Received by the Henderson campaign today Monday August 17, 2026 for you the readers of #TheMegaBullhornofTruth, Today, Betsy Henderson announced her senior leadership team.

“I am proud to announce Doug Harris as Chief Operating Officer and Evan Newman as my Chief of Staff. I’m also thrilled that Chris Caldwell will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer. All three bring strong experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. Most importantly, they understand
that our job is to serve the people of Knox County,” said Mayor-elect Betsy Henderson.

Henderson continued, “Throughout the campaign, I promised that county government would focus on its core responsibilities, respect taxpayers, and always put the needs of Knox County families first Building the right team is an important first step in keeping that promise.

Mayor Jacobs and his administration have provided us with a strong foundation. Our team is committed to building on that foundation with a relentless focus on serving the people of Knox County.”

Doug Harris

Doug Harris is a results-driven business and community leader with more than 30 years of experience launching and operating large scale organizations and managing complex financial, budgeting, marketing, human resources, and operational functions. A Knoxville native, Harris has spent more than
25 years serving on community nonprofit boards, including as Chair of the Knox County Board of Education. For the past 18 years, he has also helped develop businesses and charitable initiatives in Uganda focused on entrepreneurship, clean water, agriculture, health care, and support for children and
families. These efforts have created opportunities for local entrepreneurs and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.(*his work on supplying water to Uganda is an amazing work, that very few people would do. The picture is from his non-profit website)

Evan Newman

Evan Newman brings extensive experience in government, public policy, communications, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Evan has worked to support community focused leaders throughout his career. His experience includes serving as a State Director for the State Freedom Caucus Network,
political consulting, and personnel management. Most recently, he served as Campaign Manager for Congressman Ralph Norman’s campaign for Governor. Newman has a strong record of building relationships, bringing people together, and turning priorities into results.

“Evan served as my chief outside advisor before and during my tenure as sheriff. Countless times he’s helped me navigate turbulent waters and advocate for law enforcement. His contributions to Greenville are invaluable, and Knox County is lucky to have him,” said Greenville County Sheriff, Hobart Lewis.

Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell has served as Chief Financial Officer for Knox County Government since 2012. In his role, he oversees the County’s budget and financial operations, bringing more than a decade of experience and institutional knowledge to the position. Prior to becoming CFO, Caldwell served as Accounting and Budget Director for the Knox County Finance Department. Caldwell is active in numerous community and professional organizations and has been recognized for his leadership in public service, including being named Public Administrator of the Year by the American Society for Public Administration.

**Chris Caldwell became Knox County’s Finance Director in July 2012.

• April 2012: Caldwell began serving as interim Finance Director after his predecessor, Burton Webb, was let go.
• July 31, 2012: Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett officially appointed Caldwell as Finance Director.
• At the time, Caldwell had already worked for Knox County since June 2002, progressing from accountant to accounting and budget director.

Caldwell will now be the Finance Director for a third Mayor, the second as Chief Financial Officer. All of this time with the same Accounting Firm doing the Audits.