Chairman Devaney Sets Tone for a Smooth Transition

Nashville, Tenn. - Newly elected Tennessee State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney announced today that he has asked long-time Republican consultant Dean Rice to serve as his Chief of Transition. Rice will be in Nashville on a part-time volunteer basis over the coming weeks to serve the Chairman as he implements a smooth and effective transition.

“As Chairman, I am committed to building a professional political and fundraising team to prepare us for victory in 2010. I have known and worked with Dean since 1994 and believe he has the experience and abilities to help ensure that we move forward in a unified and focused manner,” said Devaney.

Rice said, “Chris is an extremely effective leader and someone who can bring our party together under a common vision that is rooted in principle and bring the energy and focus we will need going into 2010. Having the chance to be of help to him during this transition is an honor.”

Rice is a Knoxville native who began working in Republican politics as part of former United States Senator Fred Thompson’s 1994 campaign and was later a senior aide to Senator Fred Thompson and Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr.. In addition he has held numerous positions within Republican campaigns including Duncan for Congress; Southern Regional Political Director for former Senator Elizabeth Dole’s presidential primary bid; Treasurer and Executive Director of Draft Fred Thompson 2008; and South Carolina Campaign Manager for Senator Thompson’s 2008 presidential primary campaign. In 2006 Rice was named Tennessee Republican Party Statesman of the Year and has recently been named to the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). Rice currently serves as Treasurer for Duncan for Congress.

Earlier today Congressman Duncan said, “Dean is one of the finest and most capable people I know. Choosing him to help with this important transition is a good indication of the caliber of leadership that Chris Devaney brings to the table and why so many Republicans across the state, including myself, have strong confidence in Chris’ Chairmanship.”

Devaney was elected Chairman of the Tennessee Republican this past Saturday on May 30th in Nashville.