Valerie Nagoshiner, MBA has been appointed chief of staff for the Tennessee Department of Health. She comes to this position after serving as the TDH assistant commissioner for legislative affairs since 2011.

In her role as chief of staff, Nagoshiner will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for coordination and orchestration of high priority projects and commitments while actively identifying issues that promote overall success. Nagoshiner was promoted from her position as TDH assistant commissioner for Legislative Affairs, where she directed and oversaw the department’s legislative efforts and initiatives. She developed and coordinated departmental legislative proposals and assisted legislators on public health-related issues.

Nagoshiner joined TDH after serving as member support manager for the National Federation of Independent Business, where she led grassroots activities in four states in the organization’s South region. Her experience also includes serving as marketing director for a private medical practice, where she developed and coordinated activities to increase the business’s market share. Nagoshiner also has prior experience in Tennessee state government, having served as legislative liaison for the Department of Economic and Community Development. In that position, she coordinated departmental initiatives and special projects for executive staff members and the Governor’s Office, and guided administration initiatives through the Tennessee General Assembly.

She holds an MBA from Belmont University, and earned her undergraduate degree in business from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn.