County Commission - District 15
Chay Woods
Chay Woods
Democrat
Tell us about your campaign.
Hi, I'm Chay Woods, candidate for Rutherford County Commission District 15. I’m running because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, includes, and responds with integrity. My campaign slogan, “Have Your Say with Chay,” is rooted in one simple belief: people deserve to feel heard by those elected to represent them. When I look back, I realize I’ve always been an advocate. I served as the elected Parent Representative at my daughter’s school and later became a CASA volunteer, advocating for children in foster. Today, I serve on the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Board and several nonprofit boards dedicated to strengthening our community. Service has always been at the center of who I am, which led me to ask myself: if I’ve spent years advocating for children and families, why not advocate for the people of Rutherford County, too? Living in Rutherford County for the past 10 years, I've seen firsthand how quickly our community is growing. Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings important decisions that affect affordability, roads, neighborhoods, schools, and overall quality of life. I believe the best decisions are never made around the people—they're made with the people. Before shaping the direction of this campaign, I created a community survey to invite residents to share their priorities. How can you claim to be a voice for the people if you don’t first listen to the people? So, I did. Those conversations shaped the foundation of my campaign around what mattered most: community voice, responsible growth, and building bridges. I welcome residents to continue sharing their ideas and concerns by visiting votechaywoods.com and taking the survey. Community Voices means open communication, transparent government, and meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in local decision-making. Responsible Growth means planning for the future by balancing growth with infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and preserving our quality of life. Building Bridges means fostering collaboration between residents, local government, businesses, and community organizations to find practical solutions together. Creating One Rutherford! This campaign isn’t about politics; it’s about people. I'm a community member who believes public service is about showing up, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of the people you represent. From the beginning, this campaign has been built around the voices of the people, and that commitment will continue if I'm elected. I would be honored to earn your trust and the opportunity to serve District 15.
In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.
A Rutherford County Commissioner is an elected official responsible for representing the residents of their district while making informed decisions that affect the county as a whole. Commissioners adopt the county budget, oversee the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and make decisions related to infrastructure, public safety, county services, growth, zoning, land use, and long-term planning. The role also includes serving on committees that review issues before they come before the full commission, collaborating with fellow commissioners and county departments, and ensuring county government operates effectively and responsibly. Commissioners should also promote transparency, encourage public participation, and serve as a direct link between residents and county government. I believe the responsibility of a County Commissioner is not simply to cast votes, but to listen, ask thoughtful questions, review the facts, and make informed decisions that reflect the needs of the entire community. Earning the public's respect requires integrity, transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving.
What are your priorities for this office?
If elected, my priorities will be guided by the three priorities residents identified through my community survey: Community Voices -I will prioritize quarterly town halls, provide regular updates through social media and other communication channels; maintain an open-door policy so residents can reach me with their questions, concerns, and ideas; expand civic education by helping young people better understand local government, while ensuring seniors have accessible opportunities to stay informed and connected in county decisions. Responsible Growth -I will support thoughtful development that keeps up with infrastructure, public safety, and county services; encourage long-term planning that considers the impact of growth on neighborhoods; work to expand attainable housing opportunities for working families and seniors; support innovative solutions to lessen our reliance on landfills and protect our natural resources. Building Bridges -I will support community roundtables that bring together neighborhood associations, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders; strengthen collaboration between the county and our municipalities; partner with schools, colleges, and employers to support workforce development; and encourage collaboration among public safety agencies. Above all, my priority is to remind the residents that they are the special ingredient in the Rutherford County community pot.
Describe your qualifications for this office.
My qualifications for this office are rooted in both professional experience and a lifelong commitment to serving others. For 20 years, I've held leadership roles in Human Resources, helping organizations navigate growth, change, and challenges. I've led teams, developed policies, managed budgets, and partnered with executive leadership on strategic planning and organizational decision-making. These experiences strengthened my ability to analyze issues, solve problems, and make sound, fact-based decisions. Equally important is my commitment to serving Rutherford County. As President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Murfreesboro, I work to build partnerships that strengthen our community. As Assistant Treasurer of the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch, I help ensure responsible financial stewardship. Through my service on the Executive Committee of the Rutherford County Democratic Party and the Executive Board of the Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I've worked alongside community leaders to increase civic participation, support educational initiatives, and empower residents. These experiences have reinforced my belief that progress happens when people come together, listen to one another, and work toward practical solutions. I don't expect voters to trust me simply because I'm asking for their vote. I hope to earn that trust. If elected, I will lead with transparency, which gives District 15 the right to hold me accountable.
