Michael Sullivan named Hagerty state director

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty has named Michael Sullivan as state director for his U.S. Senate office, based in Nashville.

Sullivan replaces Jim Henry, who is retiring. 

“Michael Sullivan has been by my side since I began this journey to have the honor of representing my fellow Tennesseans in the U.S. Senate, and I am pleased to have him assume this critical role,” said Hagerty in a statement. “Michael has done an exceptional job assembling a dedicated team in the state, and spending long hours on the phone and on the road visiting with citizens about my priorities and ways my office can assist them.”

Sullivan was Hagerty’s campaign manager in the 2020 U.S. Senate race and has served as deputy state director since the junior senator took office in January. Prior to joining Hagerty’s team, Sullivan was executive director  of the Tennessee Republican Party.

The retiring Henry has had a long career in Tennessee Republican politics, beginning at the age of 26 as a Kingston city councilmember. He went on to serve as chair of the Tennessee Republican Party, as a state representative 1980-1990 and as chief of staff and commissioner of two departments under former Gov. Bill Haslam.