Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn announced Wednesday the leadership team that will oversee her January 2027 gubernatorial inauguration, naming political strategist Ward Baker as chairman of the inaugural committee.
Baker, the founder and president of Baker Group Strategies, previously served as a senior adviser to Blackburn’s successful 2026 gubernatorial campaign and her 2018 and 2024 U.S. Senate campaigns. He also formerly served as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
“Ward Baker is a trusted friend, leader, and winner, and I am proud to announce that he will serve as my Inaugural chair,” Blackburn said in a statement. “Ward has a deep love for Tennessee and shares in my commitment to building a bigger, better, and stronger future for generations to come. I know he will bring together a tremendous team to plan an inauguration that celebrates the people of Tennessee, the hard work that got us here, and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Volunteer State.”
Excited to announce the executive leadership team and co-chairs for our inauguration, led by Chairman @WardBaker.
Full statement here: pic.twitter.com/vvF4xseRsn
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 11, 2026
The inaugural executive leadership team will also include Amy Pass as executive director, Melina Settles as director of donor relations, Anna Katherine White as director of communications, and Mary Morgan Ketchel as strategic adviser.
Pass most recently oversaw fundraising for Blackburn’s gubernatorial campaign and previously served as finance director for both of her U.S. Senate campaigns. Settles served as state finance director for Blackburn’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign and her 2024 Senate reelection campaign.
White serves as communications director for Baker Group Strategies and previously worked on Blackburn’s gubernatorial and Senate campaigns. Ketchel brings decades of experience in event management and fundraising.
Blackburn named Jim Haslam, founder of Pilot Corporation and a prominent Tennessee businessman, as honorary co-chair of the inauguration.
The governor-elect also selected four couples to serve as inaugural co-chairs, representing communities across the state. They include Daphene and Scott Andrew of the Tri-Cities, Anita and Tom Decosimo of Chattanooga, Stephanie and John Ingram of Nashville, and Anne and Mike Keeney of Memphis.
The announcement comes as Blackburn continues assembling the team that will help guide her transition into the governor’s office after her November 3 victory in the gubernatorial election.
On Tuesday, Blackburn announced that Michael Hendrix, currently Governor Bill Lee’s policy director, will serve as her chief of staff. She also launched a transition website inviting Tennesseans to apply for positions in her incoming administration.
Last week, Blackburn selected Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter to chair her gubernatorial transition committee and announced an advisory committee that includes 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.
