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Bradley County Extension Agent John Gavin has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025.
Gavin began his career with the Extension Service in Nevada County in 1985 where he stayed for 4 years before transferring to Union County. His last move was to take a job in Bradley County as an Agriculture/Community Development Agent. He was promoted to Staff Chairman in 1996 when Ms. Jean Frisby retired.
John has been very civic and community minded by volunteering and working in numerous capacities such as Bradley County Chamber Board Chairman, Pink Tomato Festival Chairman, Rotary President, Paul Harris Fellow & BCEDC to name just a few.
John’s family raised tomatoes on their farm so tomatoes are near and dear to his heart. He has traveled all over the state teaching and demonstrating practices regarding tomatoes and affectionately became known as “Mr. Tomato” around Extension co-workers and farmers across the state. He was once invited to travel overseas to demonstrate US horticulture practices to farmers in Turkmenistan, but was not able to make the trip due to his son being born during the same time.
During his Extension career of more than 40 years John has earned numerous awards on the local, state and national level, including National County Agent of the Year Award and also received the prestigious John W. White Outstanding County Extension Educator of the Year Award.
Working with youth through the 4-H programs and watching them grow and develop into young adults is some of the most rewarding parts of his job per Gavin.
Gavin also stated, “I will really miss working with the farmers that have become friends and like family to me. I think this was the hardest partabout deciding to retire, but I’ve had a very rewarding career of more than 40 years with Extension and it’s time.”
A Retirement Reception honoring John is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17th from 2 – 4 pm at the Warren Country Club if you would like to wish him well.
