Gov. Bill Haslam says he plans to name new commissioners for economic development and education by the first of the year.
The Republican governor, who was recently re-elected to a second term, spoke at a Nashville Rotary Club luncheon on Monday.
Haslam announced last month that Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty and Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman are leaving for the private sector. The governor is likely to name replacements before the Legislature convenes Jan. 13.
Particularly with the education position, Haslam reiterated Monday that a Tennessee candidate would have a built-in advantage by already being familiar with the state’s education picture.
Huffman’s departure comes amid criticism of his lead role in the state’s education overhaul that included implementation of Common Core standards and changes to teacher tenure rules.
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