Gov. Bill Lee appoints interim commissioner of Tennessee Department of Corrections

What This Story Is About

• Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Christopher Hansen as interim commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Why It Matters

• Hansen steps in to lead the state’s prison and supervision system following the October resignation of former Commissioner Frank Strada after the botched Sept. 30 execution of Christa Pike.

What Happens Next

• Hansen assumes the interim commissioner role effective immediately while continuing to oversee TDOC’s probation and parole operations during the leadership transition.

For Context

• Before joining TDOC in 2023, Hansen spent decades in public safety and corrections leadership, including chief probation officer roles in California and Nevada, as well as positions in Florida.

Catch Up

• Lee said Hansen’s institutional knowledge and decades of experience make him “uniquely qualified to lead” as the department navigates the transition.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has appointed Christopher Hansen as interim commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

According to Gov. Lee’s office, Hansen currently oversees TDOC’s probation and parole operations as assistant commissioner of community supervision. Hansen will serve in both roles, effective immediately.

“Chris Hansen is a committed public servant with decades of experience in corrections and public safety,” said Gov. Lee. “His knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Correction makes him uniquely qualified to lead, and I am grateful for his willingness to serve Tennesseans during this transition.”

Gov. Lee’s office said prior to joining TDOC in 2023, Hansen served as chief probation officer and director of the Solano County Probation Department in California and as chief United States probation officer for the District of Nevada.

He also held leadership and public safety roles with the United States Probation Office in Florida, the University of South Florida Police Department and the Florida Department of Corrections.

Hansen’s appointment comes after former TDOC Commissioner Frank Strada resigned in October, following the botched execution of Christa Pike on Sept. 30.

At the request of Gov. Lee, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office has retained former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton to conduct an independent review of TDOC’s actions in carrying out the court-ordered sentence of Pike.