In his current position as the Director of La Vergne’s Economic Development Department Thomas Broeker has worked diligently to bring new commercial and industrial developments to La Vergne. Under his direction the Economic Development Department has brought in an Amazon distribution hub, Amazon sortation facility, the expansion of Cardinal Health, and the relocation of Icee headquarters from Orange County, California to La Vergne. Thomas has also had success on the commercial front, bringing Wal-Mart, Planet Fitness, and Dunkin Donuts among others to the city. Recently the department announced they will be welcoming the state of Tennessee’s first BJ’s Wholesale Club. Thomas earned the designation of Tennessee Certified Economic Developer from the University of Tennessee. Thomas is among only 73 individuals in Tennessee that hold this certification.  Additionally, Thomas has graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI). Thomas intends to sit for the prestigious CEcD exam offered by the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) in the near future.

Thomas has previously served two terms as an Alderman for the city. He was the chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the Greenway Advisory Committee and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Thomas additionally served on the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Currently Thomas serves on the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Thomas retired from the United States Postal Service after having worked at the La Vergne Post Office for 15 years. He served as an official of the American Postal Workers Union, as a national and state delegate, and served as the Area Offices Director for Middle Tennessee. Thomas also runs his own successful small business based in the city of La Vergne.

Sarah Shelby joined the Economic Development Department in 2022 in the role of Business Retention and Expansion Specialist. Sarah comes to the City of La Vergne with extensive experience in business administration, analytics and project management.

Sarah attended the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, as well as Motlow Community College. She is currently pursuing her Tennessee Economic Developer Certification from the University of Tennessee. Sarah is also enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. Sarah is excited to establish productive relationships with La Vergne’s existing businesses as well as facilitate their future growth.