Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn has named a Transition Advisory Committee as she prepares to take office in Nashville early next year.
Blackburn defeated Democrat Jerri Green and several independent and other candidates in Tuesday's general election. She is scheduled to be sworn in as governor on Jan. 16, 2027.
She remains a U.S. senator until she names a replacement for that seat.
The advisory committee reports to chairman Stuart McWhorter and includes five members Blackburn said will help ensure a smooth handoff of state leadership.
Donna Barrett, a former Tennessee House member who helped dismantle the state's income tax, is on the panel. Julie Beaman, former chief of staff to Gov. Bill Lee, is also listed.
Steve Brophy, who served as Blackburn's chief of staff from 2003 to 2009, joins the group along with Cato Johnson, a longtime health-care public policy figure, and Arch Trimble, who founded an economic development firm.
Blackburn said her team is already working on the transition. Campaign themes she has highlighted include property-tax relief ideas for seniors and first-time homebuyers and ways to lower costs for new housing.
State political observers said the mix of legislative, gubernatorial and private-sector experience is meant to bridge Capitol Hill and the governor's office.
More appointments are expected as Blackburn builds out the administration that will take over in January.
Community readers following the story through local and national outlets will see updates as officials release more verified detail.
Editors will continue tracking primary reporting rather than unverified social media claims circulating around the headline.
Sources: WBBJ; WSMV; Marsha Blackburn transition announcement