When you sit down with John DeBerry, you immediately know you’re in the presence of someone who has lived his convictions. A former Tennessee legislator for over 25 years, a minister, and now a senior advisor to Governor Bill Lee, John has spent his life rooted in faith, leadership, and the call to serve.
A Family Legacy of Service
John’s story starts long before his time in office. His parents were active in the civil rights movement, and as a boy, John marched with his father in protests alongside Dr. King. His upbringing instilled in him both political awareness and a deep love for ministry. He’ll tell you he always wanted to be a preacher, following in his father’s footsteps, but his path also led him to public service.
Though he lost his first race for city council in the 1980s, he says that experience taught him what it really means to connect with people—listening to their concerns, speaking to their needs, and earning their trust. Those lessons shaped the way he served when he was later elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives, a seat he would hold through 13 successful elections.
What Good Work Looks Like
When asked what good work means, John doesn’t hesitate: it starts with listening. He believes good policy is built on public input, and that most people—regardless of differences—want the same basic things: safe communities, strong schools, the ability to provide for their families, and a roof over their heads. He’s quick to point out that while politics often gets bogged down in division, the solutions usually come when leaders sit down, talk with each other, and keep the people—not their personal agendas—at the center.
John has always been a bridge-builder, willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans. To him, the R or D beside a name is far less important than whether leaders are committed to doing the work of the people.
Lessons in Leadership
John’s approach to leadership has been shaped by faith and humility. He shared how, early in his career, he was eager to speak on every bill—until a mentor reminded him that real leadership is about knowing when to listen. That lesson stayed with him, shaping his reputation as someone whose words carried weight because they were grounded in thoughtfulness, not soundbites.
Faith has been his foundation in every decision. His father’s words—“You have my name, boy. Don’t mess it up”—guided him through decades of service. For John, leadership means being accountable, staying grounded, and remembering that every decision has consequences for the people you serve.
Hope for the Future
Despite today’s political division, John sees hope—especially in the next generation. He points to his daughters, granddaughters, and young people across Tennessee who are pursuing education, service, and faith with resilience and determination. “We don’t know how to quit,” he said, reflecting on the lessons passed down through his family.
He also finds hope in Tennessee itself. From civil rights to women’s rights, Tennessee has often led the way. He believes the state can continue to lead if leaders step out of their echo chambers and stay focused on the real needs of their communities.
The Reward of Service
For John, the true reward of public service isn’t in titles or recognition—it’s when someone he doesn’t know stops him to say thank you. Whether it’s for a speech that touched them or a policy that made a difference, those moments remind him why he serves.
And at the heart of it all is his faith. As our conversation closed, John prayed—a prayer for wisdom, for discernment, and for leaders who put people first. It was a fitting reminder that his life’s work has always been about something larger than himself: serving God by serving others.
Because for John DeBerry, leadership, faith, and public service are all connected. And that connection is what makes his story worth pouring into.