Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture to Transition Hands This Fall
Sep 08, 2025
Starting this October, Tennessee will have a new Commissioner of Agriculture.
Andy Holt will take the place of current Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who has been part of Gov. Bill Lee’s cabinet since the beginning.
“Charlie has faithfully served Tennesseans since day one of the Lee administration,” Gov. Lee said. “Under his leadership, the Department of Agriculture has made significant investments in our rural communities and safeguarded our food supply. I’m deeply grateful for his decades of service to Tennessee’s farming families, and Maria and I wish Charlie continued success and pray God’s richest blessings over him in the days ahead.”
Prior to his tenure as commissioner, Hatcher served for 10 years as the State Veterinarian in the department.
“It has been the honor of my life to work alongside Governor Lee and my fellow commissioners to strengthen rural communities across our state,” said Commissioner Hatcher. “Together, we have made the largest investments in rural Tennessee’s history, expanded opportunities for young people through FFA, 4H, and education partnerships, and safeguarded farmland for future generations.”
Holt will take over the Department of Agriculture on Oct. 1. He currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Right now, he oversees the day-to-day operations.
Before he entered the department, he served in the Tennessee General Assembly. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
“Andy is a committed public servant who brings a personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Tennessee farmers,” Gov. Lee said. “I’m grateful for his leadership and am confident he will serve Tennesseans with integrity by strengthening rural communities and supporting our agriculture industry.”
Andy Holt will take the place of current Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who has been part of Gov. Bill Lee’s cabinet since the beginning.
“Charlie has faithfully served Tennesseans since day one of the Lee administration,” Gov. Lee said. “Under his leadership, the Department of Agriculture has made significant investments in our rural communities and safeguarded our food supply. I’m deeply grateful for his decades of service to Tennessee’s farming families, and Maria and I wish Charlie continued success and pray God’s richest blessings over him in the days ahead.”
Prior to his tenure as commissioner, Hatcher served for 10 years as the State Veterinarian in the department.
“It has been the honor of my life to work alongside Governor Lee and my fellow commissioners to strengthen rural communities across our state,” said Commissioner Hatcher. “Together, we have made the largest investments in rural Tennessee’s history, expanded opportunities for young people through FFA, 4H, and education partnerships, and safeguarded farmland for future generations.”
Holt will take over the Department of Agriculture on Oct. 1. He currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Right now, he oversees the day-to-day operations.
Before he entered the department, he served in the Tennessee General Assembly. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
“Andy is a committed public servant who brings a personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Tennessee farmers,” Gov. Lee said. “I’m grateful for his leadership and am confident he will serve Tennesseans with integrity by strengthening rural communities and supporting our agriculture industry.”