George Chism for Shelby County Commission District 2

As the August general election draws near, all 13 Shelby County Commission seats are up for election. In District 2, one of two seats is being contested between Republican David Bradford and Democrat Tom Carpenter.

Here is what each candidate has to offer voters in this race.

Early Life and Education

He had a distinguished career in education. He served as the founding principal of Raleigh-Egypt High School and later Germantown High School’s principal.

He served on the Shelby County School Board from 1992 until 2002, yet never stopped helping those around him.

Chism’s tenure in Germantown marked the transition of its small city center to an upper class suburb. He transformed Germantown High School into a nationally renowned institution for academics, athletics and fine arts.

He was renowned for his often irreverent attitude and sense of humor, making him a legend in the local community. Throughout his political career, he never lost a battle and held two positions as city aldermen before retiring from public office.

Professional Career

George Chism, a longtime Germantown High principal and alderman, was an ardent supporter of his hometown school. He assumed the reins as principal in 1969 and served until 2002 – leading the city’s transformation from small village to upper-class suburb.

His career in community service was particularly remarkable, spanning over four decades of service. Most impressively, however, was his capacity for attracting and keeping the best talent in his field. He excelled at hiring the right people for each job and coaching them towards success – whether in athletics or academics. Plus he had an irrepressible sense of humor too! Survived by his wife of 53 years Alyce Ann Barnes Chism; two children George Chism and Lee-Ann Kight; four grandchildren Barnes and Anna Chism; Max and Jacob Kight;

Achievements and Honors

George Chism is an active participant in many civic and professional organizations, serving as a TSSAA official on Shelby County schools’ athletic fields and gyms. Additionally, he volunteers for numerous charities.

He loves gardening and cooking in his free time. Beyond this, he is a dedicated family man – husband to his three children and proud father of them all.

He is a graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia and an Army veteran.

Professor Joe Morris at University of Houston teaches courses on African American history and U.S. civil rights. In addition, he offers a service-learning designated course that uses oral history to examine how different community groups have framed and preserved Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. Students will be interviewing leaders from Houston’s Black Heritage Society and Rothko Chapel during this immersive experience.

Personal Life

A person’s personal life consists of their private activities and interests. It may also encompass the relationships they have with others.

George Chism’s personal life was marked by his many friends, family and the activities he loved. He was heavily involved in his community as well as being an accomplished professional.

George Chism’s personal life is an integral part of who he is as an individual, enabling him to live according to his own wishes and aspirations.