Haslam Announces Sumerford as East Tennessee Field Director

Sumerford joins Governor’s Office from U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr.’s District Office

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that Harlow Sumerford will join the governor’s staff as East Tennessee field director.

In this position, Sumerford will serve as a liaison for the Governor’s Office to East Tennessee constituents.
“Harlow is a great addition to our team,” Haslam said.  “I appreciate his willingness to serve and know he’ll do a good job in representing our office from Mountain City to Chattanooga.”

Sumerford, 35, most recently served as deputy press secretary and legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr., working in his Knoxville District office since January 2011.

“I am honored to be working with Gov. Haslam and his staff,” Sumerford said. “My goal is to serve East Tennessee, ensuring the connection between the Governor’s Office and constituents in this part of the state is strong. The governor knows how important it is to hear from community leaders, local businesses and the public in every corner of the state, and I look forward to helping him in that effort.”

Sumerford also has nearly a decade of experience as a television news reporter, working in both the Knoxville and Tri-Cities markets.  In his new role, Sumerford’s responsibilities will focus on constituent outreach.  Media seeking information regarding the governor should continue to contact the Governor’s Communications Office in Nashville.

A Knoxville resident since 2007, he holds a bachelor’s in History from Roanoke College in Virginia. He and his wife, Betsy, are members of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church.