Tennessee Archaeological Advisory Council

Meeting Details: (Revised 02/26/2026)

  • There is no meeting scheduled for March 2026.

Board Characteristics

The Archaeological Advisory Council is charged with the duty to advise the commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation and the State Archaeologist on all matters of policy related to the activities of the Division of Archaeology and to the employment of professional personnel. Members of the Council are appointed by the Governor to overlapping five-year terms. The Council’s composition reflects the diversity encouraged on state boards including: a member of the public, three members of a racial minority, and five women.

Members include:

  • Five anthropologists representing the University of Tennessee, University of Memphis, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tenessee State University and East Tennessee State University;
  • One representative from the Tennessee Historical Commission;
  • One representative from a recognized archaeological association in Tennessee;
  • Three members of Native American descent and representative of the Native American community in Tennessee;
  • One member from the public at large.

Commissioned under T.C.A. 11-6-103.

The statute authorizing this board expires June 30, 2028 and the one-year wind-down period begins.

Member Term Expires Representation
Dr. Ryan Parrish 06-30-2030 University of Memphis
Charles Robinson 06-30-2025 Native American Community
Dr. Kandace Hollenbach 06-30-2028 University of Tennessee
J. Lauren Webb 06-30-2028 Public-at-Large
Cindy Yahola 06-30-2028 Native American Community
Vacant 06-30-2022 Native American Community
Vacant
06-30-2027 Middle Tennessee State University
Dr. Steve Wernke 06-30-2027 Vanderbilt University
Tim Fields 06-30-2028 Archaeological Association
Jim Kay 05-03-2027 Tennessee Historical Commission
Dr. Lindsey Cochran 06-30-2026 East Tennessee State University

Past Meetings

Contact
Phil Hodge
State Archaeologist & Director
Tennessee Division of Archaeology
615-687-4776
Phil.Hodge@tn.gov

This Page Last Updated: February 26, 2026 at 3:19 PM