Chris Hogan has announced his candidacy for Cocke County Trustee.

He is a native of Cocke County and was born at Valentine/Shults Hospital. Hogan said he grew up in a loving and Christian home. His parents are Alfred (present Cocke County Trustee) and Phyllis Greene Hogan. He has one brother Anthony, and two sisters, Belinda Alley and Denise Caughron. His parents decided to have their four children beginning with the letters of the alphabet A-B-C-D (Anthony, Belinda, Chris ad Denise). Hogan is married to Wendy Proffitt Hogan and they have one son Andrew (Andy).

Hogan graduated with honors from Cosby High School and attended Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University. He attained Eagle Scout, which is the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America.

"Some of you know me as a past Sports Editor of the Newport Plain Talk," he said. "I have had many administrative jobs such as Outside Sales Division Coordinator for Phillips Consumer Electronics, Shipping Supervisor at Falcon Products, Inc., and Safety and Environmental Supervisor at OTICS USA, Inc. in Morristown. The Phillips Consumer position required extensive traveling and I decided to find a job closer to home with little to no traveling.

"At Falcon Products, Inc., I was in charge of scheduling, loading, bills of lading, and sometimes even delivery. This job required many 60 plus hours each week. I am always ready to do what it takes to get this job done.

"A better opportunity arose from OTICS USA, Inc. (A Japanese Company that makes automotive parts for Toyota) as the Safety and Environmental Supervisor. I was later promoted to Human Resources Specialist. I was responsible for all safety training of over 200 employees, interviewing and the hiring process of hourly and some salary personnel, corrective actions, scheduling, meeting OSHA requirements, Worker's Compensation, and all environmental issues. I was responsible for attaining the ISO 14001 (International Standardization of Organizations) environmental certification for the facility. I also had an opportunity to travel to Japan for two weeks to gain knowledge in international culture."

Hogan has coached many children in the Cocke County. In basketball he coached at Newport Grammar School, in baseball at Newport Grammar and the City Park, in football for the Newport Roosters Super Grasscutters. He currently am a TSSAA football, basketball and baseball official for this county and have met many of people through various sporting events.

"I was the youth minister at Northport Baptist Church and now I am currently a member of Crossroads Community Church where I am on the skit team for the Kids Stuff program, a teacher for the children in first to fifth grade, an elder, and the lead guitarist in the praise worship band 'Bread for Beggars,'" he said.

"I believe that I can fill my father's shoes (Alfred Hogan) well. I am very dedicated to my job and I will serve Cocke County with pride as Trustee. I am very honest, trustworthy, organized, have administrative and leadership skills, I attain Christian values, and I have been and will continue to be involved in our communities.

"If elected as Cocke County Trustee, I will be available, ready to meet, greet, and answer questions and concerns with everyone. I will have guidance, leadership, knowledge, and advice, if needed, from my father (Alfred Hogan). If elected I will transition into the position of Cocke County Trustee easily.

"Your vote and support on May 4th will be greatly appreciated."