Tennessee Department of Agriculture Names Matthew McClanahan General Counsel

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has named Matthew McClanahan as the department's general counsel, effective Aug. 3, 2026.

McClanahan brings extensive experience in agricultural law, regulatory compliance, administrative law and litigation management. As general counsel, he will provide legal counsel to the department, support agency leadership, oversee legal matters and help ensure the department fulfills its mission of serving, supporting, and promoting agriculture and forestry.

"Matthew's legal experience and understanding of Tennessee agriculture make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team," Commissioner Andy Holt said. "His knowledge of agricultural law and commitment to public service will help strengthen the department as we continue working to protect our state's agricultural resources and support farmers and agribusinesses."

Before joining TDA, McClanahan was a managing partner at his law firm in Crossville, focusing on government relations, civil litigation, agricultural and environmental matters, and business matters. He was the executive director of the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts, where he worked closely with conservation leaders and agricultural stakeholders across the state to conserve and enhance Tennessee's natural resources.

"It is a privilege to join the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and serve the people of our state," McClanahan said. "Agriculture is the backbone of Tennessee's economy and heritage, and I am committed to providing sound legal guidance that supports TDA's important work on behalf of our farmers, rural communities, and all Tennesseans."

McClanahan earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He graduated magna cum laude from Tennessee Tech University with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture and a minor in History.

McClanahan serves as the Public Policy Chair for the Cumberland County Chamber and is active in his local community. A third-generation Tennessean, he was raised on his family's farm in Cumberland County. He and his wife, Lauren, have a son, Adam Claude.

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