Gov. Phil Bredesen Tuesday announced that Will Pinkston will rejoin his staff in January as a senior advisor to the governor. In his new role, Mr. Pinkston will focus on development and management of some of the administration's key policy initiatives.
"Will's familiarity with my priorities for the State of Tennessee and his range of experience will make him a valuable addition to my senior staff," Gov. Bredesen said. "As we prepare for the New Year and upcoming legislative session, I'm extremely pleased to welcome him back to our team."
Most recently, Mr. Pinkston worked as vice president for special projects at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations in Nashville, and in 2006 was communications director for Gov. Bredesen's successful re-election campaign.
"I'm honored to rejoin Gov. Bredesen and to have the opportunity to help him advance a strong agenda in key areas like education, the environment and jobs," Mr. Pinkston said.
Mr. Pinkston previously served on the governor's staff during Gov. Bredesen's first term, helping manage communications, legislative and policy initiatives, including the governor's anti-methamphetamine strategy and the launch of the Tennessee Lottery.
Before working for Gov. Bredesen, Mr. Pinkston was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, the Tennessean, and the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss. He has also managed political and communications strategy for the Tennessee Democratic Party.
Mr. Pinkston, a Nashville native, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.