With a BA in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University, I have over 20 years of experience in state government leadership and policy making. I started my career as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. Congress, where I was involved in constituent services, legislation and policy. In 1994, I returned to my home state of Tennessee to work on the Governor’s race. After the election, I joined Governor Sundquist’s Administration where I held various executive service roles and managed key projects and initiatives.I served as personal assistant to the Governor, Assistant to the Governor for Boards and Commissions, and as Deputy Policy Director. I served as chair of the Southern Governors' Association Staff Advisory Committee and as staff liaison to the Republican Governors’ Association. In 1999 The Governor appointed me Executive Director of the Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, the office that promotes and facilitates the growth and development of the film and music industries in Tennessee. I have been a passionate and dedicated volunteer for the Tennessee Arts Commission for over 20 years, serving as the chairperson for four terms and advocating for the arts and culture sector at the state and national levels. I have served on the executive committee of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, the regional board of SouthArts, and as President of Tennesseans for the Arts. My mission is to foster and support the artistic and cultural vitality of Tennessee.