Tennessee Gov. Lee Announces Departure of Senior Advisor John DeBerry

DeBerry to pursue new venture after six years in Lee administration

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that Senior Advisor John DeBerry will step away from his role to pursue a new venture after six years of leadership in Governor Lee's cabinet and a distinguished tenure in the executive and legislative branches of state government, effective February 12.

Why it matters

DeBerry has served as a trusted advisor to the Governor since the early days of the Lee Administration, using his decades of experience in public policy to provide guidance on key issues. His departure represents a significant change in the governor's inner circle.

The details

DeBerry played a key role in advancing the Memphis Safe Task Force, creating generational change and opportunity for Memphians. Prior to joining the Lee Administration, DeBerry represented the 90th House District of Tennessee from 1995 to 2020, serving in thirteen General Assemblies. His tenure was marked by influential leadership, and DeBerry served on numerous education, finance, health, and judiciary committees.

  • DeBerry will step away from his role effective February 12, 2026.
  • DeBerry has served in Governor Lee's cabinet since the early days of the Lee Administration.

The players

Bill Lee

The current Governor of Tennessee.

John DeBerry

A senior advisor to Governor Bill Lee who is departing his role to pursue a new venture.

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What they’re saying

“Since my first term, John DeBerry has served as a trusted advisor and steady voice of wisdom. He is a man of faith who leads with conviction and has devoted his life to serving the people of Tennessee with excellence. Maria and I are deeply grateful for his friendship and service, and we pray God's richest blessings over John and his family in the days ahead.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee (thestkittsnevisobserver.com)

“It has been the highlight of my career to serve Tennesseans as a member of Governor Lee's Cabinet. The Governor is not just a public servant, but a man of faith, and it's been an honor and a blessing to serve Tennessee in this way. The State is better because of his service, and I'm grateful to Governor Lee for his trust in me to help guide our great state these past years.”

— John DeBerry, Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee (thestkittsnevisobserver.com)

The takeaway

DeBerry's departure represents a significant change in Governor Lee's inner circle, as he has served as a trusted advisor and steady voice of wisdom for the past six years. His leadership and experience in public policy will be missed, but the governor expressed gratitude for DeBerry's service and friendship.