Governor Bill Haslam today named Jennifer Donnals as director of communications for his administration. Ms. Donnals most recently served as press secretary to the governor.
“Over the past three years, Jennifer has been a key member of our team, leading many of our communications and media relations efforts,” Governor Haslam said. “Jennifer’s expertise and relationships both within the administration and without will only help us as we continue to share Tennessee’s successes in education, jobs, and efficient and effective government.”
As director of communications, Ms.
Donnals serves as the governor’s chief advisor and strategist for communications, overseeing internal and external communications for the administration, including senior staff, Cabinet and state departments.
“I’ve had the unique opportunity to travel across the state with Governor Haslam and see firsthand how Tennesseans are working together make our state the very best place to live, work and raise a family,” Ms. Donnals said. “I am grateful to the governor for this opportunity to continue to tell the Tennessee story.”
Ms. Donnals has served as Governor Haslam’s press secretary since 2015. She began her career as a broadcast journalist, working at television stations in Ohio, Alabama and Tennessee. She later became the director of communications for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in Memphis before moving to Nashville to serve in Governor Haslam's administration as director of communications for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Ms. Donnals graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor of science in communications degree.
She and her husband, Brett, live with their daughter in Nashville and are members of St. Henry Catholic Church.