Tennessee Department of Agriculture Names New Assistant Commissioner

NASHVILLE —  Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt announces Blake Ramsey as the Assistant Commissioner for Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Ramsey previously served as the Director of Business Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

“Blake brings a strong understanding of agriculture, economic development and international trade, and I’m excited to welcome him to TDA,” Holt said. “He understands how to connect businesses and industry partners with new markets and opportunities, and I’m confident his expertise will help us continue growing Tennessee’s agricultural economy and strengthening rural communities across the state.”

Before joining the state, Ramsey worked with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) as Director of Trade Shows, Associate Director of International Trade Programs and Manager of International Trade Programs.

“I’m honored to serve Tennessee and help strengthen its agricultural economy and rural communities,” Ramsey said. “Our strong, diverse agricultural industry is vital to the state’s economy. From production agriculture and forestry to food and beverage manufacturing and value-added industries, I look forward to working with businesses, communities and industry partners to build on that strength and create new opportunities for Tennesseans statewide.”

He was honored in 2024 with the NASDA Most Outstanding Staff Award and was named a USDA Appointee on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Processed Foods.

Ramsey earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Business Analytics from the University of Georgia in Athens. He also holds a Master of Agribusiness degree and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University in College Station.

Ramsey, a native Texan, grew up on a cattle farm in Brenham and enjoys cheering on the Texas A&M Aggies football team. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Maria, and their two rescue dogs, Georgia and Texas.

Translation and interpretation services for this press release are available free of charge. Please contact Kim.Doddridge@tn.gov.