Levan Gardner was born in Washington DC to the proud parents of Levan Gardner II and Lela Ratley. He is the second oldest of seven children. Levan moved to Chattanooga, TN at an early age where he was raised by his grandparents, Hutchen and Athelstein Maddox. He graduated from Kirkman Technical High School and continued his education at Tuskegee University majoring in Industrial Arts Education. During his summer breaks from Tuskegee University, he worked as a season laborer at Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga, TN.

He eventually became a State Park Ranger in 1992 and has served as the Park Superintendent at Booker T. Washington State Park since 2002. Levan’s community involvement includes the Chattanooga Environmental Education Alliance, Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative, Big Tymerz Clown Posse and various community programs and initiatives. Masonic Affiliations include: Lookout Lodge #29 Prince Hall Mason; Past Master : Mystic Chapter #11 H.R.A.M.; Excellent High Priest : Alton W Patton Council #3 R.&S.M. : Oriental Commandery #27 K.T.; Treasurer : Alfrada Consistory #65 A.A.S.R., PHA : Hyksos Temple #123; Illustrious Potentate 2011-2012 One of Levan’s favorite quotes is “My problems and complaints are someone else’s blessings. There is no need to complain so be content with where you are in life.”