Tennessee Department of Agriculture Names King as Deputy Commissioner

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt has announced the appointment of Ryan King as Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) beginning October 31.

As Deputy Commissioner, King will oversee day-to-day operations for TDA, support programs and services, and collaborate on policy development.

"Ryan brings an extraordinary record of leadership, collaboration, and service to rural communities," Commissioner Holt said. "His experience in agriculture, public policy, and economic development will strengthen partnerships and ensure that TDA continues meeting the needs of farmers, the forest products industry, and agribusinesses across Tennessee."

King has spent nearly two decades advancing priorities that benefit rural Tennessee and the business community. Most recently, at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, King championed energy, broadband, and infrastructure initiatives that drive economic growth in rural and suburban Tennessee. Prior to that, as Vice President of Government Affairs at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, he led public policy strategy and built coalitions to strengthen the state's business climate and workforce. He also held vital roles with the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

"Growing up on a beef cattle farm in Lebanon taught me the value of hard work and the deep connection between agriculture and community," King said. "I'm honored to join Governor Lee and Commissioner Holt in supporting Tennessee. Agriculture remains the foundation of our state's economy, and I look forward to building on that legacy through collaboration and service."

King earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Agricultural Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Communications from the University of Tennessee. He is currently enrolled in Leadership Tennessee Class XII and just concluded his service as a Board Member of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation.

King and his wife, Amy, live in Franklin with their two children, Lincoln and Mary Grace. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth baseball and spending time outdoors.