Brett Howell has served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee County Highway Officials Association (TCHOA) since July 1, 2021. Bringing over 26 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public policy, Brett is dedicated to supporting Tennessee’s county highway officials.
Before stepping into his current role, Brett spent more than two decades as a communications consultant with the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS). During his time there, he worked closely with key county associations, including highway officials, mayors, and commissioners. Brett’s work focused on public policy and fiscal analysis, with a particular emphasis on understanding how state budgets and legislation impact Tennessee’s counties. He also served as the managing editor of Tennessee County News, where he honed his skills in effective communication and community engagement.
Brett holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Tennessee State University and a Bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism with a minor in History from Tennessee Technological University. In 2019, he earned the prestigious Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation, reflecting his expertise in public service leadership and organizational management.
As TCHOA’s Executive Director, Brett combines his deep knowledge of county operations, policy analysis, and communication strategy to advocate for and support Tennessee’s highway officials.
Tanya Todd joined the Tennessee County Services Association (TCSA) in April 2021, bringing with her 34 years of professional experience across a diverse range of business functions, including office management, finance, marketing, sales, and research and development.
Before her role at TCSA, Tanya served as Chief Operating Officer for Cannon Industrial Products, Inc., where she oversaw daily operations and contributed to the company’s strategic growth. Prior to that, she worked at the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (UT-CTAS) as Administrative Assistant III for the training department, where she supported education and professional development initiatives for county officials.
As Assistant Director for Membership Services, Tanya focuses on enhancing member programs and services offered by TCSA, its affiliates, and the National Association of Counties. Her extensive background in operations and member engagement makes her a vital resource for TCSA’s mission to serve and support Tennessee’s counties.