Mark Padgett is a 21st-century entrepreneur who has the energy, experience, and vision to lead our great city. Successful in the private sector and the Bredesen administration (VIDEO), he has the executive experience necessary to create private sector jobs in Knoxville, strengthen our neighborhoods, overhaul inefficient city services, and cut government spending.

With $5,000 in savings and a borrowed laptop, Mark launched eGovernment Solutions in 2005. Today, he is a visionary CEO who has more than doubled his client base and created jobs during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. His company’s software allows government to work for the people, not the other way around, by making key services available online.

The business was a natural for Mark. In 2003, Governor Phil Bredesen asked him to join an important initiative to make state government more efficient. Using innovation and technology, the team improved customer service while slicing nearly 10% in waste from multiple state government departments/agencies.

A fourth-generation Knoxvillian, Mark grew up in the Lonsdale and Halls communities (VIDEO) where he learned working-class values and the importance of public service. He, his wife Katie, and their daughter Kirby now live in the Westmoreland/Rocky Hill community with their dog Cappy. They are members of First Baptist Church downtown, where Mark serves on the Outreach Council. Mark is also active with the Knoxville Young Professionals, Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board and LMU National Alumni Board of Directors. In 2008, Mark was named the LMU Young Alumni of the Year.

He is the son of Mike Padgett, who served as Knox County Clerk for 23 years and owned a restaurant in Lonsdale. Mark learned the value of hard work helping at his father's restaurant, picking up fruit in the morning and washing dishes at night. Mark’s grandfather, Bill Padgett, owned a grocery store in Lonsdale and served as a city council member for eight years in the early 60s. He later served in administrative positions with two different mayors.

Mark Padgett has the energy to implement new ideas for Knoxville (VIDEO). This is a great town built by strong families, innovative businesses and hard-working people. Armed with a track record of finding solutions and solving everyday problems, Mark Padgett represents Knoxville’s next generation of leadership and innovation. 

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