Commissioner Announces New Administrator

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner James Neeley has announced the appointment of Melinda Williams as administrator of marketing and outreach programs. Williams will have oversight for marketing all divisions within the agency in addition to her current responsibilities in the Employment Security Division.

Melinda Williams served as an assistant administrator with the Employment Security Division for the last three years.  Her service with the department began in one of our local offices in Sparta, Tennessee, in 1988.  She worked in the Job Service Unemployment Insurance divisions and then later as a marketing representative for the department. Melinda left for the private sector in 1996 working as human resource director for Big Bend Technology, an automotive supplier to Nissan.  Melinda returned to the department in May 2003 as director of employer service. 

“This is a critical position for the agency,” said Commissioner James Neeley. “Melinda’s experience in marketing and in human resources in the private sector will ensure the success of promoting our efforts with business and industry in Tennessee.”

“I am honored to assume this new role and appreciate the confidence Commissioner Neeley has in my leadership,” said Melinda Williams.

The Department of Labor & Workforce Development brings together a majority of the work-related programs used by more than 115,000 employers and the 2.7 million workers in Tennessee.  The focus of the agency is to work with employers and workers in creating safer, healthier work environments, in boosting employee skills through education and training, in assisting workers facing layoffs or career transitions, in providing labor market information, in promoting labor standards, in ensuring workers’ compensation protection, and in supporting workforce development initiatives that help business and industry grow and succeed.