Governor Lee Appoints Lawrenceburg Advocate to State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Governor Bill Lee has appointed Ricky Skillington of Lawrenceburg to a three-year term on the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, representing South Central Tennessee.

The Council is a state agency focused on improving services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Skillington brings decades of experience as an advocate for people with disabilities, particularly through his work supporting his daughter, Ginger, who has cerebral palsy. He has long been active in programs such as Special Olympics, Buddy Ball, and Abigail’s Plan, and he trained to serve as an advocate for school children with disabilities.

A 2010 graduate of the Council’s Partners in Policymaking leadership and advocacy program, Skillington is also a retired UT Extension agent with 37 years of service. He currently serves as a Lawrence County commissioner, is a licensed auctioneer, and remains active in local organizations including Rotary and the New Prospect Community Club.

Skillington and his wife Kay have been married for 42 years and have two adult children. His appointment underscores the Council’s commitment to connecting state-level work with the needs of families in local communities. He will join quarterly meetings with the full Council and serve as a representative for Lawrence County and the surrounding region.

The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities works to strengthen inclusion, independence, and self-determination for people with disabilities by shaping policies and improving service systems across the state.