Tennessee Department of Agriculture Names Deputy Commissioner

NASHVILLE - Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt today announced Jenny Howard will serve as Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), effective Sept. 28, 2026. The appointment coincides with Ryan King's transition back to the private sector.

Howard has served as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) since March 2023. She previously served TDEC as General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Legislative Liaison. During Howard's 14 years with TDEC, she provided legal, legislative, and operational guidance across a department of more than 2,000 employees. Howard's leadership expertise includes advising executive leadership through high-impact decisions and improving organizational efficiency by refining internal processes.

As TDA Deputy Commissioner, Howard will lead day-to-day operations, support the executive team in carrying out the department's goals, and advance Commissioner Holt's vision for Tennessee agriculture and forestry.

"Jenny brings experience in state government and leadership, along with an educational and personal background in agriculture," Holt said. "I look forward to her joining TDA and helping lead the department. I also want to thank Ryan King for his service as Deputy Commissioner and for his contributions to TDA and the people of Tennessee."

During his tenure, King oversaw the expansion of cost-share options, historic investments in agriculture and agribusiness, Gov. Lee's $92 million investment in 4-H and FFA camps, and funding for the State Meat Inspection Program. He also supported the launch of the new pesticide recertification process, elevated the Agricultural Crime Unit and advocated for rural infrastructure improvements. Internally, he strengthened TDA's organizational structure, established consistent workplace expectations and fostered a more mission-driven approach to serving Tennessee's farm and forest families.

Howard grew up in Florida working in her family's wholesale nursery business. She earned a bachelor of science in horticultural science from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Jurisprudence and Law and Business Certificate from Vanderbilt University Law School.

"I am honored to continue serving Tennessee in this new role," Howard said. "Growing up in an agribusiness family instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for the hardworking people in agriculture and forestry. Throughout my career, I have valued the opportunity to work with diverse stakeholder groups to provide clear, predictable regulatory expectations while fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. I look forward to joining the talented and dedicated TDA team and supporting the department's work across the state."

Howard is a graduate of LEAD Tennessee and of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute. She has been named a Nashville Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree and voted "Best of the Bar."

She lives in Nashville with her husband and two daughters and enjoys weekend family outings to Tennessee agritourism destinations.

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