This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
On September 17, 2019, Hodgen Mainda took the oath of office to serve as the new Commerce and Insurance Commissioner in the Tennessee government.
Appointed by Governor Bill Lee earlier this month, Mainda is the newest Cabinet member in the Tennessee government. He has Kenyan roots and has been a resident of the US since 2008, initially moving here as a rugby player.
Before joining the government, Mainda worked in various roles, including government relations and business development in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. He has also served on several boards and committees, such as the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (EPB), the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
According to Governor Lee, Mainda is respected for his ability to build partnerships across multiple sectors, and his leadership will be a valuable asset to the Commerce and Insurance department.
With a background in business and leadership, Mainda has also been a member of the Leadership Tennessee Class of 2019 and a 2018 graduate of the Harvard Business School Young American Leaders Programme.
