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Finbarr Saunders was elected to Knox County Commission in August 2008. He serves on the Intergovernmental Committee. Finbarr believes that 1.) a good education IS economic development, 2.) development is necessary for Knox County’s future, and 3.) elected officials should lead by example. He lives in Westwood with his wife, Ellen, a 6th grade teacher in Oak Ridge.
After receiving a BA in history and political science from Transylvania University, Finbarr began his career of service as a U.S. Army officer in Viet Nam. His thirty plus years of service as a community volunteer have included:
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West Knoxville Sertoma Club* – Since 1975
- East Tennessee Children’s Hospital – Board of Directors, 1981-2005
- Arts Council – President, 1984
- East Tennessee Historical Society – President, 1988-89
- Westwood Homeowners’ Association* – President, 1998-2002
- Knox Heritage* – President, 2005-06
- Bearden Council* - Serving since 2001
- Tennessee Preservation Trust Board – 2006-2009
*Still an active member
Finbarr has also served Knox County through his appointments to the Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission (since 1990) and the Downtown Design Review Board (since 2007).
Finbarr began his professional career with the Hamilton National Bank and was later a vice president with the Park National Bank. He retired after 23 years as office manager from Novinger, Ball & Zivi where his part-time position allowed him to pursue his love of community service. He is also a founding board member of the Trust Company of Knoxville
Through his service as president in his homeowners’ association and his time as president of Knox Heritage, Finbarr worked to bring people together to find common ground. He firmly believes that collaborative efforts should be promoted between and among homeowners, developers and county government and that a strong, progressive school system is our best investment in the future.
