Gov. Bill Lee announces new chief counsel after top lawyer tapped as next attorney general

Melissa Brown, Nashville Tennessean
·1 min read

Gov. Bill Lee's deputy legal counsel Erin Merrick will succeed current chief legal counsel Jonathan Skrmetti, who was tapped last week to become Tennessee's next attorney general.

Merrick will assume the chief legal counsel role on Sept. 1, according to a release from Lee's office.

Skrmetti is the third Tennessee attorney general in a row to have served as the governor's legal counsel immediately prior to their appointment by the state Supreme Court to the seat.

“Jonathan is a brilliant legal mind with vast experience at the state and federal levels, and Tennesseans will be well-represented by his service as Attorney General,” Lee said in a statement. “Erin is a dedicated public servant who will lead with integrity and bring significant expertise as Chief Legal Counsel, and I appreciate her continued service to Tennessee.”

Gov. Bill Lee's office on Aug. 15 announced key staff changes as his chief lawyer and communications staffer will soon leave the office.
Gov. Bill Lee's office on Aug. 15 announced key staff changes as his chief lawyer and communications staffer will soon leave the office.

The office announced a shuffling in Lee's communications department as well, with director of communications Laine Arnold leaving to run communications for Lee's reelection campaign. Arnold is also set to launch a private communications venture.

Related: Tennessee Supreme Court taps Gov. Lee adviser Jonathan Skrmetti for attorney general seat

In other news: Gov. Bill Lee encourages parents to get SafeTN app to promote school safety, report concerns

Casey Black Sellers, Lee's current press secretary, has been promoted to fill the communications director role. Deputy press secretary Jade Cooper Byers will rise to fill the press secretary position.

Reach Melissa Brown at mabrown@tennessean.com.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gov. Bill Lee taps Erin Merrick to succeed Jonathan Skrmetti