TGL Council

Michelle Smith

Chair

Michelle Smith is with the Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. She serves as Regional Program Administrator and Quality Assurance Director. She has over 24 years of experience in State government. Michelle is the 2022-2023 Chair of the Tennessee Government Leadership Council. She's the past secretary of the Alumni Association of TGEI. She is a graduate and past Chair of the Alumni Association of TGMI. And she is a mentor for the tnAchieves program.

Michelle’s passion for development and learning earned her a Leadership Black Belt in 2018. She supports law enforcement by taking part in:

• Citizen’s Academies for the Department of Justice
• ATF
• Tennessee Highway Patrol, and
• Department of Correction

Michelle is a resident of Williamson County. She enjoys time with her children, Caitlin and Ian, and her grandson Allen. She enjoys traveling, adventure, reading, and attending live music events.

Alaina Turner

Vice Chair

Alaina Turner has been with the Department of Revenue since 2016. She is serving as the Director of the Taxpayer Services Division. She spent 14 years in business management in the private sector, including owning a business. Alaina values:

• Elevating the customer experience,
• Sustaining strong employee engagement,
• Focusing on raising metrics and
• Improving process efficiency

Alaina is a 2017 graduate of TGMI. She is serving her fourth year on the TGMI Steering Committee and is the Chair this year. She is the Vice Chair of the TGLC for 2022- 2023. Alaina is the Co-Chair of Revenue’s 2023 training conference. 

Alaina earned her bachelor's in business administration; marketing from the University of Mississippi. She lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband, Rob, and two stepchildren. Alaina loves volunteering, spoiling her fur babies, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

Regina Nelson

Treasurer

Regina Nelson is a Compliance Officer with the Division of TennCare. She has been in the role since 2013. She protects public health and the integrity of the TennCare Medicaid program by managing, examining, and tracking Managed Care Companies (MCCs) contracted with the State. Her division ensures that MCCs comply with financial, stability, and integrity requirements. She began her career at TennCare in 2006 with the Office of General Counsel. She joined as a Privacy Officer and Assistant General Counsel. She believes that transparency, accountability, integrity, and trust are vital for a public servant.

Regina has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Covenant College. She has a Juris Doctor from Nashville School of Law. Regina graduated from LEAD Tennessee and NAIC. She has served tnAchieves as a mentor. Regina is a member of professional groups on local and national levels.

Regina has lived in Nashville for over 20 years. She loves to garden, trike through TN trails on her Recumbent bike. She adores her two fur babies, a Maltipoo Bailey and GSD Otto. She enjoys the arts here in Nashville and while visiting her daughter in NYC.

Kristina Clouse

Secretary

Kristina Clouse serves in the Department of Revenue. She is the Assistant HR Director of Talent Management and Employee Relations. Kristina began her career with the State in the Fall of 1998. Kristina has served agencies, boards, and commissions of all sizes. She is an International Public Management Association for Human Resources Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP). She has received her green belt through the Tennessee Black Belt Leadership Program. Kristina is a graduate of the HR Master’s program.

Kristina joined the TGL Council in 2022. She serves as council Secretary and Chair of the Communications sub-committee. Kristina's excited about how her roles will engage her across the enterprise.

David Adams

David Adams is the Budget Analyst Coordinator for the Department of Human Resources (DOHR). He began his career with the State in the Fall of 2006. David has served in multiple roles within DOHR. He has graduated from the Next Level Leadership Academy, LEAD TN, and TGMI. David joined the TGL Council in its inaugural year. He is determined to continue, seeing TGL as a vital program for State employees.

Robin Beamon

Robin R. Beamon, a U.S. Veteran, works for the Department of Safety & Homeland Security. She is an Assistant HR Director & Employee Relations Manager. Robin has engaged in several leadership programs, including:

• Mentor for TN Promise/tnAchieves,
• Completed all four levels of Pyramid training,
• An Agency Diversity Champion,
• Appointed a council member by the Governor for the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing.

Robin has HR certificates from SHRM and HRCI. She has a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. She has a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development. Robin also has a Master's in Business Administration.

Robin is a board member and emeritus board member for two U.S. Veteran organizations. Robin was crucial in getting Women's Veterans Day approved by the Tennessee legislature on June 12th.

Christy Behnke

Christy Behnke serves as Talent Manager for the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. She leads recruitment, engagement, compensation, leadership development, and retention efforts. Her eight years of experience working in State government and 12 years in marketing position her to create talent acquisition strategies to attract top talent.

Christy graduated from the University of North Alabama with a bachelor’s in management and marketing. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Master of Business Administration. Christy has a master’s in teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University. In 2019, she graduated from TGEI. Christy is a Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) member at national and local levels. She has a SHRM Senior Certified Professional certificate.

