Gov. Lee Appoints Interim Commissioner at Tennessee Department of Correction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Christopher Hansen as interim commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), effective immediately. Hansen will serve as interim commissioner while maintaining his current duties as assistant commissioner of community supervision.

"Chris Hansen is a committed public servant with decades of experience in corrections and public safety," said Gov. Lee. "His knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Correction makes him uniquely qualified to lead, and I am grateful for his willingness to serve Tennesseans during this transition."

Hansen currently oversees TDOC's probation and parole operations, leading approximately 1,100 employees across the state. Since joining TDOC, he has led implementation of TN-STEPS, the Department's statewide evidence-based community supervision model, and strengthened efforts to promote accountability, public safety, and successful reentry.

Prior to joining TDOC in 2023, Hansen served as chief probation officer and director of the Solano County Probation Department in California and as chief United States probation officer for the District of Nevada. He also held leadership and public safety roles with the United States Probation Office in Florida, the University of South Florida Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections.

Hansen earned a Doctor of Education in Justice Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, as well as master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of South Florida. Hansen's wife was raised in Tennessee, and their family relocated to Mount Juliet in 2023 to be closer to family.