LEXINGTON, Ky — The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) announced the election of Christi W. Branscom as vice president of the Executive Committee.

Branscom, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, previously served as an at-large member of the Executive Committee and was named by NASCA as “one of the new female state chief administrators to watch” in 2019.

“During my time as a member I’ve been impressed by NASCA’s ability to advocate for greater efficiency and effectiveness in state government operations, and by the commitment that NASCA and its members demonstrate to this cause,” Branscom said. "I am honored to be elected to this new role and look forward to the opportunity for expanded service to NASCA.”

As commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, Branscom oversees central procurement of all goods purchased and services contracted by Tennessee; real estate asset management and capital project development; the state’s printing, graphic and web design, document scanning, photography, warehousing, and distribution services; and vehicle and asset management, which includes the management and disposal of motor vehicles and equipment utilized by the state.

As vice president, Branscom will chair NASCA's Strategic Partner Group. Under her leadership, the collaborative group of like-minded national associations will convene to offer best practices and ensure a collective voice for state government operations. These efforts further the mission of NASCA to position the chief administrator as a recognized leader in state government operational excellence.

Branscom, who before her state government experience was senior director of public works and later deputy to the mayor and the chief operating officer for the City of Knoxville, has emerged as a leading voice for fiscally prudent strategic planning and management of government real estate.  Branscom will call on state associations and stakeholders to marshal collective wisdom to reimagine use of government facilities and workspaces.

“Possibly the only bright spot to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic is that it’s provided government an opportunity to approach real estate management in a way that’s not just more cost-effective, but more responsive to the needs of our citizens and of state employees,” Branscom said.  “I believe NASCA can be a powerful voice for national reform in this area.”

Branscom has served as a leading expert to many of her NASCA colleagues and has actively participated in presentations, national thought leadership and media inquiries on behalf of the national association. 

For more information about NASCA visit www.nasca.org.