Dawn Majors Named Tennessee State Chief Photographer
Award-winning Photojournalist Selected Following Nationwide Search to Lead the State's Photographic Services Program
NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Department of General Services (DGS) Commissioner Andy Kidd today announced the selection of Dawn Majors as Tennessee's State Chief Photographer following an extensive nationwide search and competitive portfolio review conducted by a panel of internal and external reviewers.
Majors, who previously served as State Photographer 2, was selected from a highly qualified field of candidates based on her technical expertise, artistic vision, leadership, and experience documenting government and public service.
“The photographs created today become tomorrow's history, and Dawn understands the responsibility that comes with the people and moments that shape Tennessee,” DGS Commissioner Andy Kidd said. “Her extraordinary talent, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to public service distinguished her throughout a rigorous national search. I am proud to have Dawn lead this important program and help preserve our State’s history with integrity, excellence, and purpose that this work deserves.”
Majors succeeds Theresa Montgomery, who retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the State of Tennessee and was the first woman to serve as Tennessee’s State Chief Photographer.
A native Nashvillian, Majors began her career in Tennessee before joining the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a staff photojournalist, where she spent nearly a decade covering breaking news, politics, and community stories. Her work contributed to the newspaper staff's recognition as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Reporting.
In 2011, Majors returned home to Tennessee to continue her career in public service. For the past 15 years, she has documented the work of Governors Bill Haslam and Bill Lee, First Ladies Chrissy Haslam and Maria Lee, members of the General Assembly, and agencies across State government. Her photography has preserved significant moments in Tennessee history while supporting transparency, public engagement, and the State's official historical record.
With her appointment, Majors becomes only the second woman to serve as Tennessee's State Chief Photographer and the first African American woman to hold the position.
Throughout her career, Majors has earned national recognition for her work as a photojournalist, educator, and visual storyteller. In addition to her journalism career, she has served as an adjunct photojournalism instructor, mentored aspiring photographers, and contributed to numerous publications documenting Tennessee's history and culture.
“It is an incredible honor to serve my home state in this role,” Majors said. “For the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of documenting the people, places, and moments that tell Tennessee's story. I look forward to continuing that work by preserving our history, celebrating public service, and creating a visual record that reflects the people of Tennessee and the work being done every day on their behalf.”
As State Chief Photographer, Majors will lead the Photographic Services Office, overseeing official photography for the Governor's Office, Constitutional Officers, the General Assembly, and State agencies while preserving Tennessee's visual history for future generations.
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About the Tennessee Department of General Services
The Department of General Services (DGS) serves as the operational backbone of Tennessee State Government, providing essential services and support that enable State agencies to carry out their missions. From procurement and real estate to vehicle and asset management, printing, photography, parking, and other operational services, DGS helps State government work efficiently and effectively for Tennesseans. Follow DGS on social media @TennDGS or www.tn.gov/generalservices.