New Workforce Services Assistant Commissioner Announced

Kenyatta K. Lovett, Ph.D. has accepted the position of Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Services with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 

Lovett brings with him diverse experience in workforce development, as well as secondary and postsecondary education. During his career, he has garnered national recognition as a leader and subject matter expert in those fields. 

Most recently, Lovett served as Executive Director of Complete Tennessee; the first statewide advocacy organization focused on raising college completion and degree attainment in Tennessee. Under his leadership, the organization created programs to foster local ownership of the state’s progressive reforms in higher education. The nonprofit also shines a spotlight on issues affecting access, quality, and equity in postsecondary education. Lovett led an aggressive agenda to encourage greater student success for all Tennesseans, regardless of race, background, or circumstance.

Lovett’s past career experience includes time as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community College Initiatives for the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). While at TBR, Lovett worked to implement the community college system mandates guided by the Complete College Tennessee Act. He also managed the $1.3 million budget to standardize processes across 13 community colleges. 

Before TBR, Lovett held the position of Chief Staff and executive assistant to the president of Volunteer State Community College. 

Lovett earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy & Administration and Master of Business Administration in Supply-Chain Management from Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

Lovett’s professional focus continues to be on executive leadership, public service, change management, and public finance. He has a goal to continue his mission of encouraging social mobility by helping to strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline and support greater equity and diversity throughout the industry.

Lovett’s first day will be Monday, August 5, 2019.