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Tennessee Chamber names Bradley Jackson as interim president

Tennessee Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Bradley Jackson, left, watches the debate of a bill sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, right, to allow people with handgun carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked during a House Civil Justice Committee meeting in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. The panel later voted to advance the measure to a full floor vote. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig) Tennessee Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Bradley Jackson, left, watches the debate of a bill sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, right, to allow people with handgun carry permits to store firearms in their vehicles no matter where they are parked during a House Civil Justice Committee meeting in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. The panel later voted to advance the measure to a full floor vote. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

By Staff Report April 1, 2016 2 min read

NASHVILLE – Bradley Jackson has been named interim president of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry with leaders signaling the business advocacy group may give him the top post on a more permanent basis following a trial period.

Jackson, vice president of the Chamber’s government affairs section since 2007, will take over next week from Catherine Glover, who is leaving the helm of one of the state’s oldest and powerful voices for business after some 4 1/2 years at the Chamber.

Chamber officials say Jackson has been a strong advocate for business and economic growth at the state Capitol and has helped chalk up legislative victories for business in areas ranging from placing monetary damage caps on civil lawsuit awards to an overhaul of the state’s program for injured workers.

Tennessee Chamber Chairman Greg Martz said in a news release that in “times of economic uncertainty and political change, Bradley has been “a steady hand” and “earned the bipartisan respect of lawmakers and business leaders from all facets of industry.”

He added that the Chamber’s Executive Board “has denoted [Jackson’s] role as interim president through this transitional period, but we have full confidence in Bradley leading this organization for many years to come.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Jackson served in a variety of roles in the legislative and executive branches of government that include policy, budget and operational management.

Jackson said the Chamber “over the years has been vital in making this state one of the best places in the nation to operate a business.”

“Having been a part of this team for so long, I commend the entire staff at the Chamber for making successes possible,” Jackson said in the news release. “I look forward to continuing that success and focusing on new and innovative ways to engage the business community in our legislative process.”

Calling her departure “bittersweet,” Glover said Jackson has served business interests “diligently, and with his new role, will continue his passion to serve. I couldn’t be more proud, knowing that Bradley will bring the state chamber to the next level of success.”

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry has represented state businesses and manufacturers since 1912.