About Us

Joe W. Barker

Barker served as the elected Mayor of Hardin County for eight years prior to leaving to go to Nashville in the Bredesen cabinet. Prior to his election in 1994 as county executive, he served as Mayor of Savannah for four years and as an elected city commission member for 11 years.

While he was Mayor of Savannah, the city was selected by the Tennessee Municipal League as the most improved city in the state. While serving as a city commissioner, city mayor and Hardin County executive some of his accomplishments included downtown improvements, the Wayne Jerrolds River Park, a four-field sports complex, a new city hall, the Jackson State Community College Savannah/Hardin Center, renovation and expansion of Hardin County High School, a new Savannah/Hardin County Library, a resort Inn and Conference Center at Pickwick, and the NAIA Collegiate Football National Championship.

Barker served Gov. Bredesen as Assistant Commissioner of Economic and Community Development since 2003 and most recently in the leadership position of the newly created Tennessee Tomorrow organization.

As Assistant Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, Barker redesigned the state’s Three-Star Community Development Program and was responsible for the state’s Fast-Track Infrastructure and Community Development Block Grant programs. He also worked with Commissioner Matt Kisber to develop the Tennnessee Main Street program and to launch the Retire Tennessee Initiative.

He and his wife of 33 years, Carol Anne, make their home in Savannah. They have four adult children: Anne, Abby, Bart, and Reid.

Barker, who started in his position with the Development District Sept. 4, replaced Evelyn Robertson, who retired in August.

HISTORY

The Southwest Tennessee Development District (SWTDD) was organized in 1971, and is one of nine state-wide districts established by the General Assembly under the Tennessee Development District Act of 1965. The SWTDD is charged with providing comprehensive planning, and promoting economic, community, and human resource development. As a public non-profit association of local governments, the District serves Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy and Madison counties.

SWTDD TODAY

SWTDD is governed by a board of directors that includes all county executives and mayors, one state representative, one state senator, industrial representatives and minority representatives from within the district. An executive director manages the operation of programs and staff. SWTDD has a staff of 21, with technical expertise in district management, economic and community development, housing, tourism, environmental planning, infrastructure development, senior citizen services planning, and public guardianship for the elderly.

Vision Statement

To enable self-sustaining economic growth and ensure the personal well being of all citizens in the area we serve.

Mission Statement