NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bill Lee announced Friday that longtime advisor Erin Merrick will leave the Governor’s Office in early July after serving in multiple leadership roles during Lee’s administration.
Merrick most recently served as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor and has been part of Lee’s administration since it began more than seven years ago.
Lee praised Merrick for her leadership and legal guidance throughout her tenure, calling her a trusted advisor and an invaluable member of the administration.
According to the governor’s office, Merrick played a key role in the selection of four Tennessee Supreme Court justices as well as numerous appellate and trial court judges across the state.
Officials also credited her with overseeing the administration’s clemency review process, which resulted in more than 160 clemency grants, and leading regulatory reform initiatives aimed at reducing burdens on Tennessee businesses and residents.
The governor announced that Alexa Witcher will become the new Chief Legal Counsel.
Witcher has served as Deputy Counsel to Gov. Lee since 2021 and has worked on major legislative priorities including the Education Freedom Act and Transportation Modernization Act.
A lifelong Tennessean, Witcher previously worked in several executive branch departments during both the Lee and Haslam administrations and earned her law degree from Belmont University College of Law.
The governor’s office also announced that Deputy Counsel Rob Mitchell will join the governor’s senior staff while continuing to advise on executive priorities.
Additionally, Alex Lewis will transition from the administration’s legislative team to serve as Deputy Counsel to the Governor supporting legal and policy matters.
