Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn announced appointments to three key positions in her incoming administration this week, naming Andy Holt commissioner of agriculture, Mark Ezell commissioner of tourist development, and Todd Kaestner commissioner of finance and administration.
The appointments are part of Blackburn’s ongoing effort to assemble her cabinet ahead of taking office in January 2027.
Holt, who currently serves as commissioner of agriculture, will remain in the position under Blackburn. Governor Bill Lee appointed Holt to the role in October 2025. Before that, Holt served as deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for the department’s business development division.
He also served 10 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 76.
This morning, it's my honor to announce Andy Holt as Commissioner of Agriculture!
When combined, agriculture and forest products represent the largest industry category in Tennessee’s economy at $103.8B. The industry represents the backbone of our state’s economy and is present… pic.twitter.com/vgDVdPtUig
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 13, 2026
“When combined, agriculture and forest products represent the largest industry category in Tennessee’s economy at $103.8B,” Blackburn said in announcing Holt’s appointment. “The industry represents the backbone of our state’s economy and is present in every community across the entire state.”
Blackburn said Holt brings years of experience as a farmer and an influential voice in Tennessee agricultural policy. She said she looks forward to working with him to expand opportunities for farmers and forest products producers while strengthening rural communities.
Holt said he is honored to continue serving in the role.
“I appreciate Governor-elect Blackburn’s confidence in me and I look forward to working with her administration to serve, support and promote our farmers & forest product producers, while pursuing value-added agricultural & forest product opportunities, identifying new markets for Tennessee producers and strengthening rural communities across our state,” Holt said.
Blackburn also announced that Mark Ezell will continue serving as commissioner of tourist development under her administration, citing his record of growing Tennessee’s tourism industry.
Tourism is one of Tennessee’s greatest economic strengths, supporting communities, creating jobs, and showcasing everything that makes our state special.
As we continue to build out our cabinet, I'm thrilled to announce Mark Ezell as Commissioner of Tourist Development!
Mark… pic.twitter.com/nQ5faeIOpc
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 13, 2026
“Tourism is one of Tennessee’s greatest economic strengths, supporting communities, creating jobs, and showcasing everything that makes our state special,” Blackburn said, adding that she looks forward to building on Ezell’s work to keep Tennessee a “world-class destination.”
Blackburn named Kaestner as commissioner of finance and administration, where he will oversee a department central to the governor-elect’s stated goal of reducing government spending and improving accountability.
Taxpayers deserve a state government that is efficient, accountable, and responsible with every dollar entrusted to it, and today, it's my privilege to announce Todd Kaestner as Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
As governor, I will make it a priority to take a hard… pic.twitter.com/XnuIj8c2gA
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 12, 2026
Kaestner has experience serving as a Williamson County Commissioner for five years and most recently retired as the executive vice president of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., where he worked for 41 years in finance, development, acquisitions, dispositions, and capital formation – helping grow the company into the largest senior living operator in the U.S. valued at $5.8 billion.
“Taxpayers deserve a state government that is efficient, accountable, and responsible with every dollar entrusted to it,” Blackburn said.
She said her administration will examine state spending, root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and streamline government.
“Todd brings the financial experience and leadership needed to help us build a leaner, more fiscally responsible government that puts Tennessee taxpayers first,” Blackburn added.
The cabinet announcements follow Blackburn’s selection of Michael Hendrix, currently Governor Lee’s policy director, as her incoming chief of staff.
Last week, Blackburn also named Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter to lead her gubernatorial transition committee and announced an advisory committee composed of former lawmakers, administration officials, and business leaders.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn.
