Tennessee Governor Bill Lee made another staff change to his legislative leadership team one month after announcing his new policy director, press secretary, and senior advisor appointments.
On Tuesday, Lee announced that his legislative director, Brent Easley, will step down next month to return to the private sector. Easley (pictured above, left) has served Lee since joining his transition team in 2018.
I wish him much success in his next chapter & have full confidence that Liz Alvey’s significant legislative & leadership experience will continue our work to make life better for all Tennesseans.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) September 12, 2023
The governor called Easley “one of the longest-serving members” of his senior team, noting he has “played a central role in crafting and achieving the Lee administration’s legislative agenda.”
“Easley has been instrumental in achieving the Governor’s top legislative initiatives, which include expanding access to high-quality education, boosting economic development, modernizing transportation and infrastructure, and responsibly investing in the priorities of Tennesseans. Additionally, he advised the Governor as a member of the COVID-19 Unified Command to streamline coordination across executive branch agencies,” Lee’s office said in a press release.
Liz Alvey, who serves as legislative counsel in the governor’s office, will succeed Easley, effective October 16.
Alvey (pictured above, right) has previously worked with the Tennessee State Senate since 1999 and has served as the senior policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris since 2007.
“For nearly five years, Brent has led the administration’s legislative efforts to strengthen Tennessee’s economy, ensure educational opportunity for all students, and prioritize infrastructure across rural and urban communities,” Lee said in a statement. “I wish him much success in his next chapter and have full confidence that Liz’s significant legislative and leadership experience will continue our work to make life better for all Tennesseans.”
Last month, as previously reported by The Tennessee Star, Lee announced multiple transitions to his leadership team, including his appointments of a new policy director, press secretary, and senior advisor.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Rearranging the deck chairs in the Titanic Lee regime will not improve the results. His legacy will be one of sinking Tennessee politics to a modern low.