Nashville, Tennessee --- A veteran journalist has joined the Tennessee Department of Safety as its spokeswoman. Melissa McDonald began her new job this week. As Public Information Officer, she is the spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol and TDOS' other divisions.

McDonald has more than 20 years of experience in broadcast news, specifically radio. She was News Director of the Tennessee Radio Network for almost five years. During her tenure, the network was honored with six national news coverage awards. Prior to that, she was an anchor/reporter at WSM Radio and WLAC Radio in Nashville, and served as News Director of WZGC-FM in Atlanta. For the last three years, she has worked as the Web Coordinator and Publications Specialist for the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

A native of Cookeville, McDonald attended Tennessee Technological University there. She was graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro with a B. S. in Mass Communications.

McDonald replaces Beth Denton as PIO at the Safety Department. Denton has been promoted to Executive Assistant to Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.