In Tennessee, people news means executive hires, leadership moves and appointments of officials and professionals taking new roles. This page covers who is moving into which job, from corporate suites to public offices and university posts.
Marsha Blackburn won Tennessee's governor race and is expected to leave the U.S. Senate in January, leaving the governor to appoint a replacement.
Live Poll
Do you trust Tennessee's governor to fill Senate vacancies well?
November 5, 2026
Tennessee Names Doug Schoenrock Wildlife Agency ChiefThe Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously appointed the Arkansas Game and Fish director to lead the TWRA beginning January 2027.
November 4, 2026
Olsen Elected Chair-Elect of Study TennesseeTerry Olsen, founder of The Olsen Law Firm, was elected chair-elect of the statewide Study Tennessee consortium.
November 4, 2026
Blackburn Names McWhorter to Transition TeamGovernor-elect Marsha Blackburn has appointed Tennessee Deputy Governor Stuart C. McWhorter to chair her gubernatorial transition committee.
November 4, 2026
Lincoln Memorial Names Jake Simms Assistant DeanDr. Jake Simms joins the School of Business at Lincoln Memorial University in a new assistant dean role.
November 2, 2026
Strategic Risk Solutions Hires Merredith MoothMerredith Mooth, a certified public accountant with prior Tennessee captive insurance and state health department experience, joins Strategic Risk Solutions as senior account manager.
November 2, 2026
First Horizon Elects Vanderbilt Medical Chief to BoardJeffrey R. Balser, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins the boards of First Horizon Corporation and First Horizon Bank as an independent director.
October 30, 2026
Governor Lee Appoints Christopher Hansen Correction CommissionerThe veteran official steps into the interim role following the resignation of Commissioner Frank Strada.
October 23, 2026
Dolly Parton Estate Names New Brand AmbassadorThe estate has selected Danielle Parton to represent the iconic singer's legacy and ongoing fan outreach efforts.
October 20, 2026
TSSAA Legislative Council President Dan Black RetiresDan Black concludes his tenure as head of the TSSAA Legislative Council following a long career in Tennessee education.
October 14, 2026
Juan Jose Perez Inducted Into TICUA Hall of FameThe Lee University graduate was honored for his professional contributions and work with the Vista Village microhome project.
Coverage takes in chief executive changes, board elections, senior hires at companies and institutions, and appointments to state and local posts. Reporting reaches Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, along with the smaller cities and rural counties where leadership changes matter just as much. Leadership transitions at major employers and public agencies tend to ripple outward, so the ripple effects get reported alongside the announcement. Healthcare, logistics, higher education and finance produce a steady share of the state's leadership news.
