Melinda Kelsey Named Chief of Staff

NASHVILLE – Melinda Kelsey has been appointed Chief of Staff for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).  She assumes the new position after serving as the TDLWD Administrator of Communications, Constituent, and Government Relations.

“Melinda is recognized as an individual that gets things done,” said TDLWD Commissioner Burns Phillips.  “She has the unique talent of sizing up a situation and identifying what is important and what is not. This enables her to quickly gather the talent and resources needed to solve a problem or reach a goal. This is a skill that brings incredible value to the Department of Labor & Workforce Development.”

As Chief of Staff, Kelsey will serve as a key member of the Department’s leadership team and take on the responsibility of coordinating high priority commitments and projects, while identifying issues that will continue the department’s success.

“Melinda’s tenacity, commitment to doing what is right and her no-nonsense approach to all matters has earned the respect of all with whom she has interacted during her professional career,” Commissioner Phillips said.  “This department has greatly benefited from her credibility with members of the Governor’s Office, the General Assembly and our many Labor & Workforce Partners across the state.”

Kelsey was promoted from her role of Administrator where she oversaw the TDLWD Communications department, as well as handled constituent and legislative inquires to the department.

Kelsey started in state government as a part-time interviewer at the Tennessee Department of Employment Security’s Sparta, Tennessee office.  She left state government for the private sector to become the human resources director at an automobile parts supplier.  After eight years away from state government, Kelsey returned to the newly-renamed Department of Labor and Workforce Development as director of employer services.  After several years she was promoted to assistant administrator of the employment security division.  In 2013 Commissioner Phillips appointed her Administrator of Communications, Constituent and Government Relations.

“I am humbled and honored to serve in this role,” Kelsey said.  “I believe in state government, I believe in what this department is about, and I believe in the great things that we do here every day.”  

For the last five years Kelsey has spearheaded the Department’s Paychecks for Patriots veterans hiring event.  The Department’s marketing campaign for the event has been awarded 16 Public Relations Society of America Parthenon Awards.  Kelsey also serves on the Nashville Serving Veterans Board.

Kelsey is a graduate of the Tennessee Executive Institute; she has served on the Tennessee Government Leadership Council; and has graduated from the TBI Citizens Academy.  Kelsey also hosts the monthly television program Inside Workforce Development, which airs on NewsChannel 5+ in the Middle Tennessee area.

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