The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) has announced new leadership and staffing changes within its Division of Regulatory Boards. This division licenses and regulates over 317,000 professionals and businesses across 24 regulatory programs in Tennessee.
Reid Witcher, previously TDCI’s Legislative Director, has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Regulatory Boards. Witcher, a University of Tennessee graduate and former consultant at Rachel Barrett and Company, will now oversee the division’s team. His background includes participation in the Chancellor’s Honors Program, completion of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute, and membership in the University of Tennessee Young Alumni Council.
Latest TN News
Alex Martin, who has overseen the division since 2021, will transition to the role of Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant Commissioner at TDCI. Martin’s prior experience includes serving as Deputy Director of External Affairs and Director of Appointments for Governor Bill Lee.
“These leadership updates will move familiar faces into new roles while adding valuable new leaders that will help ensure our Department’s mission of protecting Tennesseans and empowering professionals,” stated TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. Lawrence expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to a changing environment and continue providing top-tier customer service.
Other notable leadership updates include:
– **Denise B. Baker**: Executive Director of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. Baker joined TDCI in 2023 from the Tennessee Department of Transportation Highway Beautification Office. She holds degrees in communications and public administration and has received the Tennessee Governor’s Excellence in Service Award.
– **Christopher Burkhart**: Executive Director of the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Burkhart, a 23-year U.S. Army veteran, holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University.
– **Christine Marotteck**: Executive Director of the Customer Service Center and Centralized Complaints. Marotteck has held various public service roles since 2013 and now manages a team providing assistance to licensed professionals and consumers.
– **Ashton Bode**: Executive Director for the Detection Services Licensing Program. Bode has been with TDCI since 2014, initially in Human Resources, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
– **Kristen Aplin**: Director of Administration within TDCI’s Division of Regulatory Boards Administration Section. Aplin has been with TDCI since 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University. She is a recipient of the Governor’s Excellence in Service Award.
For a complete overview of TDCI’s Regulatory Boards leadership team and photos, visit here.
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee Board Considers Tuition Increases
The Tennessee Board of Regents will discuss potential tuition increases for the 2024-25 academic year, with proposed hikes of 4.88% for technical colleges and 5.2% for community colleges, aiming to address inflation and new federal regulations while keeping tuition affordable through state financial aid programs.