Williamson County sheriff named as Tennessee homeland security commissioner
Elaina Sauber
Gov.-elect Bill Lee has selected another Williamson County resident for his cabinet.
Lee has named Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Long as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, his transition team announced Monday.
It's unclear who would succeed Long, who was re-elected this year after running uncontested.
Long has served as Williamson County Sheriff since 2008.
He will replace Commissioner David Purkey, who was named safety commissioner in 2016.
Julie McPeak, commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and Greg Gonzales, commissioner of the Department of Financial Institutions, will continue in their roles, the release says. Newcomer Mark Ezell will serve as commissioner of the Department of Tourist Development.
“I'm pleased these four talented individuals have agreed to join my cabinet and lead these important departments,” Lee said in a press release. “Their experience and institutional knowledge will be invaluable as we build long-term solutions for our state.”
As commissioner, he will oversee the Tennessee Highway Patrol, drivers services and licensing, homeland security and the Tennessee highway safety office.
About Long
Long replaced former Sheriff Ricky Headley, who resigned and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges after he illegally obtained prescription pain pills from a Nashville pharmacy.
An alumnus of the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in political science, Long went on to earn his law degree from the Nashville School of Law.
Long previously worked as an assistant district attorney with the 21st Judicial District, a special agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, arson investigator with the state fire marshal's office and a federal hospital police officer with the VA hospital in Memphis.
Long was given the 2013 Tennessee Sheriff of the Year Award. And in 2014, Gov. Bill Haslam appointed him to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
Long is a past president of the Tennessee Sheriffs Association.
He referred requests for comment to Lee's transition team.
More:Bill Lee announces Williamson County dairy farmer, state vet as agriculture commissioner
More:Gov.-elect Bill Lee announces first three commissioners in new Cabinet
More political power to Williamson County
The latest selection to Lee's cabinet appears to further a political power shift toward Williamson County, the wealthiest county in Tennessee.
Long is the second Williamson County resident named to Lee's cabinet. He joins dairy farmer Charlie Hatcher, who was named as agriculture commissioner.
In the state's legislative branch, Rep. Glen Casada, R-Thompson's Station, is set to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
State Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, was recently elected as the Senate Majority Leader.
Reach Elaina Sauber at esauber@tennessean.com, 615-571-1172 or follow @ElainaSauber on Twitter.