A fifth generation East Tennessean, I was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Holston High School. I was involved in Baptist Student Union, the UT Track and Field Team, and studied political science and teacher preparation, graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1977. 

      I have been a public-school teacher for most of my adult life, having taught in Morristown, Memphis, Maryville and Knoxville. I have worked in both regular education and special education. I earned a degree in Instructional Leadership in 2007. I am well equipped to understand the needs of students, teachers, and administrators within a school setting.  

         I was married to Maureen Roberson, who I met at UT, and we raised two children, Kyle and Kathryn. Kyle and Kathryn were students in the Maryville City Schools when I was a teacher at Maryville High from 1995 - 2009. Kyle is a 2008 MHS grad, while Kathryn is a 2013 graduate of Knoxville West High School. I currently serve as a special education teacher in Knox County.

          Maureen passed away after battling poor health for many years. Her wisdom and love had been strong support for our family through the years. 

         In 2017 I married Judy McCullough and coaxed her away from Florida to join me in Big Orange Country. After a year finding where we wanted to permanently settle, we moved from Knoxville to Louisville, where we currently live. We love the mountains, the wildlife, and the people-WE love our Blount County Home.  

        So this is me. I look forward to getting to know more of you. 

                                                                                                 -Mac Pickle