Former Council Members
Council members are appointed to serve terms ranging from 3- 5 years. During their term, members attend quarterly meetings as well as emergency meetings held on an as needed basis. Members of the OAC serve in a volunteer capacity and do so in addition to their other responsibilities to the community. Below, the Opioid Abatement Council recognizes and thanks our former Council members for their dedication and service to the citizens of Tennessee impacted by the opioid crisis.
Karen Pershing
Thank you Karen for your commitment and service to the Council. Appointed by Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Karen's term began in July 2021 and ended in May 2025. When asked what she loved most about her time on the Council, Karen stated, "It was an honor to serve as a founding board member and to have the opportunity to invest resources in the continuum of care across our state, from prevention to recovery".
Casey Cox
Thank you Sheriff Casey Cox for your commitment and service to the Council. Appointed by Speaker of The House Cameron Sexton, Sheriff Cox's term began July 2021 and ended June 2025.
Charme Allen
Thank you District Attorney General Charme Allen for your commitment and service to the Council. Appointed by Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Charme's term began July 2021 and ended June 2025. When asked what she loved most about her time on the Council, General Allen stated, "Serving on the Opioid Abatement Council has been an honor and an important chapter in my career in public service. I’ve seen firsthand how the opioid crisis devastates families and communities, and being part of a collaborative effort to direct resources where they are most needed – prevention, treatment, enforcement, and support – has been both humbling and rewarding. I’m grateful to have worked alongside passionate leaders across Tennessee, all committed to saving lives and building safer, healthier communities.”
Shayne Sexton
Thank you Shayne Sexton for your commitment and service to the Council. Appointed by TN County Services Association, Shayne's term began July 2021 and ended June 2026. When discussing his time on the Council Shayne noted, “The OAC members and staff are committed to creating the best system possible for providing financial resources to providers of services fighting opioid addiction. From 2022 to present day, the effort to improve hasn’t stopped. We learned, listened, and relearned from our experiences. I’m proud to be part of this team with the mission we have frontline battling the scourge of addiction.”
Dr. Stephen Loyd
Thank you, Dr. Stephen Loyd for your commitment and service to the Council. Appointed by Governor Bill Lee, Dr. Loyd's term began July 2021 and ended June 2026. When asked what his time on the Council meant to him, Dr. Loyd said,
"Serving on the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council has been the most meaningful work of my career. The settlement dollars entrusted to The Council exist because Tennesseans paid an immeasurable price during the opioid epidemic. It has been a profound honor to help represent those we have lost, as well as the individuals, families, and communities who continue to navigate recovery every day.
From my perspective on the front lines of this epidemic, I witnessed families lose loved ones and saw too many Tennesseans struggle to access the treatment and support they needed. While these abatement funds cannot undo the pain or restore the lives that have been lost, they provide an opportunity to invest in prevention, treatment, recovery, and hope for future generations. To have served alongside so many dedicated Council Members and partners committed to ensuring these funds create meaningful, lasting impact is a privilege I will always cherish. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to play a part in helping Tennessee take an important step toward healing."