Christy lives in Nashville with her husband, Rob. She is the proud mom of two children, Alexandra and Andrew.

Bryant Cummings

Bryant Cummings is with the Department of Commerce and Insurance. He's served as the Insurance Examinations Assistant Director since 2016. His career in State government began in 2002 as an entry-level examiner. He has held several roles in the Insurance Examinations section. Bryant holds the Certified Financial Examiner designation. He's a member of the Society of Financial Examiners. Bryant serves on:

• Executive Committee,
• Board of Governors, and
• Chairs the Examinations Committee.

He joined the Tennessee Government Leadership Council in 2019.

Matthew Inyart

Matthew J. Inyart works for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. He is the Network Operations Administrator-Lead. Matthew has been with TDOT for seven years.

Matthew is a graduate of LEAD Tennessee. He has served on the LTAN Network and TGL Council. Matthew was elected County Commissioner in August 2022. He represents Rome/Rock City (District 4) for Smith County Commission.

Matt and his wife, Stephanie, have two boys, Cooper (6) and Cole (4). 

His other involvements include:

• Southside Lions Club (Past President),
• New Middleton Masonic Lodge #249,
• Carthage Benevolent Masonic Lodge #14,
• Smith County Adult Leadership Opportunity (served as Chairman for Class of 2018),
• Helped to start the Gordonsville Events Committee,
• Assistant coach in youth soccer, and
• Pack Committee Chairman for Cub Scout Pack 367 in Carthage.

Chris Jackson

Chris Jackson is the Quality Assurance Coordinator for DIDD in East Tennessee. She is from Chattanooga, TN. And Chris attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is an Army veteran deployed during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Chris was the NCOIC of a medical laboratory for a 200-bed mobile hospital. She received two Army Commendation Medals for her role during this campaign. 

Chris is a champion of teamwork. She has integrated that philosophy into every aspect of her life. She is eager to serve on the TGL Council and be part of shaping the leadership community.

Shannon Jones

Shannon Jones is with the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. She is the Aging Program Administrator serving as Human Resources Liaison and Information & Assistance Officer. Shannon has worked in the field of aging for 30 years. She has a mission to help improve the quality of life for older Tennesseans.

Shannon is serving on the TGL Council. She has served as the National State Health Insurance Information Program Steering Committee Chair. Shannon has a Bachelor of Science in Education in Public Health. She also has a Master's of Public Health. Shannon is a retired Nursing Home Administrator.

Kelly Lancaster

Kelly Lancaster is a graduate of LEAD TN, HR Masters, and TGEI leadership programs. He's a graduate of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Citizens' Academies.

He holds three Human Resources certifications:

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR),
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and
• IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP).

Kelly earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication at Freed-Hardeman University. He has an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Kelly has a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Apollos University. He's a mentor for tnAchieves and Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry (TPOM).

Kelly and his wife of 31 years, Tammy, live in the Smyrna/La Vergne area. He leads the College Age Ministry and a Life Group as a deacon at their church. Their 23-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, graduated in November 2020. She has an Elementary Education, ESL from Harding University. Their 21-year-old son, Evan, is a senior studying Accounting at TTU. He got married in November 2022.

Stephanie Larry

Stephanie Larry began her career with the Department of Correction in 2002. She started as a Parole Officer in the Sexual Offender Unit. During her tenure in Community Supervision, she has served as a:

• Probation/Parole Officer,
• Transitional Housing Coordinator, and
• Probation/Parole Manager.

Stephanie was vital in starting the Memphis Community Impact Program. And in beginning the STRONG R Risk and Needs Assessment in the West Region.

She was assigned to the Pre-sentence Investigative Unit supporting Districts 70 & 71 in 2018. The team prepares Facts of Offense reports for parole hearings. She has served here for the last four years.

Her love of development enriches Stephanie's professional experience. In addition to her BA from Bethel, she has a master's from Union. She has a Master of Divinity, Chaplaincy from Liberty. Bethany is a graduate of the Sergeant's Academy in 2013 and LEAD TN. She is a member of the Tennessee Gang Investigators Association.  

Sean Michael Lenart

Sean Michael Lenart serves TDOC at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.  Lenart has been a State employee since 2011. He started his career with TDOC as a Correctional Officer. He is currently a Correction Academy Instructor II. Lenart oversees law enforcement, executive, and other training. In the past, he served TWRA as Assistant Director of Talent Management/Assistant Chief of the HR Division. 

Lenart has enjoyed serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during Desert Storm. He has a bachelor's in criminal justice. He also has a master's in administration. Before State service, Lenart had a career in business and law enforcement. He is a certified public manager, graduated from TGMI and LEAD, and served as a Rule 31 Mediator. Lenart maintains various professional certificates.

