Nashville
Tennessee
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
About the Governor:
Bill Lee, 50th Governor of Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee
Bill Lee is a seventh-generation Tennessean and the 50th Governor of Tennessee. He was raised in Franklin, where he still resides today with his wife, Maria, on his family’s farm. He’s the proud father of four adult children (Jessica, twin sons Jacob and Caleb, and Sarah Kate) and eight grandchildren.
After attending Williamson County Schools, Governor Lee attended Auburn University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he returned home to Franklin to join the family business his grandfather started in 1944, a comprehensive mechanical construction service company. He became president of Lee Company in 1992.
Since becoming Governor in 2019, Governor Lee has focused on several priorities including quality education, economic development, public safety, and supporting families, all with a particular focus on the accelerated transformation of rural Tennessee.
Under his leadership, Tennessee has strengthened career and technical training, expanded school choice, passed the most pro-life legislation in the country, achieved meaningful criminal justice reform, cut taxes, and sharpened the effectiveness of government.
Additionally, Tennessee was named the number one best fiscally managed state in the country, the best business climate in the U.S., number one in the nation for advanced industry job growth, and the best state for small business growth. Tennesseans also enjoy the lowest state and local tax burden per capita in the country. Since Governor Lee took office, the state has garnered 272 project commitments to create almost 40,000 jobs and $12.9 billion in capital investments, with Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation, Amazon, Oracle, FedEx-Logistics, General Motors, Mitsubishi, and dozens of other companies choosing to invest in Tennessee’s business-friendly environment.
The governor and first lady are people of strong faith. They are active in numerous faith-based ministries, which have taken them all over the world to serve people in need, including to Africa, Haiti, Central America, and the Middle East.
Recent News
Federal Assistance Deadline Extended for Individuals Impacted by Hurricane Helene
NASHVILLE, TN – On Nov 8th, Gov. Bill Lee has announced an extension of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) program application deadline for Tennessee residents affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Survivors…
Read More »Additional Federal Assistance Granted to Tennessee Counties Recovering From Flooding
NASHVILLE, TN – On Oct 25th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the approval of FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for survivors in six Northeast Tennessee counties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene on September 26. The…
Read More »Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program Underway For East Tennessee
Impacted Counties May Opt-In To Receive Immediate Financial Relief From $100M Fund. Nashville, TN – On Oct 24th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee shared additional guidance on how communities impacted by Hurricane Helene may opt-in to receive…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program
HEAL funds $100 million in immediate financial relief for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene Nashville, TN – On Oct 10th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee unveiled the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, a $100 million fund to…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Tax Relief for Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
NASHVILLE, TN – On Oct 9th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Revenue announced four tax relief measures for Tennessee businesses and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene. Consistent with the IRS’s decision…
Read More »Federal Disaster Declaration Granted to Additional Tennessee Counties Recovering From Flooding
Nashville, TN – On Oct 9th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced three more counties have been approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The program is now available to eligible jurisdictions and certain private, non-profit…
Read More »Gov. Lee, First Lady Maria Lee Highlight Opportunities for Tennesseans to Serve Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
NASHVILLE, TN – On Oct 7th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee highlighted resources available for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and ways Tennesseans can serve. “As Tennessee begins the rebuilding process, I…
Read More »Gov. Lee Provides Update on Multi-Agency Response to Hurricane Helene
Nashville, TN – As communities in Northeast Tennessee continue to experience significant impacts from Hurricane Helene, Governor Bill Lee provided another update on the State of Tennessee’s ongoing multi-agency response. Photo and…
Read More »Video: Gov. Lee Meets with Survivors, First Responders and Volunteers in Greene and Cocke Counties
NASHVILLE, TN – On Oct 3rd, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee traveled to Greene and Cocke counties to survey storm damage on the ground and meet with survivors, first responders and volunteers following severe weather and flooding from Hurricane…
Read More »Federal Disaster Declaration Granted to Counties Recovering From Flooding in Northeast Tennessee
Nashville, TN – On Oct 2nd, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced approval of his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, making recovery assistance available to eight counties. “State and local officials, first responders…
Read More »Photos: Gov. Lee Surveys Damage, Meets with Impacted Communities in East Tennessee
