Colonel Sam Whitson, U.S. Army (Retired)
Colonel Sam Whitson is an eighth-generation Tennessean who was born and raised in Nashville. He earned undergraduate degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. A graduate of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and Army War College, Sam served 26 years as a Regular Army officer before retiring as a Colonel in 2002.
During his military career, Sam commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade levels and held staff positions in combat units at the battalion, brigade, division, and corps levels. A Gulf War veteran, his awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the German Army Airborne Badge.
Following his military service, Sam was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives, where he served from 2016 to 2024. As a legislator, he chaired the Transportation Subcommittee and served on multiple key committees, including Finance, Transportation, Health, and Ethics. His leadership was recognized through numerous honors, such as Legislator of the Year by the Greater Nashville Regional Council (2024), Alzheimer’s Association TN Chapter (2024), Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (2023), and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (2021), among many others.
Beyond public office, Sam has been deeply committed to his community. He has served in leadership roles with the Tennessee Historical Society, Tennessee History for Kids, the Battle of Franklin Trust, Franklin Noon Rotary, Save the Franklin Battlefield, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, and many other civic and veterans’ organizations. He also chaired the City of Franklin Battlefield Preservation Commission and the Carter House State Historic Site.
Sam has been married to his high school sweetheart, Pam, for more than 51 years. Together, they have two sons and five grandchildren.