NASHVILLE, TN — Agriculture Commissioner Jai Templeton is announcing two staff appointments that will support the creation and expansion of agribusiness opportunities in Tennessee.

Greer Gill. ​Photo submitted.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) welcomes Kyle Hensley as Agribusiness Development Coordinator and Greer Gill as Agribusiness Development Consultant for food business growth. Hensley and Gill join TDA’s Agricultural Advancement Division, where they will assist in building and advancing agricultural, food, and forestry businesses.

“Greer and Kyle’s ability to connect with and help others, combined with their deep knowledge and experience with agriculture, make them great assets for our department,” Commissioner Templeton said. “Their addition to the Agribusiness Development team allows us to further support agribusinesses in all phases of development.”

Hensley most recently worked for the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources as a program coordinator for recruitment. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. In his new role, Hensley will focus on agribusiness and rural development, including supporting the Governor’s Rural Task Force and managing the Agriculture Enterprise Fund.

Kyle Hensley. ​Photo submitted.

“I’m excited to join the Agricultural Advancement Division and begin working with an incredible team,” Hensley said. “I look forward to the opportunity to engage with agricultural, food, and forestry businesses across the state.”

Gill joined TDA in 2016 as a marketing consultant. She worked with farmers market vendors and managers to expand their impact in local communities and assisted in development and expansion of organic and community supported agriculture producers across the state. Gill will now be responsible for developing a strategic plan for and cultivating business opportunities in food, beverage, and other related sectors.

“While working with the department, I’ve come to truly love helping our citizens,” Gill said. “This new role will allow me to expand my outreach to those in Tennessee’s food businesses. I look forward to serving those businesses owners who have the dream to grow.”

Hensley grew up in Lenoir City, Tenn. He is an avid sports fan, especially for the Tennessee Volunteers. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and with family. Hensley and his wife, Jennifer, recently had a baby girl named Mary Beth. For more information about TDA’s agribusiness and rural development initiatives, email Hensley at kyle.hensley@tn.gov.

Gill grew up in Murfreesboro, Tenn. but her roots were planted on the farm in Petersburg where her family raises cattle. She enjoys attending concerts, ballroom dancing, and spending time with family and friends. For food and beverage manufacturing inquiries, Gill can be reached at greer.gill@tn.gov.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote wise use of our agricultural and forest resources, develop economic opportunities and ensure safe and dependable food and fiber for the citizens of Tennessee. For more information, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture.