NASHVILLE — Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower has named Toni Chadwick as the new head of the state's Office of Open Records Counsel, which serves as a resource for residents, news organizations and government on questions involving state public records and open meetings laws.
"The Office of Open Records Counsel plays an important role in ensuring our state and local governments follow the laws that keep public records and meetings open and accessible," Mumpower said Monday in a release announcing Chadwick's appointment. "I know that Toni will continue to serve the hundreds of Tennesseans who utilize this office and its expertise each year."
The counsel helps Tennessee citizens and governmental entities understand the state's Public Records Act and Open Meetings Act with educational outreach and promulgation of policies, best practices and guidelines. The counsel's assistance and education efforts are "crucial to ensuring transparency in government," Mumpower's office said.
Chadwick, a graduate of Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi Law School, replaces Maria Bush, who is transitioning to a part-time role in the office.
Prior to joining the Comptroller's Office, Chadwick worked as an administrative law judge for Tennessee's Division of TennCare, where she presided over hearings related to program eligibility. She previously served as a commissioner's designee with the Department of Labor.
Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition on Open Government, a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization that advocates for transparency in government, said by phone she is looking forward to meeting Chadwick.
"It's an important office in providing information to citizens and journalists," Fisher said. "It's important for that office to uphold the principles of open government."
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-285-9480.
State of Tennessee / Toni Chadwick, Open Records Counsel