One of the mainstays of the Nashville Post magazine is our In Charge list. Each year, we highlight the people that make our city work. Be them newly minted or seasoned veterans, we have trimmed this year’s list to the best of the best.
Kim Adkins — Principal, Capitol Strategy Group: Former TVA and TDEC official now represents clients including Pfizer and Tennessee Broadband Association. Board member for Nashville Sports Council and Metro Sports Authority.
Ward Baker — Founder and President, Baker Group Strategies: Former NRSC official has become go-to strategist for Tennessee Republicans. Maintains other campaign and corporate work around country.
Marsha Blackburn — U.S. Senator: Tennessee’s senior senator, now serving a second term. Continues to focus on immigration and support for Donald Trump.
Will Brewer — Legal Counsel, Tennessee Right to Life: Lobbyist for anti-abortion group at Capitol. Involved in debates over loosening state’s abortion ban.
Michelle Brown — Senior Manager for Public Policy, Amazon: Former legislative attorney and Nashville Chamber official now leads Amazon’s government relations in Tennessee, with a focus on Nashville.
John Ray Clemmons — House Representative, District 55: House Democratic Caucus Chair and civil litigator. Vocal leader in minority party despite GOP-controlled legislature.
Yuri Cunza — President and CEO, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Former media professional who now leads business group and is frequent presence at community events.
John Drake — Chief, Metro Nashville Police Department: Started with department as a patrol cop. Later assumed top job during contentious 2020 summer.
Glenn Funk — District Attorney General, Davidson County: Top Nashville prosecutor’s disputes with state ebb and flow. Won reelection in 2022 despite competition.
Mark Green — U.S. Congressman, 7th District: Clarksville Republican’s district took on a chunk of Nashville after redistricting. Failed in short-lived bid for speaker but continues to chair Homeland Security Committee.
Scott Golden — Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party: Has led state’s dominant political party since 2016.
Bill Hagerty — U.S. Senator: Trump ally succeeded Lamar Alexander after a career as an investor, state ECD official and ambassador to Japan.
Joe Hall — Founder and Partner, Hall Strategies: Former newspaper reporter and Ingram Group partner leads eponymous firm. Prolific Nashville lobbyist’s clients include Bristol Motor Speedway, Greater Nashville Realtors and Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.
Blake Harris — CEO, BHA Strategy: Former chief of staff to Gov. Bill Lee launched lobbying and PR firm in 2022. Recently brought on another top Lee adviser, Brent Easley. Clients include Ford and Vanderbilt University.
Estie Harris — Principal, Harris Frazier Government Relations: Longtime Tennessee lobbyist maintains practice with clients including HCA and St. Jude.
Angie Henderson — Vice Mayor, President of Metro Nashville: Former Green Hills-area councilmember bested incumbent Jim Shulman in last year’s election. Now tasked with running Metro Council meetings, appointing key committee leaders.
Greg Hinote — Partner, Jigsaw: Longtime Nashville politico. Teams with Sam Reed and Beecher Frasier. Clients include Titans, Ryman Hospitality and Oracle.
Tom Ingram — Founder and Chairman, The Ingram Group: Veteran political strategist who helmed several statewide Republican campaigns over the decades. Has represented Google and Ballad Health.
Darren Jernigan — Manager, State and Federal Legislative Affairs, Office of the Mayor: First elected to state House in 2012 from Old Hickory. Now helps guide Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s relationship with state.
Jack Johnson — Senate Majority Leader: Franklin-based GOP leader survived primary challenge in 2022. Now a contender to succeed Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.
Tequila Johnson — CEO, The Equity Alliance: Started civic engagement and Black empowerment group with co-founder Charlane Oliver in wake of 2016 election. Has advocated for voting rights and civil rights issues.
Kim Kaegi — Fundraiser: Longtime Tennessee political fundraiser has worked with top Republicans statewide and for Nashville mayors.
Bill Lee — Governor, State of Tennessee: Now in second term and focused on extending taxpayer-funded private school scholarships to Tennessee students. Unsuccessful in pushing his fellow Republicans for action on guns in wake of Covenant shooting.
Katie Lentile — CEO, The Lentile Group: Founded digital marketing agency and has worked on campaigns for historic sites, fashion and design companies and nonprofits while beginning Metro lobbying work. Also COO at IV Studio. Former communications officer for John Cooper’s campaign and office.
Lisa Sherman — Luna Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: Has led advocacy and support group since 2020. Work includes support for New Americans and political campaigns.
David McMahan — Principal, McMahan Winstead & Richardson: Long list of lobbying clients includes Tennessee hospitals and alcohol industry. Firm in 2020 expanded to Washing-ton.
Bob Mendes Chief Development Officer, Office of the Mayor: Former high-profile Metro councilmember. Ally of Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who tapped him to lead city’s work on East Bank.
Jeff Morris — Executive Director, Nashville Moves: Led successful transit campaign to push for dedicated funding. Former campaign manager for Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and deputy campaign manager for Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
Freddie O’Connell — Mayor, Metro Nashville: Transit-focused Metro councilmember beat crowded field in 2023 election. Entering the second year on the job as city faces development, housing, other challenges.
Charlane Oliver — State Senator, District 19: Equity Alliance co-founder succeeded Brenda Gilmore in state legislature. Senate Democratic Caucus vice chair and key opposition voice in GOP-dominated state government.
Justin Owen — President and CEO, Beacon Center of Tennessee: Helms conservative think tank that advocates for taxpayer-funded school vouchers and regulatory reform.
Patrick Sheehy — President, Tennessee Business Roundtable: Since 2016 has led statewide business organization after stint as political adviser to Cracker Barrel and other roles.
Kathy Sinback — Executive Director, ACLU of Tennessee: Former court administrator and public defender was in 2022 tapped to succeed Hedy Weinberg, longtime leader of civil rights organization.
Tori Venable — State Director, Americans for Prosperity: At helm of state chapter of prominent political organization. Leads support for school vouchers and criminal justice reform and opposition to economic development deals for big companies.
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