Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has made a strategic personnel shift within his office, appointing Chris Tutor as the new Chief of Staff. Tutor takes the helm as his predecessor, Brandon Smith, departs for the private sector. This role is critical, overseeing legislative and communication teams, as well as liaising with other state attorney generals and federal entities, as per a news release from the Tennessee Attorney General's Office.
Memphis-bred Tutor transitions from Butler Snow LLP, where he excelled as a partner working on commercial real estate and business transactions. His record is one of public dedication, having held the position of Vice-Chair for the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission and was a past chairman for the Republican Party of Shelby County. Tutor boasts impressive academic credentials, graduating magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University and University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. His early career includes a stint at OSD-Policy in the United States Department of Defense. This latest update bodes a continuation of Tutor's robust track record in various arenas of public service.
In statements obtained by the Tennessee Attorney General's office, Skrmetti praised his new Chief of Staff, saying, "Chris Tutor’s distinguished career to date is a model of integrity, competence, and temperance, and we are excited to welcome him to the Attorney General’s Office," while also noting "His enthusiasm and abiding love for Tennessee and its people will serve our State well."
The office also acknowledges the contributions of the outgoing Smith. Attorney General Skrmetti stated, "I am deeply grateful for Brandon's exceptional service to the State of Tennessee and to this Office. I got to know Brandon when he joined our Office of Solicitor General and one of the very first things I did upon becoming AG was promote him to Chief of Staff, a role in which he excelled with vigor, creativity, and tenacity. I and everyone in the Office wish him the very best as he transitions to private practice." Deputy Chief of Staff Kaki Carrigan, formerly from Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton’s staff, will continue in her role, according to a statement obtained by the Tennessee Attorney General's office.
