About John

John Gillespie is serving his first term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He represents House District 97 which includes most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova. John is one of only two freshman members who serve on the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. He is also a member of the Education Administration Committee and the Civil Justice Committee.

John is a native Memphian and son of Elizabeth and Trow Gillespie. He has two brothers, two nieces, and a nephew. John graduated from High Point University in North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is a longtime member of Saint John’s Episcopal Church.

His professional career began in the banking business at First Tennessee. John learned the financial business from the ground up. He started as a Financial Service Representative opening new accounts and serving as the face of the bank. He later moved to Evolve Bank and Trust where he worked in the mortgage division. John reviewed home loans to ensure compliance before families closed on their new home.

John presently serves as Grant Coordinator at Trezevant Episcopal Home. He writes and researches grants, plans events, and solicits major gifts at Trezevant.

John is active in community service organizations. He is a member of the Phoenix Club of Memphis where he’s helped raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club. John served as Assistant Campaign Manager for former Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell’s successful 2010 campaign and was active in other campaigns prior to his election in 2020.