KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Wednesday the retirement of the Department of Agriculture commissioner and the person who will replace him.

Lee said Dr. Charlie Hatcher will retire from his role after seven years as commissioner and over 21 years of state service. He also named Andy Holt as his replacement, effective Oct. 1.

“Charlie has faithfully served Tennesseans since day one of the Lee administration,” Lee said in a press release. “Under his leadership, the Department of Agriculture has made significant investments in our rural communities and safeguarded our food supply. I’m deeply grateful for his decades of service to Tennessee’s farming families, and Maria and I wish Charlie continued success and pray God’s richest blessings over him in the days ahead.”

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