NASHVILLE, TN. – On Oct 1st, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee traveled to East Tennessee to survey storm damage on the ground and meet with local officials and victims following severe weather and flooding from Hurricane Helene. Accompanied by…
Read More »Winfield Dunn, 43rd Governor of Tennessee, Passes Away
Dunn served as Governor from 1971 to 1975 NASHVILLE, TN - On September 28, 2024, at the Dunn family’s request, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office shared that Governor Winfield Dunn passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Results of Moccasin Bend Archaeological Review
State of Tennessee will not move forward with plans for a new psychiatric hospital on site NASHVILLE, TN - On September 26, 2024, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that the State of Tennessee will no longer move forward with plans to build a new…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Key Leadership Transition at TN Department of General Services
NASHVILLE, TN – On Sep 16th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the appointment of Matt Van Epps as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of General Services (DGS), effective October 1. Van Epps will succeed Christi Branscom, who will step…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Key Boards and Commissions - September 13, 2024
Nashville, TN – On Sep 13th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced appointees to a series of key state boards and commissions. “I’m pleased to appoint these highly-qualified individuals who will ensure that Tennessee continues to lead…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Judicial Appointments - September 10, 2024
NASHVILLE, TN – On Sep 10th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced three key judicial appointments. “I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Orano USA Seeks To Locate Uranium Enrichment Operations in Oak Ridge
Nashville, TN. – On Sep 4th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Orano USA has selected Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the preferred site to construct a new, multi-billion-dollar, state-of-the-art centrifuge uranium enrichment facility. The…
Read More »Gov. Lee Awards GIVE Grants to Further Strengthen Rural Workforce Development
Nashville, TN – On Aug 28th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced recipients of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grant program, which prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and…
Read More »Governor’s Rural Opportunity Summit Highlights Continued Investment in Workforce Development
NASHVILLE, TN – This week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee held the 2024 Governor’s Rural Opportunity Summit, an annual gathering focused on serving at-risk and distressed counties by engaging local leaders to develop innovative solutions to…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Tennessee’s First Major League Baseball Game
MLB Speedway Classic to be played in August 2025 at Bristol Motor Speedway NASHVILLE, TN. – On Aug 9th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will play a regular season game in the MLB Speedway Classic at…
Read More »VIDEO: Gov. Lee Announces New Diaper Program Under Strong Families Initiative
TennCare first Medicaid program in the nation to cover the cost of diapers for children under two NASHVILLE, TN – On Aug 6th, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, will provide 100 diapers per…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce Strategic Economic Development Trip to the UK
State leaders to attend Farnborough International Airshow, recruit new investment from leading companies NASHVILLE, TN - On July 19, 2024, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart…
Read More »Tennessee Secures Historic Investment to Modernize Memphis Infrastructure
$800 million project will replace aging Interstate 55 bridge NASHVILLE, TN - On July 12, 2024, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a plan to replace the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River in partnership with the U.S. Department of…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Judicial Appointments
NASHVILLE, TN - On July 9, 2024, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced three key judicial appointments. “I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to…
Read More »Photos: Governor Lee Visits Summer Learning Camps Across Tennessee
Proven literacy programming underway for fourth year NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On June 6th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited summer learning camps in Obion and Cheatham counties, recognizing teachers’ commitment to helping students…
Read More »Governor Lee Appoints Jeff Rader as Special Judge in Fourth Judicial District
NASHVILLE, TN. – On May 30th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Jeff Rader as Special Judge in the Fourth Judicial District for Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier Counties. “Jeff Rader’s decades of…
Read More »Governor Lee Signs Smart Heart Act Into Law
NASHVILLE, TN. – On May 21st, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Smart Heart Act, legislation that requires automatic defibrillators in schools and establishes response protocols for cardiac-related medical emergencies. The bill received…
Read More »Governor Lee Announces Key Leadership Appointment at Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy
NASHVILLE, TN – On May 17th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Jeffrey Dale as Director of the Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy (MALETA) at Cockrill Bend in Nashville, effective July 1. “Jeff’s…
Read More »Governor Lee Marks the Close of the 2024 Legislative Session
NASHVILLE, TN. – On April 25th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2024 legislative session, which includes the successful passage of his $52.8 billion budget. "We’ve passed strategic legislation to cut taxes, invest…
