July 7 Meeting: 6th District State Senate candidates Victoria DeFreese and Marilyn Roddy

VICTORIA DEFREESE BIO

Victoria DeFreese was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Speedway Public High School and went to Johnson University in Knoxville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

Besides her degree in education, DeFreese has a wide array of hands-on educational experience as an instructor for Talented And Gifted (TAG), consultant for a British publisher, a home school instructor, a satellite school instructor, Johnson University adjunct instructor and guest speaker, a tutor, a proctor for standardized testing, assistant director at Shades Development, an assessment team member for a Title I Tutoring program, Writing Boot Camp Instructor, and a 6th grade Reading and Language teacher.

In addition to her education acumen, DeFreese has served on the Knox County Library Advisory Board, on the Transfer of Development Rights Land-Use Concept task force, as a Republican precinct delegate, and as an interim Knox County Commissioner.

For nearly 18 years, DeFreese has made her home in South Knoxville with her husband, Donald. She is the proud mother of three daughters and one son: Savannah, Isabelle, Marietta, and James, who are all enrolled in the Knox County school system. The DeFreeses enjoy hiking, camping, and spending time together with friends and family.

MARILYN RODDY BIO

Marilyn has served the last seven years as at an At-Large member of Knoxville’s City Council, working closely with the Haslam Administration to bring growth and fiscal discipline to the City. Marilyn can often be found at community events and meetings across Knox County. Marilyn believes that leadership begins with listening.

Marilyn Chairs the City of Knoxville Audit Committee, is a member of the City Investment Advisory Board and has served as co-chair of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Committee. As a member of Council, she has focused on services and finances, the backbone of local government.

Marilyn is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a former third grade teacher. She has been involved in the community for over 20 years. She is immediate Past President of the Metropolitan Drug Commission and was Vice Chairman of the Legacy Parks Foundation. She is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville, has served as her daughters’ elementary school PTA president and has been a member of the Ijams Nature Center Board of Directors. Marilyn is an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, where she has served as a Sunday school teacher and leader.

Marilyn and Patrick Roddy have been married for over 25 years and are the parents of three daughters, ages 15, 19, and 22. They enjoy supporting their daughters’ many activities.