Adams & Reese Strengthens Tennessee Government Relations with Key Hire of Former Health Department Official

Adams & Reese has appointed Holt Whitt as a Government Relations Advisor in its Nashville office, bringing over 15 years of state government experience to the firm's Intersection of Business & Government Practice Group. Whitt most recently served as Assistant Commissioner for Legislative Affairs for the Tennessee Department of Health, where he played a pivotal role in developing the department's legislative agenda and securing passage of Governor Lee's health-related initiatives through the Tennessee General Assembly.

This hiring significantly strengthens Adams & Reese's government relations team, which comprises more than 75 attorneys and advisors nationwide, including former state legislative leaders, congressional members, economic development officials, and a former U.S. Ambassador. Brad Lampley, IBG Practice Group Leader and Partner in Nashville, described Whitt as a home run hire who brings strong reputations and relationships from both executive and legislative branches. The firm's government relations team represents clients at federal, state, and local levels through advocacy, lobbying, support, and legal counsel, as detailed on their official website https://www.adamsandreese.com.

Whitt's extensive experience in Tennessee's healthcare infrastructure is particularly valuable as the state's healthcare industry experiences substantial growth, with Nashville emerging as a major hub for healthcare innovation. His understanding of the sector's complexities positions Adams & Reese to better serve clients navigating the evolving healthcare landscape. During his tenure in Governor Lee's administration, Whitt worked alongside colleagues to make significant impacts for Tennesseans, and he now aims to help clients connect with state and local government while driving economic growth across Tennessee.

Prior to his role at the Tennessee Department of Health, Whitt served as Senior Policy Advisor at the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, where he led legislative strategy and stakeholder engagement. His legislative experience includes serving as Interim Chief of Staff and Director of Legislation for the Speaker of the House, plus Director of Policy and Research and Analyst for the Tennessee General Assembly's Republican Caucus. Through these various positions, Whitt developed expertise in liaison negotiations, bill passage coordination, and legislative evaluation, making him a valuable asset for clients seeking government relations support in Tennessee's dynamic political environment.