TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 22, 2021

Former state Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, is joining the state Department of Commerce and Insurance as a senior advisor, the Tennessee Journal reports. Tracy gave up his senate seat in 2017 when President Donald Trump appointed him as a state director for USDA Rural Development in Tennessee. Other staffing changes at the department include Jennifer Peck, who assumes the role of chief of staff and chief operating officer, while continuing in her role as deputy commissioner. Prior to joining the department, she was the owner of Peck Legal Group, which specialized in domestic relations litigation and mediation. In addition, Patrick Merkel was promoted to director of insurance after having served as chief counsel for Insurance, Securities and TennCare Oversight. He first joined the department in 2007, working with the Division of Regulatory Boards and as chief counsel for Fire Prevention and Law Enforcement. He previously was in private practice.