Nashville
Tennessee
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
About the Governor:
Bill Lee, 50th Governor of Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee
Bill Lee is a seventh-generation Tennessean and the 50th Governor of Tennessee. He was raised in Franklin, where he still resides today with his wife, Maria, on his family’s farm. He’s the proud father of four adult children (Jessica, twin sons Jacob and Caleb, and Sarah Kate) and eight grandchildren.
After attending Williamson County Schools, Governor Lee attended Auburn University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he returned home to Franklin to join the family business his grandfather started in 1944, a comprehensive mechanical construction service company. He became president of Lee Company in 1992.
Since becoming Governor in 2019, Governor Lee has focused on several priorities including quality education, economic development, public safety, and supporting families, all with a particular focus on the accelerated transformation of rural Tennessee.
Under his leadership, Tennessee has strengthened career and technical training, expanded school choice, passed the most pro-life legislation in the country, achieved meaningful criminal justice reform, cut taxes, and sharpened the effectiveness of government.
Additionally, Tennessee was named the number one best fiscally managed state in the country, the best business climate in the U.S., number one in the nation for advanced industry job growth, and the best state for small business growth. Tennesseans also enjoy the lowest state and local tax burden per capita in the country. Since Governor Lee took office, the state has garnered 272 project commitments to create almost 40,000 jobs and $12.9 billion in capital investments, with Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation, Amazon, Oracle, FedEx-Logistics, General Motors, Mitsubishi, and dozens of other companies choosing to invest in Tennessee’s business-friendly environment.
The governor and first lady are people of strong faith. They are active in numerous faith-based ministries, which have taken them all over the world to serve people in need, including to Africa, Haiti, Central America, and the Middle East.
Recent News
Governor Lee Joins Coalition of Governors in Opposing UAW’s Unionization Campaign
Nashville, TN – On April 16th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined five other governors in issuing the following joint statement opposing United Auto Workers (UAW)’s unionization campaign: “We the Governors of Alabama, Georgia,…
Read More »Governor Lee Signs Tennessee Disability and Aging Act Into Law
Nashville, TN – On April 11th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act, legislation that merges Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and Department of Intellectual and Developmental…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Tennessee State University Board of Trustees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On march 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed SB1596 and announced appointees to the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees following action taken by the General Assembly. Each appointee is an alum of the University.…
Read More »PHOTOS: Gov. Lee Signs ELVIS Act Into Law
NASHVILLE, TN. – On March 21, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was joined by legislative leadership and music industry professionals as he signed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, first-of-its-kind legislation updating…
Read More »Gov. Lee Celebrates ‘Read Across America’ Week, Literacy Month in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On March 6 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee celebrated March 2-6 as Read Across America Week and proclaimed it Literacy Month in Tennessee, highlighting the Administration’s continued work to strengthen literacy and prepare…
Read More »PHOTOS: Gov. Lee Visits Tennessee National Guard Soldiers Ahead of Deployment to U.S. Southern Border
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On March 2, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited Tennessee National Guard soldiers at the Millington Tennessee Army National Guard Armory ahead of their deployment to the Nation’s Southern border in the wake of the most…
Read More »Gov. Lee Signs Strong School Safety Measures Into Law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed strong school safety legislation into law and recognized the investment of more than $230 million to strengthen safety at public and private schools across Tennessee. …
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Special Session on Public Safety to Begin August 21
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special legislative session on August 21, 2023, to strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. …
Read More »Gov. Lee Recognizes 'Foster Care Month' in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proclaimed the month of May ‘Foster Care Month’ in Tennessee and recognized foster families for providing loving, permanent homes to children in need. Lee also marked this…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Key Leadership Transition at TN Department of Education
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), effective July 1. Reynolds will succeed Dr. Penny Schwinn, who will…
Read More »Gov. Lee's Full 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation' Agenda Passes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2023 legislative session, which includes the successful passage of his $56.2 billion budget and full legislative agenda as outlined during his State of the State…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Call Special Session on Public Safety
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special session to pass legislation that will strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. Gov.…
