NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Republican Bill Lee was elected as Tennessee’s 50th governor on Tuesday. Lee, the chairman of Nashville, Tennessee-based Lee Co., will replace outgoing GOP Gov. Bill Haslam. The political newcomer and conservative businessman won the election against former Democratic Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

“Now isn’t the time to slow down or get complacent,” Bill Lee said on Twitter following the election. “We live in a remarkable state, but we’ve got some remarkable challenges. And while many parts of our state are doing well, we still have too many places where our neighbors don’t have access to opportunity. I believe that if we can embrace the opportunities ahead of us in the coming months and years, Tennessee can be the place other states turn to as a model. Tennessee can not only become a leader in the southeast, but Tennessee can lead the nation.

“And finally, let me say thank you, again, to the voters of Tennessee,” he continued. “Thank you for trusting me with your vote. Thank you for believing in our positive vision for Tennessee. Thank you for choosing a Tennessee that is not just ‘good,’ but ‘great.’”

Lee Co. was founded by Lee’s grandfather in 1944. Lee joined the company in 1981 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University. In 1992, Lee became the president of the company. Under his leadership, Lee Co. grew to become a comprehensive facilities solutions and home services company employing 1,150 people and earning $225 million in annual revenue. In February 2016, Lee retired as CEO to serve as chairman of the company.

Publication date: 11/7/2018

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