Clay Bright was appointed Commissioner of Transportation by Governor Bill Lee in January 2019. He is the 30^th commissioner of the state agency that oversees a statewide transportation system including highways, rail, airports, waterways, and transit.

With a career dedicated to construction and project delivery, Commissioner Bright is eager to build on TDOT’s growing Accelerated Delivery Program and innovative approaches to congestion and traffic management. Recently enacted legislation will allow the department to continue to utilize the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method, and Bright is currently overseeing the implementation of the first Smart Corridor project in Tennessee.

Safety and educational advancements continue to be a top priority under Commissioner Bright’s leadership, with a strong focus on TDOT’s front line employees. With the implementation of an aggressive internal safety campaign, the department has seen a dramatic decrease in employee injuries. The TDOT ReConnect program will also provide opportunities for employees to advance their education levels and work towards a college degree.

Commissioner Bright spent 36 years working for Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest construction firms. In 1998, he opened Brasfield & Gorrie’s Nashville-based office. During the 20 years under his leadership, Brasfield & Gorrie’s Nashville team completed over $3 billion in construction and grew to employ over 200 people.

Commissioner Bright is an active member of Nashville’s business community, serving on several boards and commissions. He also devotes time to global humanitarian causes, and has participated in several mission trips.

Commissioner Bright received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Alabama. He and his wife, Kim, have two sons and are members of Christ Presbyterian Church. In his free time, he enjoys running, golf, hunting, and fishing.