Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster on servant leadership, responsible growth, broadband expansion, and preserving the heart of Crossville and the Upper Cumberland
“I don’t think leadership is about dictating. I think it’s about serving the people that put you in office.”
That philosophy has become the foundation of how Allen Foster approaches leadership in Cumberland County.
For Foster, public service is not about status or recognition. It is about stewardship, responsibility, and making sure future generations can continue to enjoy the same sense of community that shaped his own life growing up in Crossville, Tennessee.
Mayor Allen Foster
Born and raised in Cumberland County, Foster says the values instilled in him early on still guide every decision he makes today.
“We were not a family of means,” he says. “We grew a garden because we needed the garden.”
That upbringing taught him the importance of hard work, humility, and servant leadership long before he ever considered running for public office.
A Deep Connection to Cumberland County
After graduating from Tennessee Technological University, Foster began a career in information technology and moved to Nashville with his wife, Rebecca. But despite building successful careers there, the couple felt pulled back toward home after the birth of their daughter.
“I remember looking at her in the hospital and looking at Rebecca and thinking, we need to go back home,” Foster recalls.
Returning to Cumberland County was never viewed as a sacrifice. For the Foster family, it was an opportunity to raise children in the same community that shaped them.
That connection to home eventually inspired Foster to enter public service. In 2002, he ran for school board because he believed local children and education deserved strong leadership. Later, he served on the county commission before eventually becoming mayor.
Ironically, Foster says becoming mayor was never part of a long-term personal plan.
When community members first encouraged him to run, he repeatedly said no. But after continued conversations with friends, pastors, and family, including encouragement from his wife Rebecca, he began to seriously consider the opportunity.
“She said, ‘I think you’d be a great mayor,’” Foster says.
After much prayer and reflection, he decided to run. He won the election and was sworn in as Cumberland County mayor the very day he left his previous position at Roane State Community College.
Expanding Broadband Access Across Cumberland County
One of the most impactful initiatives during Foster’s time as mayor has been broadband expansion throughout Cumberland County.
When Foster first took office, internet access was one of the most common concerns raised during public meetings. Many residents in rural parts of the county lacked reliable high-speed internet, creating challenges for education, business, healthcare access, and remote work opportunities.
Rather than treating broadband as a temporary inconvenience, Foster viewed it as critical infrastructure for the future of Crossville and the Cumberland Plateau.
At the time, Cumberland County was not fully positioned to compete for major broadband funding opportunities. Foster and local leaders worked to gather data, improve mapping systems, and advocate for the county at the state and federal levels.
That work paid off in a major way.
When federal broadband funding became available, Cumberland County secured the largest broadband award in the state of Tennessee.
Today, broadband expansion continues throughout the county, bringing improved connectivity to thousands of households and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Planning for the Future of the Cumberland Plateau
Another issue Foster believes will define the future of Cumberland County is water infrastructure.
As a strong advocate for the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority, Foster has supported regional collaboration between utility systems to ensure long-term sustainability across the Upper Cumberland region.
He believes infrastructure planning should always extend beyond current needs and focus on future generations.
“I want my great-grandkids to turn the water on and have no clue what work went into making sure that happened,” he says.
That long-view perspective influences nearly every area of Foster’s leadership, from public safety improvements to county infrastructure and economic development.
Preserving the History and Identity of Crossville
While Foster supports growth and modernization, he is equally passionate about preserving the identity and character of Cumberland County.
One project he speaks proudly about is the restoration of the historic Cumberland County Courthouse in downtown Crossville. Beyond preserving a historic landmark, Foster sees the project as an investment in the community’s future.
He is also proud of the county’s emergency medical services, veterans services, partnerships with Tennessee Tech, and efforts to strengthen local fire protection and public infrastructure.
Throughout his time as mayor, Foster says fiscal responsibility has remained a priority.
Under his leadership, Cumberland County has completed major projects and improvements while reducing overall county debt and avoiding unnecessary new debt for many initiatives.
For Foster, careful stewardship matters because taxpayer trust matters.
Leading Through Servant Leadership
At the center of everything Foster discusses is a consistent belief in servant leadership.
He wants Cumberland County to continue growing while protecting the qualities that make the community unique. He believes economic growth and community identity can coexist when approached thoughtfully and responsibly.
“We need to keep the things that made us the community that we love,” he says.
Even after years in office, Foster says he still feels humbled each morning when he walks into the courthouse.
“I can’t believe the people trusted me to be here,” he says.
That gratitude continues to shape how he serves the people of Cumberland County today.
Because for Allen Foster, leadership has never been about standing above the community. It has always been about remaining deeply rooted within it.
Written by Melissa Ellis
Photography by Olivia Merritt
