Office of External Affairs (OEA)
The Office of External Affairs operates within the Division of Stakeholder Engagement and serves as a primary point of contact for external stakeholders with environmental concerns across the state, through their eight (8) regions. Regional Directors actively work with local and state officials; business and industry; the general public; community development representatives; and environmental groups. The External Affairs team also serve as key representatives for coordinating and facilitating public meetings, regulatory hearings, information sessions, and community engagement opportunities to ensure the Department is inclusive while meeting its mission.
From the OEA Deputy Directors
The TDEC Office of External Affairs (OEA) Team had a rewarding 2025, engaging stakeholders to support the department's mission of improving quality of life for Tennessee citizens and being stewards of the natural environment.
This Year-End Report highlights key efforts, including faciliting 52 public hearings and meetings for TDEC's Bureaus of Conservation and Environment, assisting with initiatives like the Hurricane Helene response and the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, and liaising with elected officials. Excitingly, the team welcomed three new team members - Jessie McBride (Cookeville), J.R. Tinch (KNoxville, and Klarissa Kahill (Nashville - who filled the regional director positions following retirements and promotions.
Thank you for trusting us with the imporant responsibility of leading stakeholder engagement for this great department!
- Chuck Yoest and Jan Compton