Read More »Governor Lee Joins Coalition of Governors in Opposing UAW’s Unionization Campaign
Nashville, TN – On April 16th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined five other governors in issuing the following joint statement opposing United Auto Workers (UAW)’s unionization campaign: “We the Governors of Alabama, Georgia,…
Read More »Governor Lee Signs Tennessee Disability and Aging Act Into Law
Nashville, TN – On April 11th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act, legislation that merges Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and Department of Intellectual and Developmental…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Tennessee State University Board of Trustees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On march 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed SB1596 and announced appointees to the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees following action taken by the General Assembly. Each appointee is an alum of the University.…
Read More »PHOTOS: Gov. Lee Signs ELVIS Act Into Law
NASHVILLE, TN. – On March 21, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was joined by legislative leadership and music industry professionals as he signed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, first-of-its-kind legislation updating…
Read More »Gov. Lee Celebrates ‘Read Across America’ Week, Literacy Month in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On March 6 Tennessee Governor Bill Lee celebrated March 2-6 as Read Across America Week and proclaimed it Literacy Month in Tennessee, highlighting the Administration’s continued work to strengthen literacy and prepare…
Read More »PHOTOS: Gov. Lee Visits Tennessee National Guard Soldiers Ahead of Deployment to U.S. Southern Border
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On March 2, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited Tennessee National Guard soldiers at the Millington Tennessee Army National Guard Armory ahead of their deployment to the Nation’s Southern border in the wake of the most…
Read More »Gov. Lee Signs Strong School Safety Measures Into Law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed strong school safety legislation into law and recognized the investment of more than $230 million to strengthen safety at public and private schools across Tennessee. …
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Special Session on Public Safety to Begin August 21
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special legislative session on August 21, 2023, to strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. …
Read More »Gov. Lee Recognizes 'Foster Care Month' in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proclaimed the month of May ‘Foster Care Month’ in Tennessee and recognized foster families for providing loving, permanent homes to children in need. Lee also marked this…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Key Leadership Transition at TN Department of Education
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), effective July 1. Reynolds will succeed Dr. Penny Schwinn, who will…
Read More »Gov. Lee's Full 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation' Agenda Passes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2023 legislative session, which includes the successful passage of his $56.2 billion budget and full legislative agenda as outlined during his State of the State…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Call Special Session on Public Safety
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special session to pass legislation that will strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. Gov.…
Read More »VIDEO: Gov. Lee Calls on General Assembly to Pass 'Order of Protection' Bill to Strengthen Safety, Preserve Constitutional Rights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called on the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation for a new ‘Order of Protection’ law before the end of the legislative session to strengthen the safety and preserve…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Jamie Brooks 7th Judicial District Chancellor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Jamie Brooks as chancellor for the 7th Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Chancellor Nichole Cantrell, effective immediately. “Jamie is a…
Read More »Gov. Lee Signs Landmark Transportation Modernization Act Into Law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Transportation Modernization Act, historic legislation that will create a new strategy and invest $3.3 billion to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth, address traffic…
Read More »Gov. Lee's Federal Disaster Relief Request Approved for Ten Tennessee Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced approval of his federal emergency assistance request, which will support ten counties impacted by tornadoes and severe storms on March 31 and April 1. “As Tennessee…
Read More »Gov. Lee Requests Federal Disaster Relief for 10 Tornado-Impacted Counties
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is requesting federal emergency assistance for ten counties impacted by the tornadoes and severe storms that took 15 lives and caused significant damage across the state on March 31 and April…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Legislative Leadership Present Strong School Safety Actions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, one week after the tragic shooting at The Covenant School, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton and legislative leadership announced additional actions to strengthen…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Visit West TN Following Friday Storms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will travel to West Tennessee to survey storm damage and meet with local officials, following severe weather and tornadoes across the state. Accompanied by Tennessee Emergency Management…
