New Staff Spotlight: Olivia Thompson

The Tennessee Arts Commission welcomes Olivia Thompson as Administrative Services Assistant III. Olivia supports state management transactions for Commission grants, including supplier set-up, performance and financial reports, and requests for payment.

Olivia comes to the Commission from the Tennessee State Museum, where she served as a museum program assistant from 2023 to 2026, leading tours and teaching students about archaeology and Tennessee history. She also interned in the conservation lab at the Tennessee State Library and Archives and previously worked as a tour guide at The Hermitage. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University.

Outside the office, Olivia serves as President of the Rutherford County Archaeological Society and as assistant director of its historic preservation project at Murfreesboro’s Old City Cemetery. She has worked on archaeological projects across Middle Tennessee and is a classically trained vocalist and violinist.

“I am excited to work at the Tennessee Arts Commission because I have a passion for preserving the arts in this state for future generations. With my expertise in the field, I look forward to helping fulfill the mission of cultivating the arts for Tennesseans for years to come.”

Olivia can be reached at olivia.g.thompson@tn.gov or 615-253-0149.