About Mike
Republican Mike Carpenter was elected to the Shelby County Commission in 2006 receiving 72% of the vote in the primary and 84% in the general election. From the start, Mike established a reputation for taking on tough issues and backing his decisions with sound data. As Commissioner, Mike has been a leader in the fight against crime, for efficiency, ethics and transparency in government and has helped bring down the County's debt. Mike has been an outspoken advocate for seniors, children and victims of domestic abuse. (Go to A Good Start to learn more about Mike's record).
Prior to election on the County Commission, Mike Carpenter served his party as political director of the Tennessee Republican Party (www.tngop.org) and managed or consulted on more than 50 Republican campaigns. Some of Mike's past clients include Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, State Senators, Diane Black, Jamie Woodson and Bill Ketron.
Mike Carpenter currently serves as President of the West Tennessee Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abc.org). ABC is a commercial construction trade association with a mission to promote and defend free enterprise and open competition 
throughout the industry. Mike serves more than 200 local companies with more than 8,000 employees and combined revenues of $1.3 billion. He also manages the workforce development arm of the organization, training both field and management level employees.
throughout the industry. Mike serves more than 200 local companies with more than 8,000 employees and combined revenues of $1.3 billion. He also manages the workforce development arm of the organization, training both field and management level employees.Mike is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Mary Ann, live in Cordova with their four children, J. Michael, 10, Taylor Ann, 8, Polly Marie, 6, and Lily Beth, 4. The Carpenters are active at First Evangelical Church (www.firstevan.org) where Mike has taught Sunday school and coached for nearly a decade.
In his final term as Commissioner, Mike Carpenter will continue his efforts to shrink the size of county government and establish a customer-service culture. He will use his relationships at the City, State and County levels to seek cooperation between local government and provide more "bang for the buck." Mike has the knowledge and experience to continue addressing complex issues like school funding, The MED and consolidation in an educated and thoughtful manner.
Community Involvement
- Co-Chair, Mayor AC Wharton Transition Team
- Board Member, Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission
- Team Leader, Strategy 4, Operation: Safe Community
- Board Member, Domestic Violence Council
- Board Member, Riverwood Farms Homeowners Association
- Board Member, Shelby County Retirement Board
- Board Member, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
- Board Member, STEP