Vivian Michael Wilhoite is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, who came to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University (TSU). Upon graduation from TSU, Vivian started her professional career as a Real Estate Appraiser at the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, formerly known as the Tennessee Public Service Commission (“Commission”) now known as the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). While at the Commission, Vivian was responsible for the appraisal of public utility properties for ad valorem tax purposes. She was promoted to the position of Assistant Director and later ascended to Chief of the Consumer Services Division. She concluded her career as the TRA’s statewide representative for Consumer Education & Outreach, a role in which she travelled the state empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their gas, water, electric, and telephone services.
Vivian believes her purpose in life is to serve others. She began walking in that purpose as an involved student at TSU. In 2003, she ran and was elected to serve as Representative of District 29 on the Metropolitan Davidson County Council. In 2007, she was re-elected by 72% of the votes which was the largest percentage of anyone running for local public office in that election year. While serving on the Metro Council, Vivian was selected as Vice-President of the National League of Cities Information, Technology and Communications Committee which played a major role in the implementation of the Broadband Plan and Digital Transition for the city of Nashville.
After serving eight (8) years on the Metro Council, Vivian remained active in the community and political arena. Seeing an opportunity to effect change and empower the masses, she again entered the political arena and ran for the Office of the Assessor of Property for Davidson County. On August 31, 2016, she took the oath of office for the term 2016-2020. In so doing, she became the first African American to hold the office of Assessor of Property in the history of Davidson County.
Vivian views public service as a lifetime commitment. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as numerous other boards and organizations. She and her family are active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Vivian most enjoys family time with her husband Larry and their two sons, Lelan and Pherius, as well as their beloved dog Feebie. She lives her life directed by the adage: “Do all the good you can, in every way you can, for all the people you can, while you can.”