(NASHVILLE) State Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) was appointed to a key leadership role as Deputy Speaker of the Tennessee Senate. The announcement was made on Thursday by Lt. Governor Randy McNally during the organizational session on the Senate floor.

Lt. Governor Randy McNally noted, “Senator Reeves has proved himself a crucial member of the Senate team. He is always well-informed and works hard on behalf of his constituents. I was proud to appoint him Deputy Speaker.”

The deputy speaker is appointed to a two-year term by the Speaker of the Senate. The deputy speaker assists the speaker in the administrative decisions of the Senate and serves as a liaison with regional and national legislative bodies.

Reeves commented, “It is an honor to serve as Deputy Speaker of the Senate. I look forward to working with the Lt. Governor and Speaker Pro Tem in this capacity, and will continue to stand strong with the Constitutional rights of Tennesseans and conservative values.”

The position of Deputy Speaker was created in 1987 by the Speaker of the Senate, Lt. Governor John Shelton Wilder.

Reeves was also appointed to serve as 1st Vice-Chair of the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, 2nd Vice-Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, and as a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee.