Former state representative to lead TRA

Tennessee Regulatory Authority chooses prominent Republican to lead the way

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Tre Hargett

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority directors today elected Tre Hargett to head the agency for the coming fiscal year.

Hargett, who succeeds Eddie Roberson as chairman, was nominated by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey in December for a six-year TRA director's term.

"I look forward to continuing the consumer-focused leadership that Chairman Roberson has practiced at the Tennessee Regulatory Authority," Hargett said.

"With the enactment of the statewide franchising act and the quickening pace of change in telecommunications, we have many opportunities ahead of us. With the TRA's excellent and professional staff, I am confident the authority will meet these challenges."

The General Assembly confirmed Hargett's appointment in February. He completed the remaining five months of former Director Pat Miller's TRA term. Miller resigned in December to head Gov. Phil Bredesen's lobbying team. The agency's four directors each serve revolving one-year terms as chairman.

Hargett, 38, was House Republican leader in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2003 too 2005. His father is Gen. Gus Hargett, who heads up the Tennessee National Guard.

The TRA is charged by the state to "promote the public interest by balancing the interests of utility consumers and providers."