Gould Joins Tennessee Department of Agriculture

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson today announced the appointment of former Nashville news producer Corinne Gould as deputy director of public affairs. 

“Cori has extensive media experience as well as a strong background in and appreciation for agriculture,” Johnson said. “We are very fortunate to have her join our staff to help lead our communications efforts going forward. She will be a great asset as we continue to strive to better serve all Tennesseans and especially our rural communities.” 

Gould joins longtime department spokesman and public affairs director Tom Womack, and will be responsible for helping to coordinate media relations, social media as well as internal and external outreach for the agency. 

Gould’s appointment is effective immediately as she assumes responsibilities previously performed by former Nashville broadcaster Heather Orne. Orne will continue to support the department’s communications efforts on a part-time basis. 

Gould has more than 10 years of experience in the broadcast industry, most recently as the 10 o’clock news producer for WSMV-TV in Nashville, where she has been recognized with a regional Emmy and a National Emmy Award nomination. She also has previous experience in radio and has a degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University.   

“This role offers me the opportunity to combine my professional media experience with my first love, which is agriculture. I look forward to giving back to a department that has already given me so much,” Gould said.

Gould is a native of Rhea County where she was active in the 4-H horse program and served as the 2001 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. She still maintains her passion for horses and is a professional horse show announcer, and currently serves as executive secretary/treasurer of the Tennessee Quarter Horse Association. 

Media can contact Gould at 615-837-5207 or Corinne.Gould@TN.gov. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides services to protect public health and safety and to enhance farms, forests and rural communities. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture.