Commissioner James H. (Jim) Fyke
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Commissioner Jim Fyke,on the day of his swearing-in, expresses gratitude for the confidence demonstrated by Governor Phil Bredesen (background).

State Parks East Tennessee Regional Manager Herb Roberts joins Commissioner Fyke at groundbreaking for "Darrell's Dream," a Boundless Playground being built at Warriors' Path State Park in Kingsport.

Jim Fyke was appointed Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) by Governor Phil Bredesen on April 14, 2005. A true parks and conservation professional, Jim brings a distinguished career with more than 40 years of successful public service to this critical post.

Prior to his appointment as TDEC Commissioner, Fyke served the department as Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation since April 2003. Through his leadership as Deputy Commissioner, all state parks and facilities were reopened, and the management structure was reorganized to reflect a regional system that was more responsive to local community needs. Throughout his career, Fyke has placed emphasis on employee involvement in the workplace, and he made it a point to visit every one of Tennessee's 54 state parks within one year of being on the job. Other milestone accomplishments during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner include the development of Tennessee's Five Year State Recreation Plan in 2004 and being asked to spearhead the Governor's Land Conservation Initiative in 2005.

In 2003, Fyke retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation after 25 years leading the Board as Parks Director and 39 years of total service. Under Jim's leadership as Parks Director, Nashville's system increased from 57 to 100 parks and the amount of acreage increased from 5,800 to 10,237. As Nashville's parks received numerous awards and accolades during this period, Jim earned the reputation as an effective manager, partner and steward of the public's recreational assets. Working closely with then Mayor Phil Bredesen, Fyke brought a renewed focus on parks, greenways and trails through a real commitment to adding and expanding green space wherever possible. Over the eight years of the Bredesen Administration in Nashville, more than 2,500 acres of parks and greenways were added in Metro. One of the single-largest additions was along the Cumberland River - the 800-acre urban park and greenway system known as Shelby Bottoms.

Jim is married to Becky, father to Claire, step-father to Rebecca and Ryan and proud grandfather to Kacey. He is a native of Old Hickory, Tennessee and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.

AWARDS:

• 2005 Toastmasters International Communication & Leadership Award
  
• 2003 Tennessee Golf Foundation Person of the Year
• 2003 Nashville Tree Foundation’s Best Friend Award
• 2002 Youth Incorporated Award for dedication to youth sports
• 2001 Nashville Sports Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award for superior achievements in the world of sports in the Nashville area.
• 2001 Best Friend Award from Friends of Warner Parks organization for outstanding and dedicated service to the Warner Parks.
• 1982 Fellow Award for outstanding service and contributions to the Parks and Recreation Profession in Tennessee

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERSHIPS:

• TVA Regional Resource Stewardship Council
• Nashville Sports Council
• Nashville Predators Foundation
• Charles Davis Foundation (Nashville, Tennessee)