TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Sep 18, 2025

Gov. Bill Lee announced recently that Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter will assume the role of deputy governor effective Oct. 15. He will replace Butch Eley, who plans to step down after nearly seven years in Lee's cabinet. McWhorter will continue in his current role. "I’m deeply grateful for Stuart’s leadership and appreciate his willingness to take on an expanded role as deputy governor," Lee said in a release. He also thanked Eley for his service saying he “has been one of my most trusted advisors and a steady hand in guiding Tennessee through seasons of opportunity, as well as uncertainty.”