Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn reveals transition team. Here’s who to know

What This Story Is About

• Tennessee’s next governor, Marsha Blackburn, announced the members of her transition team on Thursday.

Why It Matters

• The Transition Advisory Committee ensures that the transfer of leadership occurs as seamlessly as possible.

What Happens Next

• Blackburn assumes the role of Tennessee governor officially on January 16, 2027, when she is sworn in, but still holds her title as U.S. senator until she names a replacement.

For Context

• Marsha Blackburn was elected as Tennessee’s next governor during Tuesday’s general election, defeating Democrat Jerri Green, Independents David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston, and a handful of other candidates.

Catch Up

• Marsha Blackburn said that her administration will examine property-tax relief for seniors and first-time homebuyers, along with ways to reduce costs for new housing in Tennessee.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn announced her transition team this week as she prepares to assume her new role early next year.

Blackburn revealed the names of five people who will serve on her Transition Advisory Committee and report directly to her committee chairman, Stuart McWhorter:

• Donna Barrett - Former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and was integral in the dismantling of the state’s income tax.
• Julie Beaman - Governor Bill Lee’s former chief of staff.
• Steve Brophy - Blackburn’s chief of staff from 2003-2009.
• Cato Johnson - Worked in public policy in the healthcare system for more than 40 years.
• Arch Trimble - Founded an economic development consulting firm called Arch About TN.

Marsha Blackburn was elected as Tennessee’s next governor during Tuesday’s general election, defeating Democrat Jerri Green, Independents David Hatley and Lauren Pinkston, and a handful of other candidates.

Blackburn officially assumes the role of Tennessee governor on January 16, 2027, when she is sworn in, but still holds her title as U.S. senator until she names a replacement.

The name of the person who is set to replace her in the United States Senate has yet to be revealed.