County Judge Neal Franklin

Neal Franklin was sworn in as Smith County Judge on November 9, 2022, after winning the March Primary Election.

He began serving as Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner on January 1, 2021.

He is committed to helping the Smith County region become an even greater place to live, work and raise a family. He desires to expand his personal ability to serve our community to make an impact on the lives of everyone in Smith County and beyond. Neal is focused on improving opportunities and services for the people of Smith County. He firmly believes in the power of public service to affect positive change in our communities. It is his passion to serve and improve the lives of the citizens and employees of Smith County.

HISTORY OF WORK AND LEADERSHIP

Neal has more than 30 years of leadership experience thanks to his time in the Fire and EMS field. He served in a diverse range of roles including Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Tyler for more than seven years. As the General Manager for ETMC EMS for more than seven years, he served all or part of 15 counties in East Texas, managing more than 500 employees. Neal also facilitated training for Core Insights, providing leadership training and strategic planning for corporations, nonprofits, counties and municipalities.

HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Texas Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors
• Better Business Bureau Board of Directors
• BCFS/ Baptist Child and Family Services Board of Directors
• Tyler Junior College/ Emergency Medical Service Professions Advisory Board of Directors-Chair
• Smith County BHLT/ Behavioral Health Leadership Team- Co-Chair, Stakeholder
• Leadership Tyler Marketing Committee
• The Children’s Park of Tyler Board of Directors
• Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Board of Directors

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Neal Franklin was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, where he attended Tyler ISD schools. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1984.

Neal and his wife Valli have been married for 38 years with three children and two grandchildren. They reside in Bullard, where they enjoy golf and spending time with their family and friends. They are members of Emerald Bay Community Church.

State of the County Address

Judge Franklin's 2023 State of the County presentation at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on April 4, 2023, can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu9qzQKuvUI&t=1431s 

Contact Information

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

Phone: (903) 590-4625
Email: nfranklin@smith-county.com