10/12/2026
News Release: Sevier County Mayor Bryan McCarter Announces Senior Directors and Division Leaders
Sevier County Mayor Bryan McCarter has announced the appointment of three Senior Directors who will lead key divisions within Sevier County Government.
Jason Strickland will serve as Senior Director of Facility Development and Operations and oversee the Division of Facility Development and Operations. Angela Atchley will serve as Senior Director of Government Services and Tourism and oversee the Division of Government Services. Tyler Basler will serve as Senior Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Services and oversee the Public Affairs and Legislative Services Division.
The Senior Directors will work with Mayor Bryan McCarter, Vice Mayor Matt Rudder, Deputy County Mayor Brooke Huffaker, County department leaders and employees to coordinate operations within their respective areas and support the delivery of services to Sevier County residents and visitors.
“These are important leadership positions within County Government, and I have great confidence in Jason, Angela, and Tyler to lead their respective divisions with integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to public service,” Mayor McCarter said. “Each of them brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of Sevier County, and I look forward to seeing them build on the work already being done across these areas. Our goal is to have strong leadership throughout County Government and to ensure our employees have the support they need to provide the highest level of service to our community.”
Division of Facility Development and Operations
Strickland will oversee the County’s Maintenance and Facility operations through the Division of Facility Development and Operations.
A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Strickland has called Sevier County home for the past 22 years. A graduate of Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, he currently serves as Senior Director of Facilities for Sevier County Government. Prior to joining County Government, Strickland owned and operated Strickland Plumbing, Inc. for 15 years. He is also a 2023 graduate of Leadership Sevier.
Strickland lives in the Wears Valley community with his wife, Carrie, and their two daughters, Grayson and Josie. He serves Sevier County as a Reserve Deputy with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
In his role as Senior Director, Strickland will provide leadership for the County’s facility and maintenance operations and help oversee the continued development and management of County facilities.
Division of Government Services
Atchley will oversee the Division of Government Services, which includes Alcohol and Drug Programs, Library Services, Probation, the Senior Center and Veterans Services.
A Sevier County native, Atchley is a 1990 graduate of Beth Haven Academy. She earned an Associates degree from Walters State Community College in 2021 and a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University in 2023.
Atchley began her career with Sevier County Government in 2007 in the Sevier County Trustee’s Office before transitioning to the Sevier County Tourism Department in 2016, where she has served as Director of Tourism. She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Sevier and is currently a member of the East Tennessee Regional Leadership class.
Atchley resides in Sevierville with her husband, Fred. She is the mother of a son and daughter and grandmother to two grandchildren.
As Senior Director of Government Services and Tourism, Atchley will provide leadership and coordination across the County services within the division while continuing to support the important work of serving residents and the community.
Public Affairs and Legislative Services Division
Basler will oversee the Public Affairs and Legislative Services Division, including the County’s public affairs and communications efforts, internal and external communications, emergency public information and legislative services supporting the Board of Commissioners. He will also continue serving as the County’s Public Information Officer.
A native of Kingston, Tennessee, Basler is a 2009 graduate of Roane County High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2013 and a Master’s of Science degree in 2015 from Middle Tennessee State University.
Before joining Sevier County Government, Basler worked in college athletics, including serving as Assistant Director of Marketing at Middle Tennessee State University Athletics and Director of Marketing at Western Kentucky University Athletics. In addition to his collegiate athletics experience, he worked in the private sector for a marketing firm.
Basler has served Sevier County Government for approximately three and a half years as Director of Public Affairs and Communications and Public Information Officer. He is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Sevier.
Basler lives in Pigeon Forge with his wife, Ashlynn, and their two sons, Beckham and Brayson.
In his expanded role, Basler will continue leading the County’s public affairs and communications efforts while overseeing legislative services and supporting communication and coordination with the Sevier County Board of Commissioners.
“These divisions touch many different areas of County Government, and strong leadership is essential to making sure we continue serving our community effectively,” McCarter said. “Jason, Angela and Tyler have demonstrated their commitment to Sevier County through their work and their service, and I am confident they will continue to lead with integrity and professionalism.”
Additional announcements regarding County department leadership will be made in the coming weeks.
