Executive Staff

Lynn Cothren, Operations Manager/Special Assistant 

Lynn Cothren

Lynn Cothren  serves as the Operations Manager and Special Assistant for the Commission. He works in partnership with the Executive Director on all facets of agency operations including stakeholders and the public.  This includes assisting with day-to-day logistics, education and outreach, and general agency administration. Lynn works as an integral member of the executive staff team.  Previously he served as the Director of Administration at Girl Scouts of the USA in a leadership role which included developing and implementing organizational strategies and policies that enable girls to build courage, confidence, and character, and make the world a better place. Previously, Mr. Cothren served for 23 years as Special Assistant to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, founder of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.  

Jacob Aparicio, Communications Director

Picture of Jacob Aparicio.

Jacob Aparicio joined the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) as the Communications Director in March 2023. In his role, he oversees internal and external communications for the Commission as well as implementing education and outreach efforts. Jacob works closely with the executive staff team to coordinate all Commission events, manage community partnerships, and develop resources to engage and educate stakeholders and the public. Prior to joining THRC, Mr. Aparicio had 10+ years experience in human services, with roles ranging from the non-profit sector to municipal government. Previously, he worked as a Program Coordinator with the Oasis Center in Nashville, TN. There he coordinated various youth leadership programs and events in relation to youth voice and advocacy. In his home state of Connecticut, Jacob served the Mayor's Office in the City of Hartford as Assistant to the Chief of Staff.  Jacob graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology. Outside of his professional roles, Mr. Aparicio has been deeply involved in his community including serving as chair of the Nashville MLK Day Youth Committee and founder of the Reel Youth Hartford Film Festival.