Diona E. Layden, Esq. has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) by the Executive Director, Muriel Malone Nolen. The appointment was made official on Monday, September 16, 2024.
In her new role, Layden will collaborate with the Executive Director to manage the daily operations of the Commission. Her responsibilities will include enforcement and administration, policy and procedure development, agency budgeting, and staff supervision. Additionally, she will oversee the mediation, intake, and investigative processes of the Commission.
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Executive Director Muriel Malone Nolen expressed her enthusiasm about Layden’s addition to the team, noting her extensive experience in executive leadership positions within the State of Tennessee, including roles such as Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Director.
Before rejoining state government, Layden served as a Special Collections Librarian at Fisk University. Her prior experience includes over 15 years with the State of Tennessee, holding various roles such as Deputy General Counsel with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of General Counsel, Deputy Director with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Health, Licensure and Regulation, and Hearing Officer with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Layden’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Master of Science degree along with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The THRC has also seen recent appointments in its Legal Division. William Wade was named General Counsel on July 14, 2024. Wade, who joined the Commission in 2018, has previously served as the Commission’s Assistant Attorney and Associate General Counsel. As General Counsel, Wade will provide legal counsel to the THRC and support the Commission in areas such as advising investigations, supporting Title VI compliance monitoring, and participating in educational initiatives.
Additionally, Christopher Cowart was appointed as Associate General Counsel on September 1, 2024. Cowart brings significant experience from his previous roles as General Counsel with the Knoxville Leadership Foundation and Assistant District Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District Attorney General’s Office in Sevierville.
The mission of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission is to protect individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement. The THRC is the primary state agency tasked with enforcing civil rights laws in Tennessee related to employment, housing, and public accommodations, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, and retaliation.
For further information on the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, individuals can call 800-251-3589, email ask.thrc@tn.gov, or visit the agency’s website at www.tn.gov/humanrights.
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