Gov. Lee Announces Leadership Transition in the Governor’s Office

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Erin Merrick will depart the Governor’s Office in early July after serving in multiple roles over more than seven years, including her most recent position of Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor. Merrick has served Lee since day one of his administration and will transition to the private sector.

“Since the early days of the Lee Administration, Erin has been an invaluable member of our team and a trusted advisor, offering wise counsel and steady leadership,” said Gov. Lee. “Her commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the law has served Tennesseans well. Maria and I wish Erin continued success and pray God’s richest blessings over her family in the days ahead.”

During her tenure as one of the longest-serving members of Lee’s team, Merrick has been deeply instrumental in the selection of four Tennessee Supreme Court justices, in addition to numerous appellate and trial judges across the state. She directed the administration’s clemency review process, resulting in more than 160 clemency grants, and spearheaded regulatory reform efforts across the executive branch to cut red tape and reduce burdens on Tennessee businesses, professionals, and citizens.

Alexa Witcher has been appointed to serve as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor.

“Alexa’s strong legal background and commitment to public service have been integral to our administration’s work,” said Gov. Lee. “As she takes on this new role, Maria and I are grateful for her leadership and are confident she will continue to serve Tennesseans with integrity.”

Alexa Witcher has served as Deputy Counsel to Gov. Lee since 2021 and is a member of the Governor’s senior staff, where she drafts legislation to advance the Governor’s key priorities, including the Education Freedom Act and Transportation Modernization Act. A lifelong Tennessean, Witcher has more than a decade in state government experience, serving in multiple executive branch departments in the Lee and Haslam administrations prior to joining the Governor’s Office. She earned her juris doctor from Belmont University College of Law.

Rob Mitchell, Deputy Counsel to the Governor, will remain in the administration and join the Governor’s senior staff, continuing to provide key legal guidance on executive priorities. Mitchell earned his juris doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law and has served Lee since 2022, after previously working in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.

Alex Lewis will transition from the legislative team to the legal team, where he has been appointed to serve as Deputy Counsel to the Governor and support the administration’s legal and policy work. After earning his juris doctor from Nashville School of Law, Lewis held roles in the legislative branch and private practice before joining the Lee administration seven years ago, and the Governor’s Office in 2023.