Read More »VIDEO: Gov. Lee Calls on General Assembly to Pass 'Order of Protection' Bill to Strengthen Safety, Preserve Constitutional Rights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called on the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation for a new ‘Order of Protection’ law before the end of the legislative session to strengthen the safety and preserve…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Jamie Brooks 7th Judicial District Chancellor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Jamie Brooks as chancellor for the 7th Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Chancellor Nichole Cantrell, effective immediately. “Jamie is a…
Read More »Gov. Lee Signs Landmark Transportation Modernization Act Into Law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Transportation Modernization Act, historic legislation that will create a new strategy and invest $3.3 billion to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth, address traffic…
Read More »Gov. Lee's Federal Disaster Relief Request Approved for Ten Tennessee Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced approval of his federal emergency assistance request, which will support ten counties impacted by tornadoes and severe storms on March 31 and April 1. “As Tennessee…
Read More »Gov. Lee Requests Federal Disaster Relief for 10 Tornado-Impacted Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is requesting federal emergency assistance for ten counties impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms that took 15 lives and caused significant damage across the state on March 31 and April…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Legislative Leadership Present Strong School Safety Actions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, one week after the tragic shooting at The Covenant School, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton and legislative leadership announced additional actions to strengthen…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Visit West TN Following Friday Storms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will travel to West Tennessee to survey storm damage and meet with local officials, following severe weather and tornadoes across the state. Accompanied by Tennessee Emergency Management…
Read More »VIDEO: Gov. Lee Addresses Tennesseans Following Tragic Covenant Shooting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed Tennesseans following the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. The full transcript can be viewed below: Tennesseans, I want to say a few words about what our…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Ford Celebrate Historic BlueOval City in West TN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Ford Motor Company will mark significant progress on construction at the historic BlueOval City complex in West Tennessee. Tennesseans are invited to view the live event here at 10…
Read More »Gov. Lee Recognizes ‘Read Across America' Week, Literacy Month in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recognized March 2-6 as Read Across America Week and proclaimed it Literacy Month in Tennessee, highlighting the Administration’s continued work to strengthen literacy and prepare…
Read More »Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address - 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered his fifth State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities for the upcoming year to a joint session of the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans. Key…
Read More »PREVIEW: Gov. Lee 2023 State of the State - 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following excerpts ahead of his fifth State of the State address that will be delivered tonight at 6 p.m. CT in the House Chamber of the Tennessee State Capitol. Tennesseans…
Read More »Statement from Gov. Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement: “Maria and I are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support we have received since her lymphoma diagnosis last August. The first phase of…
Read More »Gov. Lee Names Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals Appointees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dwight E. Tarwater to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Matthew Wilson to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section. “Dwight is a highly qualified…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Deliver Fifth State of the State Address on Feb.6
Gov. Lee to Deliver Fifth State of the State Address on Feb.6 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he will deliver his fifth State of the State address to the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans on Monday,…
Read More »Tennesseans Invited to Join Gov. Lee’s Second Inauguration Ceremony and Worship Service on Jan. 21
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans are invited to join the inaugural ceremony and worship service for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s second inauguration on January 21, 2023. “The Lord has been faithful and poured His great favor over…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Stanley Kweller 20th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
Gov. Lee Appoints Stanley Kweller 20th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Stanley Kweller as circuit court judge for the 20th Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by…
Read More »Gov. Lee Unveils Transportation Plan for Rural and Urban Tennessee
Gov. Lee Unveils Transportation Plan for Rural and Urban Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee presented his administration’s strategic infrastructure plan to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth,…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Appointees to Key Boards and Commissions
