Commissioner McGinnis

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9/2/2010

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Commissioner William A McGinnis

Bill was elected to the post of Smith County Commissioner Precinct #2 in 2006. Before being elected Commissioner, Bill served the citizens of Smith County for 20 years as Administrative Assistant to the Commissioners Court. Bill was responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the day-to-day operations and management of Smith County and attended countless hours of county government continuing education.

Early in his adult life, Bill entered the field of news broadcasting, specializing in government and political reporting. Rising from “cub” reporter to News Director, Bill interviewed a wide range of public figures including President Jimmy Carter, Presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan, Vice-President/President, George H. Bush, several

Texas Governors, Actress Sandy Duncan, Country & Western star, George Strait, Pro-Rodeo legend Jim Shoulders and author of the bestseller “Roots,” Alex Haley. Since his “roots” were in East Texas, Bill jumped at the chance in 1983 to relocate from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area to East Texas, settling in Smith County, only 40 miles from the old McGinnis family homestead overlooking Lake Fork. During his news career Bill won several awards, including a National “Best Newscast” award, before leaving broadcasting to join Smith County in 1987.

Contact Information:
Smith County Annex Building
200 E. Ferguson, Suite 100
Tyler, Texas 75702

(903) 590-4602

Click here to email Commissioner McGinnis

Memberships and Awards:

Smith County Peace Officers Association - 26 year member.
National Rifle Association - Member
Recognized by Smith County Victims Services for 'Outstanding Service to Victims of Crime.'
Smith County Jail Disciplinary Board – Past Chairman
Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce - 'Leadership Tyler' Class IX.
Associate Member, Smith County Republican Women
Smith County Historical Commission
Carnegie History Center Museum - Past President
Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society - Charter member.
Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society - Board of Directors
Tyler Masonic Lodge – Past Master
District Deputy Grand Master of the Masons of Smith County, 2002
National Harley Owners Group, HOG – Member
Harley-Davidson International Advisory Panel - Member

Community Involvement:

Christ Episcopal Church - Member
International Association of Clan MacInnes – Member
Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy - Volunteer
Lake Tyler Association Annual Clean-up - Volunteer
Operation Lifesaver Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program – Volunteer Presenter
Range Riders MC - Member

Additional Information:

Bill is married to the former Lynn Rae Matthews of Troup. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. Bill and Lynn are very proud members of Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler. Bill and Lynn are also long time volunteers in Therapet, a non-profit organization that utilizes dogs, cats, and other animals in animal assisted therapy. The group regularly visits area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and hospices to bring the healing powers of animals to those in need. Their French Bulldog, “Jake” is a Therapet and also holds a title in Rally Obedience. They are also very involved in the International Association of Clan MacInnes. Bill even authored a poem commemorating the rebirth of the Clan Castle in the Highlands of Scotland, which now hangs in the Great Hall of Kinlochaline Castle.

Bill's other interests include writing, ancient history, biblical archeology, travel and riding his Harley-Davidson.