TDMHSAS Announces New Chief Medical Officer

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Terry Holmes to Chief Medical Officer. 

Dr. Holmes has more than 20 years of psychiatric experience with TDMHSAS.  He has worked the last 15 years as Clinical Director at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to be adding Dr. Holmes to our executive leadership team,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams.  “Dr. Holmes has been a great asset through his service and leadership at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute, and now the whole state will benefit from his expertise.”

Prior to joining the department, Dr. Holmes spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1994 with the rank of Colonel.  In addition to his Medical Degree from Baylor University, Dr. Holmes holds a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from Tulane University.

Following retirement from the Air Force, Dr. Holmes engaged in private practice and became involved in part-time forensic work, testifying as an expert witness in a number of high profile cases.   His personal interests revolve around the interface between psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders.

Additionally, Dr. Holmes participated in a task force effort with TDMHSAS and the Tennessee Hospital Association to decrease Emergency Department boarding times for psychiatric patients.  That initiative is now demonstrating that early administration of a standard protocol is safely and effectively treating patients in psychiatric crisis.

Dr. Holmes will replace Dr. Howard Burley who is moving on to new opportunities after 12 years of service to the state.