Read More »VIDEO: Gov. Lee Addresses Tennesseans Following Tragic Covenant Shooting
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee addressed Tennesseans following the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. The full transcript can be viewed below: Tennesseans, I want to say a few words about what our…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Ford Celebrate Historic BlueOval City in West TN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Ford Motor Company will mark significant progress on construction at the historic BlueOval City complex in West Tennessee. Tennesseans are invited to view the live event here at 10…
Read More »Gov. Lee Recognizes ‘Read Across America' Week, Literacy Month in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recognized March 2-6 as Read Across America Week and proclaimed it Literacy Month in Tennessee, highlighting the Administration’s continued work to strengthen literacy and prepare…
Read More »Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address - 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered his fifth State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities for the upcoming year to a joint session of the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans. Key…
Read More »PREVIEW: Gov. Lee 2023 State of the State - 'Tennessee: Leading the Nation'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following excerpts ahead of his fifth State of the State address that will be delivered tonight at 6 p.m. CT in the House Chamber of the Tennessee State Capitol. Tennesseans…
Read More »Statement from Gov. Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement: “Maria and I are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support we have received since her lymphoma diagnosis last August. The first phase of…
Read More »Gov. Lee Names Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals Appointees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dwight E. Tarwater to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Matthew Wilson to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section. “Dwight is a highly qualified…
Read More »Gov. Lee to Deliver Fifth State of the State Address on Feb.6
Gov. Lee to Deliver Fifth State of the State Address on Feb.6 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he will deliver his fifth State of the State address to the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans on Monday,…
Read More »Tennesseans Invited to Join Gov. Lee’s Second Inauguration Ceremony and Worship Service on Jan. 21
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennesseans are invited to join the inaugural ceremony and worship service for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s second inauguration on January 21, 2023. “The Lord has been faithful and poured His great favor over…
Read More »Gov. Lee Appoints Stanley Kweller 20th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
Gov. Lee Appoints Stanley Kweller 20th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Stanley Kweller as circuit court judge for the 20th Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by…
Read More »Gov. Lee Unveils Transportation Plan for Rural and Urban Tennessee
Gov. Lee Unveils Transportation Plan for Rural and Urban Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee presented his administration’s strategic infrastructure plan to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth,…
Read More »Gov. Lee Announces Appointees to Key Boards and Commissions
Gov. Lee Announces Appointees to Key Boards and Commissions NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointees to a series of key state boards and commissions. “I am proud to announce these appointees who…
Read More »2022 Year in Photos: Tennessee Leads as "America at Its Best"
2022 Year in Photos: Tennessee Leads as "America at Its Best" NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released 2022 “America at Its Best” highlights and accomplishments that have contributed to greater opportunity,…
Read More »Gov. Lee Grants Executive Clemency to 16 Individuals
Gov. Lee Grants Executive Clemency to 16 Individuals NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced executive clemency decisions for 16 individuals. “After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have…
Read More »Gov. Lee, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty Demand Biden Administration Reverse Plan to Release ICE Detainees in Tennessee
Gov. Lee, Senators Blackburn and Hagerty Demand Biden Administration Reverse Plan to Release ICE Detainees in Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) and Bill Hagerty…
Read More »Gov. Lee Applauds Repeal of Federal Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
Gov. Lee Applauds Repeal of Federal Military COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement on the repeal of the federal government’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine…
Read More »Gov. Lee Provides Update on Independent Review of TDOC Protocol
Gov. Lee Provides Update on Independent Review of TDOC Protocol NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee provided a status update on the independent, third-party review of the lethal injection protocol at the Tennessee Department…
Read More »Gov. Lee Names Dr. Ralph Alvarado Commissioner for TN Department of Health
Gov. Lee Names Dr. Ralph Alvarado Commissioner for TN Department of Health NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of…
Read More »Gov. Bill Lee, First Lady Announce Tennessee Christmas Events
Gov. Bill Lee, First Lady Announce Tennessee Christmas Events NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee announced the state’s official Christmas events, including Christmas at the Capitol and…
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