Road Superintendent Jonas Smelcer to Resign Effective August 31

Sevier County, Tennessee (August 15, 2025) - Sevier County Road Superintendent Jonas Smelcer, Tennessee’s longest-serving road superintendent, will resign effective August 31, 2025, after 43 years of service.

Elected in 1982, Smelcer has overseen a transformation of the county’s infrastructure. When he first took office, many county roads were still dirt and rock; today, all roads are paved. The Sevier County Highway Department now maintains approximately 1,000 miles of roadway.

“Jonas Smelcer has dedicated his career to improving and maintaining our county’s roads and infrastructure,” said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “His work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the people of Sevier County have been remarkable, and he will be dearly missed. We are grateful for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Under Tennessee law, the departing superintendent may designate an interim successor. Jonas Smelcer has submitted a written designation naming longtime Assistant Director Donnie Adams as interim Road Superintendent. Upon Smelcer’s resignation, Adams will assume the duties immediately as Interim Road Superintendent for up to 120 days.

During the 120-day period, the Sevier County Board of Commissioners will work with state officials to accept applications and appoint or recommend a new superintendent for approval by the Tennessee Highway Officials Certification Board. The appointed individual will serve out the remainder of the current term, through the next county election in 2026.