Frank hires Oak Ridger reporter for county post

New Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank has named newspaper reporter Leean Tupper as her administrative assistant, a press release said.

An Anderson County native, Tupper has worked as staff reporter and lifestyles editor at The Oak Ridger since November 2004. She previously worked for more than five years at the Courier News in Clinton. Between the two jobs, she has covered Anderson County government and local schools for 13 years, the press release said.

“I am so excited to add Leean to the operations of the mayor’s office,” Frank said. “In addition to being a wonderfully kind and professional woman, Leean brings to county government a great understanding of the history of Anderson County from her years as a reporter.”

The press release said Tupper has also had jobs in communications, advertising, and marketing with two Knoxville-based companies.

Frank, who took office Sept. 1, said communicating with taxpayers is at the top of her priority list, and Tupper is the best person to help her carry out that mission.

Tupper is a 1994 graduate of Clinton High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, the release said.

“I have had many opportunities to serve my community over the years, both in my professional career and through volunteer service with several local organizations, including America’s Promise: The Alliance for Youth; Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area; and the Marlow Volunteer Fire Department,” Tupper said.

“Anderson County is my home, and its future is important to me,” she said. “I look forward to continuing my service to Anderson County, its businesses, and families through this new opportunity.”