Meet Betsy
Betsy is a native East Tennessean, a committed conservative Republican, and a two-term member of the Knox County School Board, where she has fought tirelessly to empower parents and strengthen our schools. Elected twice as Chair of the School Board, Betsy has championed common-sense policies that put families first and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee and a proud product of public schools, Betsy lives in Hardin Valley with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Logan and Molly. Her deep East Tennessee roots, combined with her experience in public and community service, shape her vision for a thriving Knox County.
After college, Betsy went to Washington to serve the people of East Tennessee in the office of Congressman Jimmy Duncan, beginning her position just days after September 11, 2001. In a time of national crisis — from 9/11 to the DC sniper and anthrax attacks — Betsy never flinched.
Elected to the Knox County School Board in 2020, Betsy quickly built a reputation as a fearless advocate. She stood firm to keep schools open during COVID, fought to end mask mandates, ensured police officers remained in our schools, and consistently championed parental rights. She is leading the way to make Knox County Schools a model district for serving our most vulnerable students, and she fought for a historic pay raise for teachers by cutting back and paying off debt, not asking taxpayers for a single extra dollar.
Betsy comes from a family that lived the American Dream. Her mother, Rebecca Lynch Kampas, grew up in South Knoxville, and her father, Victor Kampas, immigrated to the United States from Greece at age 16 through Ellis Island. Starting with little, her parents built a life through grit, determination, and relentless effort to provide for Betsy and her sisters. They founded and grew beloved East Tennessee businesses like the Varsity Inn, Vic’s Lake View Market, and Kampas Liquor — staples in the community for years. She understands the challenges small businesses face and believes the government should focus on providing core services like great roads and schools, keeping taxes low, and then getting out of the way so families and businesses can thrive.
As Mayor of Knox County, Betsy will continue to champion the values that make our community strong: personal freedom, responsibility, hard work, and low taxes. She will work to keep Knox County a place where families thrive, businesses flourish, and parents are empowered to make the best choices for their children.
Betsy was raised in Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, and her family attends Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.
COURAGEOUS CONSERVATIVE. FIGHTING FOR FAMILIES.
