The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has named Jenny Howard as its new deputy commissioner, effective Sept. 28.
Howard has served as deputy commissioner and general counsel for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation since March 2023. She previously held roles as TDEC’s general counsel, deputy general counsel and legislative liaison.
During her 14 years with TDEC, Howard provided legal, legislative and operational guidance for a department with more than 2,000 employees. Her experience includes advising executive leadership on major decisions and improving internal processes.
As deputy commissioner at TDA, Howard will oversee day-to-day operations, support the department’s executive team and work to advance Holt’s goals for Tennessee agriculture and forestry.
“Jenny brings experience in state government and leadership, along with an educational and personal background in agriculture,” Holt said. “I look forward to her joining TDA and helping lead the department.”
Holt will be replacing Ryan King who is transitioning back to the private sector. During his time as deputy commissioner, King oversaw expanded cost-share options, investments in agriculture and agribusiness, Gov. Bill Lee’s $92 million investment in 4-H and FFA camps and funding for the State Meat Inspection Program.
King also supported a new pesticide recertification process, helped elevate the Agricultural Crime Unit and advocated for rural infrastructure improvements.
Howard grew up in Florida working in her family’s wholesale nursery business. She earned a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Jurisprudence and Law and Business Certificate from Vanderbilt University Law School.
She is a graduate of LEAD Tennessee and the Tennessee Government Executive Institute. Howard has also been named a Nashville Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree and voted “Best of the Bar.”
She lives in Nashville with her husband and two daughters.
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