years. I was elected team captain and student government president my senior year. I then obtained my Master of Public Health degree-Occupational, Environmental, Health and Safety track, from the University of Tennessee in 1997.
I spent five years at Y-12 before accepting a position with the Tennessee Department of Labor-TOSHA as an industrial hygienist for 18 years. I then returned to Y-12 as an industrial hygienist managing the accredited IH Calibration Lab. My leadership experience includes supervision, training and education for employers and employees, from the CEO down to the entry level employee.
I am married to my wife, Staci Beeler, who also graduated in the same class from Bearden High School. Together we have five adult children and one dog, Ruby.
My Faith and Political Philosophy
I have surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior. My family and I attend Calvary Knoxville. I am a leader in the Watchmen Ministry. This ministry’s goal is to communicate to the church body information including voter registration and deadlines, election dates, and polling locations.
My wife and I are leaders in a GriefShare ministry. This ministry’s goal is to assist those struggling with the grief of losing a loved one. The 13-week sessions are based on biblical verses and principles, workbook, video, group discussion, and prayer. I hold a biblical world view, and I am a constitutional conservative.
Political Background
In 2020 I began attending county commission and board of education meetings. This is when I learned about the importance of how overreach of local government can affect our daily lives. Next, I volunteered in several local political campaigns by putting out signs, door knocking, and educating Knoxvillians about the importance of participating in the local political process. Helping Andy Fox win his Ninth District seat, along with putting out signs for other candidates such as District 18 State Representative Elaine Davis, and District 5 County Commissioner Angela Russell. I also participated in the campaign to keep true district representation for city elections, ensuring only residents of a district can vote in that district’s primary and general elections.
Goals for the next two years as Secretary
- Develop and implement an effective social media platform to reach all age groups: communicating our values and opportunities to serve; highlight key issues and legislation that directly affect our daily life.
- Develop and implement a mentorship program for young republicans.
- Develop and implement a creative, consistent and effective fund-raising campaign with goals and benchmarks.
- Develop and implement a candidate search committee to actively recruit, develop and train quality candidates and ensure that we have a candidate running for every race.
- Actively support causes that reflect our values such as Tennessee Right to Life.