Gary Drinnen, Jr.
Government and Public Relations
Phone: 865-246-0375
Email: g.drinnen@blueridgecos.com

Gary Drinnen, Jr. came to Blue Ridge in 2005, from the Knox County Mayor’s Office primarily to focus on government and public relations. Gary received his Associate of Arts degree from Pellissippi State Technical Community College in 2002 followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College in 2004. Gary majored in political science and minored in business and organizational management.

Gary has vast previous experience in local, state and regional politics as well as in Knox County government. In 2004, he was the 2nd Congressional District Campaign Manager for the successful Victory ’04 campaign by the Republican National Committee as well as campaign manager for a victorious Tennessee State Senate campaign. In these positions Gary implemented successful campaign strategies, administered budgets, and managed numerous volunteers and campaign personnel. In 2003, he served as campaign director in a successful Knoxville City Council race and as grassroots coordinator for Mayor Bill Haslam’s successful mayoral race. Gary’s political involvement also includes contributions to various elections of the Knoxville City Council, Tennessee State House, Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Judge and Tennessee State Senate.

Gary is also actively involved in community and volunteer activities. His community involvement includes service with Yoke Youth Ministries, Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley and Junior Pro Basketball. Gary serves on several community boards including Keep Knoxville Beautiful and James White Fort. His community contributions continue through roles as Executive Board Member of the MX Chapter Alumni Society of DKE and as Chairman of the 40th precinct committee of the Knox County Republican Party.