Richard “Rick” Tipton of Greeneville has been elected to a seven-year term on the Utrust Board of Trustees. His term begins July 1, 2026. Tipton will represent East Tennessee school systems on the statewide board.
Tipton has served on the Greene County Board of Education since November 2013 and has served as chairman for the past 12 years. During his tenure, he has provided leadership and oversight in educational policy, budgeting and district operations. He has worked with local stakeholders, educators and administrators to enhance student achievement, improve school infrastructure and resources, and support policies that provide equitable opportunities for all students.
In addition to his service on the Greene County Board of Education, Tipton served as an at-large board member for the Tennessee School Boards Association from November 2024 to November 2025. He retired in January 2021 from the U.S. District Federal Court in Greeneville, where he served for more than 30 years, including nearly 18 years as division manager.
Utrust is an organization of public school boards that helps school systems with unemployment issues and promotes the recognition and appreciation of school employees. Established in 1980, Utrust has saved school districts and local taxpayers across Tennessee millions of dollars in unemployment compensation costs. In addition, Utrust has contributed more than $11 million to local school boards to provide equipment, supplies and other unbudgeted needs for teachers, principals and other school employees. Utrust sponsors the student-led Utrust Appreciation Program, which includes eight appreciation days each year honoring different groups of school employees. Students, staff members and community members are encouraged to recognize and express appreciation to the school employees who make a difference in students ’lives every day. The program seeks to instill in students an attitude of gratitude while improving employee morale. The Appreciation Program also includes nine culture initiatives each year designed to help schools strengthen a culture of appreciation so that everyone appreciates others and every student and staff member feels appreciated.
Dr. Dan Tollett, Utrust Administrator, said, “We feel extremely fortunate that Rick Tipton has agreed to serve on the Utrust Board of Trustees. His experience as a longtime school board member and chairman, his understanding of public education governance, and his commitment to careful financial stewardship make him an outstanding addition to our board. His leadership will help Utrust continue finding meaningful ways to support
school systems and school employees across Tennessee.”
David Jones, chairman of the Utrust Board of Trustees, said, “Rick Tipton brings the kind of experience, judgment and dedication that will serve Utrust and Tennessee public schools very well. He has earned the respect of educators and community leaders through years of steady service, and our board looks forward to working with him as we continue our mission of helping schools be better places to work and learn.”
Tipton said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Utrust Board of Trustees and to represent East Tennessee school systems. Utrust’s work to support school boards, assist school systems and recognize the people who serve students every day is important. I look forward to being part of that effort.”
Tipton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.
