NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF/AP) — Tennessee's human services and insurance commissioners are both leaving their posts to return to private sector roles.
State officials on Tuesday confirmed the pending departures of Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle Barnes and Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Hodgen Mainda.
Former Gov. Bill Haslam initially appointed Barnes to her post in 2017 and Gov. Bill Lee retained her last year.
"It’s been a true honor and a blessing to serve in a position that allows me to help people each and every day," said Barnes. "I could not be more proud of the work our employees have done over these last three years revolutionizing the customer experience for those who seek out our services and helping build a thriving Tennessee."
Barnes, who has worked in state government for 16 years, will be leaving the department for the private sector.
Commissioner Barnes has been a trusted public servant and valuable member of our administration @TNHumanServices. She will be missed and I wish her the best in her return to the private sector
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) October 27, 2020
The department says she will depart in mid-November and Lee will name Barnes' replacement at a later date.
Lee's spokesman Gillum Ferguson said Mainda offered his resignation Tuesday and Lee accepted it. Mainda became commissioner last October.
In his resignation letter, Mainda said he has will also be transitioning to the private sector, which will allow him to spend more time with his family. His final day with the department will be November 13.
