Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced a significant change in his senior staff. Chris Tutor will assume the role of Chief of Staff, succeeding Brandon Smith, who is returning to private practice.
The Chief of Staff at the Attorney General’s Office oversees legislative and communication teams and coordinates with other state attorney general offices and federal partners. Tutor, originally from Memphis, comes to the position from Butler Snow LLP, where he was a partner focusing on commercial real estate and business transactions. His public service includes roles such as Vice-Chair of the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission and former chairman of the Republican Party of Shelby County.
Tutor holds degrees from Washington and Lee University and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, graduating magna cum laude from both institutions. He also worked at OSD-Policy in the United States Department of Defense before attending law school. Tutor is married with six children.
Attorney General Skrmetti praised Tutor's career, stating: “Chris Tutor’s distinguished career to date is a model of integrity, competence, and temperance, and we are excited to welcome him to the Attorney General’s Office.” He added that Tutor's passion for Tennessee would benefit the state.
Skrmetti expressed appreciation for Smith's contributions: “I am deeply grateful for Brandon's exceptional service to the State of Tennessee and to this Office. I got to know Brandon when he joined our Office of Solicitor General and one of the very first things I did upon becoming AG was promote him to Chief of Staff, a role in which he excelled with vigor, creativity, and tenacity. I and everyone in the Office wish him the very best as he transitions to private practice.”
Kaki Carrigan will continue her role as Deputy Chief of Staff.
More information about the Tennessee Attorney General's Office can be found online.