NASHVILLE - Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd is stepping down to return to the private sector, Gov. Bill Haslam said of the wealthy businessman who is widely expected to run in the 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary to succeed Haslam.
In the governor's news release, Boyd said it was "an honor to serve and one I'll always cherish. Now, I look forward to returning home to Knoxville to continue to find ways to best serve our state."
In his news release, Haslam, a Republican, lauded Boyd's tenure as the state's chief economic recruiter and said Boyd will return as chairman of Radio Systems Corp., the business he started in 1991.
Haslam also lavished praise of Boyd's role in advancing the state's nationally recognized Tennessee Promise, which provides last dollar scholarships to all high school graduates to community and technical colleges along with mentors.
The governor cited Boyd's work on his Drive to 55 initiative which calls for 55 percent of adult Tennesseans to have a post secondary degree or certificate by 2025.
"The State of Tennessee has gained so much from Randy's service," Haslam stated. "To put it simply: without Randy, there is no Tennessee Promise or Drive to 55 or a comprehensive approach to job growth via workforce development."
Haslam also added, "I will miss his energy, passion and deep commitment to bringing economic growth and success to every corner of the state, and I am grateful for everything he has done for Tennessee."
Boyd, who is one of a number of Republicans eyeing bids, said in the news release that he was "thankful for the opportunity to serve the governor and the people of Tennessee" over the past two years. "The governor has taught me what a positive impact one can have in public service."
He said "the people of Tennessee and ECD's staff and many partners have inspired me with their passion and determination."
Boyd's departure comes as state Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, has already taken the first steps toward a governor's race, launching a "listening tour" late last year and then creating a formal gubernatorial campaign committee.
It could be a crowded GOP primary with House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, eyeing a bid while U.S. Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., is expected to run and state Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, looking at running as well.
There's already been grumbling about Boyd among some GOP lawmakers who say the commissioner, whose is appointed, continues to get high visibility when providing economic grants to local governments and businesses. Their take has been Boyd needed to make a decision soon.
During Boyd's two-year tenure as commissioner, according to Haslam, Tennessee has been recognized as first in the nation for advanced industry job growth, first in foreign direct investment and second in the growth of household median incomes.
The department has also set several records and generated nearly 50,000 new job commitments and nearly $11 billion in capital investment in the state.