Stephanie Conner brings more than 25 years of experience in government, public policy, arts and advocacy to the Tennessee Arts Commission.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Conner began her career as a legislative assistant in the United States Congress before serving in several executive branch positions in Tennessee state government, including Assistant to the Governor for Boards and Commissions, Deputy Policy Director and Executive Director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission.

First appointed to the Tennessee Arts Commission in 2002, Conner has served four terms as chair. She currently serves as a Vice President of the Board of Directors of Tennesseans for the Arts, having previously served as its President. Her arts leadership also includes service on the Executive Committee of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and the board of South Arts.

A native of East Tennessee and longtime Nashville resident, Conner deeply appreciates the arts and cultural sector’s ability to enrich lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for Tennesseans across the state.