Gov. Lee Announces Appointees to Key Boards and Commissions NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointees to a series of key state boards and commissions. “I am proud to announce these appointees who…
Read More »2022 Year in Photos: Tennessee Leads as "America at Its Best"
2022 Year in Photos: Tennessee Leads as "America at Its Best" NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released 2022 “America at Its Best” highlights and accomplishments that have contributed to greater opportunity,…
Read More »Gov. Lee Grants Executive Clemency to 16 Individuals
Gov. Lee Grants Executive Clemency to 16 Individuals NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced executive clemency decisions for 16 individuals. “After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty Demand Biden Administration Reverse Plan to Release ICE Detainees in Tennessee
Gov. Lee, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty Demand Biden Administration Reverse Plan to Release ICE Detainees in Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Bill Hagerty…
Read More »Gov. Lee Applauds Repeal of Federal Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
Gov. Lee Applauds Repeal of Federal Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement on the repeal of the federal government’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine…
Read More »Gov. Lee Provides Update on Independent Review of TDOC Protocol
Gov. Lee Provides Update on Independent Review of TDOC Protocol NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee provided a status update on the independent, third-party review of the lethal injection protocol at the Tennessee Department…
Read More »Gov. Lee Names Dr. Ralph Alvarado Commissioner for TN Department of Health
Gov. Lee Names Dr. Ralph Alvarado Commissioner for TN Department of Health NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of…
Read More »Gov. Bill Lee, First Lady Announce Tennessee Christmas Events
Gov. Bill Lee, First Lady Announce Tennessee Christmas Events NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee announced the state’s official Christmas events, including Christmas at the Capitol and…
Read More »Gov. Lee Launches School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families
Gov. Lee Launches School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the new School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families, a practical resource to help parents prepare and engage in…
Read More »Gov. Lee Launches $100 Million Violent Crime Intervention Fund for Local Law Enforcement
Gov. Lee Launches $100 Million Violent Crime Intervention Fund for Local Law Enforcement NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and invited local law enforcement…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Deniece Thomas to Lead Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Gov. Lee Appoints Deniece Thomas to Lead Department of Labor and Workforce Development NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Deniece Thomas as Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Labor…
Read More »Gov. Lee, TN Legislative Leadership Announce Additional Step to Support TBI and Accelerate Testing
Gov. Lee, TN Legislative Leadership Announce Additional Step to Support TBI and Accelerate Testing NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton announced a decisive step…
Read More »Video: Gov. Lee Renews Nationwide Pitch to Join TN Highway Patrol
Video: Gov. Lee Renews Nationwide Pitch to Join TN Highway Patrol NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a nationwide Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) recruitment video and renewed efforts to welcome out of state law…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Judicial Appointments-Sep 28,2022
Gov. Lee Announces Judicial Appointments-Sep 28,2022 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments. “I am proud to announce the appointment of these two highly qualified individuals…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Lance Villio to Lead Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Gov. Lee Appoints Lance Villio to Lead Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Lance Villio as executive director for the Governor’s Office of…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces School Safety Actions
Gov. Lee Announces School Safety Actions NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a video update on key actions the Lee administration has taken to enhance school safety following Executive Order 97, which directed…
Read More »Statement From Gov. Bill Lee
Statement From Gov. Bill Lee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement: “Maria and I have learned that she has lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately. While this news is…
Read More »Gov. Lee Calls on Parents to Download SafeTN App for Back to School
Gov. Lee Calls on Parents to Download SafeTN App for Back to School NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security invited Tennesseans to get ready for the new school…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Leadership Transition at Department of Children’s Services
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Margie Quin as Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), effective September 1. Quin will succeed Jennifer Nichols, who has…
Read More »Tennessee Schools Pledge Robust Support for ESA Implementation This School Year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced more than 40 independent schools, pending approval, have committed to make seats available immediately for students enrolled in the Education Savings Account (ESA) program and…
Read More »45th Annual Statesmen's Dinner
The Tennessee Republican Party Presents their 45th Annual Statesmen's Dinner It is with great pride we announce Governor Tate Reeves as the keynote speaker for The Tennessee Republican Party's 45th annual Statesmen's Dinner on July 30th, 2022. …
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