Paul Overholser, Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Grants

Paul Overholser serves as Assistant Commissioner for Grants and Administration for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. He functions as the department's chief financial officer, leading budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. He also collaborates with the Tennessee General Assembly and oversees the department's budget hearing process.

He oversees the administration of the Commodity Distribution Program, which supplies USDA surplus foods to schools and nonprofit organizations. In addition, he leads the Land and Water Stewardship Program, which offers federal and state financial assistance to help minimize the effects of land-use practices on water quality.

Overholser brings nearly two decades of service in Tennessee state government, including roles in the Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Secretary of State, Tennessee State Employees Association, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, where he held several leadership positions including Chief of Information Systems, Chief of Staff, and Strategic Development Director. A transformational public administration leader, he has extensive experience in strategic planning, IT modernization, legislative relations, and cross-sector collaboration to improve operational efficiency and public service delivery.

Overholser attended Nashville School of Law and Austin Peay State University. Outside of work he enjoys working with technology, tackling hands-on projects, and spending time with his family.