Jennifer Matthews

Jennifer Matthews has been with the State of Tennessee for about 13 years. She is serving TennCare as Training Officer 2. This role combines her two passions: continued learning and helping others. Jennifer began working at the Department of Human Services in the Family Assistance division. She then transitioned to human resources. She transitioned to TennCare in December 2021. Jennifer has a bachelor's in history from the University of the South. She has a master's in education from the University of Tennessee. Jennifer loves spending time with her family and reading in her free time.  

CJ McMorran

CJ McMorran is the West Regional Director for DIDD. She has more than 35 years of experience in the field. CJ has a bachelor's in occupational therapy. She has an MBA and a master's in healthcare management. CJ is a graduate of LEAD TN and TGEI. She is Chair of the LEAD TN Alumni Network.

CJ is a member of

• TGL Council,
• Person-Centered Practices Accreditation Advisory Council and
• DIDD Policy and Planning Council. 

CJ is married and the mother of three adult children. She spends her spare time reading and playing tennis and disc golf. She shares the joy of disc golf with children by teaching at summer camps in her local community. She also enjoys tutoring children with dyslexia.

Mark Ridings

Mark Ridings is the Executive Director of Information Technology for TWRA. He is also a Certified Public Manager. Mark is from Huntingdon, Tennessee, but has made Nashville home for most of his career. He graduated from MTSU with a bachelor's in political science and communications.

Mark's involved in several State groups, including:

• Chair of Information Technology Executive Council Board
• Past Chair of the Information Technology Professionals Association Board,
• TGL Council, and
• Past Treasurer of the LEAD TN Alumni Association Steering Committee.

Mark graduated from TGEI in 2018 and LEAD Tennessee in 2015.

When not working, Mark enjoys the outdoors, photography, and travel.

Richard (Bucky) Rosenbaum

Bucky Rosenbaum is a Talent Management Business Partner in LLD for DOHR. He primarily serves the Department of General Services. He joined the LLD team after four years in the State's Real Estate Asset Management (STREAM) division DGS. There, he served as a Management Consultant, Director of Training and Development, and Customer Relationship Manager on the Tenant Services team. Bucky has directed several special projects, including:

• ParTNers Health & Wellness Center,
• Establishing the Tennessee Tower Food Court & Coffee Shop, and
• Piloting the State's WeCar car-sharing program.

Bucky earned his bachelor's in psychology and education from Carson-Newman College. There, he served as the Assistant Director in the Office of Public Relations.

Bucky and his wife Joann have been married for 45 years and live in Nashville. They have five adult children and eight grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and outdoor activities with his grandkids. He is an avid reader and an active member of Nashville's Church of the Redeemer (Anglican). Bucky is also an Eagle Scout.

Nikki Sprinkle

Nikki Sprinkle has worked for DIDD since 2004. She currently serves as the Director of Intake and Case Management. She empowers Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they envision for themselves.

Nikki has a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in strategic leadership, both from TTU. She has her SHRM-CP human resources certification.

Nikki enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is very fond of traveling, writing, and going out to eat!

Matthew Tarpley

Matt Tarpley grew up in Nashville. He went to Hillsboro High School and UT Chattanooga to study Criminal Justice. Matt enlisted in the TN Army National Guard, where he has served for eleven years. He has held a multitude of duty assignments ranging from a 27 Delta (“27D”), to deploying with a Public Affairs unit to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay (“JTFG”), to helping in the State of Tennessee with tornado relief.

Matthew has been a State employee since 2013. He first served in the judicial branch at the Attorney General’s Office. He then went to the legislative branch as a Legislative Aide for a State Representative. Matt is in the executive branch at the Department of Human Services. There, he is the Executive Assistant to the General Counsel. Matt graduated from the inaugural class of TGPI in 2022. His peers voted him to become the first president of TGPI. He sits on the TGL Council as a representative of TGPI.

Matthew enjoys playing and listening to music, traveling, and learning new skills.

Nikki Turner

Nikki Turner is Chief People Officer for TRICOR. She has over 15 years of HR experience in the private and public sectors. Nikki serves her agency by providing human resources, talent management, and communications strategy and solutions. Nikki is a firm believer in servant leadership and life-long learning. She encourages others to take every chance to learn and put into practice for others. Nikki knew that she had a love for people and an ability to work with them on all levels.

Nikki is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from TSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Human Resources Management. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing, dancing, and movies. Nikki's involved in:

• National Institute of Corrections Thinking for a Change Facilitator and Train-the-Trainer,
• TRICOR Coach,
• Certified facilitator for the Tennessee State Government, and
• Mentor with the tnAchieves program.