In this April 13, 2016 photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam talks with reporters in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today named Stephen Smith as his new senior advisor for policy and strategy, replacing Will Cromer who is moving to the state's TennCare Bureau as chief of staff.
Smith is currently the deputy commissioner for policy and external affairs at the state Department of Education where he works with the administration, General Assembly and other stakeholders on key policy, legislative and legal issues.
"Given our focus on education, Stephen has already been integrally involved with our office on a number of initiatives and issues over the past six years," Haslam said in a news release. "I've always appreciated his professionalism, grasp of the issues, and relationships with the legislature and stakeholders throughout the state," Haslam said. "He's a strong addition to our team, and we're excited to have him on board."
Smith, 41, left the Tennessee School Board Association in 2011 to join the state Education Department. In that role he's helped develop and push changes to the state's education accountability system, making tenure protections for teachers tougher to qualify for and keep, policies friendly to charter schools and changes in the state's teacher salary schedule and the Basic Education Program funding formula.
In a statement, Smith said he has been "very fortunate" to work in the Education Department "and be part of Governor Haslam's successful efforts to improve student achievement in this state," Smith said. "I am tremendously excited about this new role and the opportunity to work more directly with the governor on a wide range of issues to help Tennessee continue to be recognized as a national leader in education, job creation and fiscal responsibility."
Smith earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and law degree from the Nashville School of Law.