Geoff Carlton retired from a successful career in music education in 2019 after forty years of public service. While a student, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from The University of Memphis in 1979, and The University of South Carolina in 1985. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2003 from The University of Southern Mississippi. As a French Horn player, he played professionally with The Memphis Symphony, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and The Northeast Arkansas Symphony, where he was the principal chair.

Dr. Carlton’s experience leading and participating in professional and volunteer organizations dates back four decades as well. He served on the Board of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association (ABA) and was President of the organization in 1995. He also created, designed, and facilitated the formation of the All-State Jazz Band Program in Arkansas. Additionally, he served as Region Orchestra Chair of Region Nineteen in Texas.

Dr. Carlton’s tenure as both a band and orchestra director spanned four decades and six states. Among his group’s most memorable accomplishments were their invitations to perform for numerous professional and community events, most notably a performance by his La Porte High School Orchestra for patients and their families at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Honors received by Dr. Carlton include being named by ASBDA-Stansbury as the recipient of the Outstanding Young Band Director of the South-Central Region of the United States in 1988. He also conducted the University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble in the World Premier of the Oliviero Timpani Concerto with the Principal Timpanist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1997.

Students of Dr. Carlton have gone on to perform and direct at the highest levels, including professional appointments to Major Symphony Orchestras, and Directors of leading musical organizations of their own throughout the eastern United States. One of his former students, Colonel Don Schofield, is the current Director of The United State Air Force Band based in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Carlton is married to Rachel Carlton and enjoys doting on their three granddaughters. They became active in the Democratic Club soon after moving here in 2019. He feels a tremendous responsibility to leave a better world for them and their future children. There could be no better place to start than Smith County in East Texas!

Dianne Williamson, a dedicated individual residing in Tyler, TX since 2009, embarked on a journey that was driven by compassion. Initially relocating to care for her mother-in-law, Dianne's short-term plan extended to two years as she provided unwavering support until her mother-in-law's passing.

With a newfound need for employment, Dianne found herself in the realm of education. In 2011, she became a Substitute Teacher with Tyler ISD, a role that eventually led to full-time employment in 2012. Her pursuit of knowledge was unwavering, culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas College in May 2016.

Outside of her professional life, Dianne cherishes her role as a mother to three adult sons and a proud grandmother. Her leisure moments are filled with family gatherings and outings with friends. An avid sports enthusiast, she finds joy in attending various sporting events, with a special affinity for football and basketball games. But there's nothing quite like sharing a smooth jazz evening with a cherished companion.

Amidst her career with Tyler ISD, Dianne has embraced diverse roles, from teaching Life Skills to high school and middle school students to working with individuals facing mild physical disabilities. Her experience extends to the Adaptive Behavioral Unit, Early Childhood Development, Alternative School, and traditional classroom settings.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dianne delved into Christian Counseling, earning certification through Christian Bible Institute Seminary (C.B.I.S.) in August 2020. This achievement complemented her existing master's degree in Mental Health and Wellness, with a concentration in Mental Health Wellness Administration.

Dianne has always been a proactive force, drawn to communities that share her values. Her journey into the Smith County Democratic Club began through her involvement in the voting process, starting as a Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDR), progressing to a voting clerk, and eventually becoming a Judge. Currently serving as the Vice President for the Smith County Democratic Club, Dianne's commitment to community extends to memberships with Tyler Chapter NAACP, NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce, active participation in the Juneteenth Parade, and her affiliation with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (inactive). She also maintains strong ties with the Texas College Alumni Association.

Life is a cherished gift for Dianne, and her expansive circle of friends adds vibrancy to her days. Her journey reflects a profound dedication to education, community, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Kay Fairbanks is a lifelong Democrat, a Native Texan (7th generation!) and graduate of Texas Tech University (BBA-Accounting). She retired from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs after a rewarding career providing affordable housing assistance to low-income families and promoting community development.

She and her husband, Chuck Fairbanks, relocated to East Texas in 2018 and together enjoy life among the beautiful tall pines. Kay served as the 2020 Primary Administrator for the Smith County Democratic Party. She especially enjoys teaching and sharing her love of yoga, and her hobbies include travel, genealogy, reading, crocheting for charity, an occasional game of golf, and constantly keeping up with current events.

Kay’s motto: “Onward thru the fog!”

Acting, May - December, 2022

Elected January, 2023 - December, 2024

I serve in a volunteer position that coordinates income and expenses and required reports of Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) of a General Purpose Action Committee (GPAC) for Smith County in the State of Texas.

Twenty-five plus years of civil service with City of Dallas, Texas. Brief overview of major responsibilities were all phases of accounting/budget forcasting/implementation, supervision of small staff, major events with local/national sponsors, coordinate design/print production of all printed pieces, PSA and press releases to multi-media outlets in DFW area and statewide markets, program development, task force member on 2.9M+ revitalization of Farmer's Market District in downtown Dallas.

Position goal is to achieve optimum results concerning procedural information via committees and teamwork for success of organization, especially for volunteers who serve in the future.

Enjoyment of Precinct Chair duties and revitalizing interest and value of events, that not only benefit organization but the community we serve, is very rewarding.

Personal interests include reading, furbabes, playing games, granddaughters and all things Nature/Mother Earth, plus nuturing wonderful friendships.

Come join me and I will show you how easy it is to volunteer with the Democrats in Smith County, Texas.

Jamie Mims currently serves as the Treasurer of the Smith County Democratic Party. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcasting at Northwest Missouri State University. While a student at NWMSU, she was a news and sports reporter as well as an on-air announcer for KXCV/KRNW (NPR affiliate), KNIM radio and KZLX radio. Jamie received numerous broadcasting awards, traveled the country working in several radio and television markets and finished her 13 year career in Tyler, TX. She joined Rose Lawn Cemetery in 2019. She has over 20 years of helping others and has over 9,000 hours of commuity service dedicated to her platform of L.A.D.Y - Living And Demonstrating Yourself.

Jamie is a member of multiple community organizations in Smith County, TX, is a dedicated Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan and is an assistant coach with the Whitehouse-Tyler Metro Track & Field Team. Jamie and her husband Willie have been married for 12 years and have two daughters, McKinley and Kacey, one son, Cameron, three step daughters, Brittany, Tiffany and Whitney, and six grandchildren. Willie is a certified peace officer for over 25 years and a U.S. Army veteran.

Jamie enjoys being a mom and wife, making social media videos, podcasting, designing monuments and niches for families and spending time with her best friends called the Cru.