Brad Turner was appointed in 2024 by Gov. Bill Lee as the very first Commissioner of the Department of Disability and Aging, which merged the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. Commissioner Turner served as the commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from 2019-2024 and was the third person to serve in that role since DIDD became a standalone agency in 2011.

In his role as Commissioner, Turner oversees nearly 2000 employees responsible for administration and oversight of services and supports for more than 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is done through the home and community-based waiver programs, Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), Katie Beckett Program, MAPs Program and Family Support Program. For older adults, some of those programs include CHOICES, State Health Insurance Assistance program (SHIP), home and community-based programs, nutrition services, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and public guardianship.

The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. Under Turner’s leadership, DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.

Turner also sits on the National Association of State Director of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) National Board of directors. He’s the first person from Tennessee to receive this honor.

As the father of a daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities and parents who are aging, Commissioner Turner is passionate about advocating alongside people with disabilities, older Tennesseans, and their families for a brighter future in the Volunteer state.

Prior to his work in state government, Turner was the Director of Client Services at HealthStream Inc., and served as a Rutherford County Commissioner for eight years.

Turner, his wife Rebecca, and daughter Kinsley are proud to call Smyrna home.