Deniece Thomas

Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Shovels signal that new jobs are coming to Memphis! Hyosung HICO is investing $157 million to expand its Memphis facility that produces electric transformers. That means 240 new jobs for Memphis and Shelby County. I know Memphis has the workforce to help the company meet demand.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I was honored to join community college and workforce leaders from across the United States at Harvard University's The Project on Workforce event. Together, we’re advancing data and tech-driven solutions to strengthen our workforce and meet the challenges of a changing economy.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I had the opportunity to take part in an impactful discussion Tuesday at the @ThinkTN Policy Forum in Nashville. I discussed the state's workforce goals, but also had a chance to hear about remarkable workforce programs that are creating career pathways for Tennesseans.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Tennessee’s backbone for economic & workforce growth is the strength of our existing businesses. PolyFlex’s $8.3M expansion in McMinnville means 50+ new jobs for Warren County, a meaningful investment in people, community & opportunity. This is important for Tennessee! #MadeInTN

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Thank you to TNHTA and the 600+ industry leaders at the 2025 Hospitality & Tourism GovCon in Kingsport for the warm welcome. It was an honor to speak to these employers and share how Tennessee is here to partner with them build the workforce this vital industry needs to thrive.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Sharing best practices from Tennessee, and learning from peer states, are critical to building a robust workforce system across the nation. I had an impactful discussion today about the power of change at the @NASWAOrg Summit with my colleagues from Washington and Michigan.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I always enjoy speaking at TCAT graduations because I get to see the next generation of Tennessee's workforce. The more than 100 graduates from @HartsvilleTCAT will have a tremendous impact on our state. Congratulations to all of them!

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I appreciate Senator Bill Hagerty inviting me to join him on his visit to Warren County. This is the nation’s nursery capitol and a critical industry for the region. I learned a lot from the great nursery owners we met with and appreciated the tour, showing the scope of the job.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I’m honored to be elected to a second term as Chair of the @NationalGovsAssoc's National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships. Excited to share Tennessee’s successes and to collaborate with other states to strengthen our nation's workforce.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

The work we do has the potential to change lives. At the @TVAnews Forever Family signing event, I had a chance to talk with teens aging out of foster care. Now, a new partnership will help them find a path towards apprenticeship opportunities and good jobs. That is life-changing.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I want to congratulate the newest graduates of the TDLWD Commissioner’s Leadership Academy. They completed a year-long, competency-based development program, which will help them serve Tennesseans more effectively and efficiently. I am proud of their hard work and achievement.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Today, the Department partnered for the first time with the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association for the Legal + Workforce Symposium. Commissioner Ezell is a champion and right there with us. These partnerships shows our commitment to this critical industry in Tennessee.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I joined an esteemed panel in Nashville for the @ACT Summit. Educators and workforce leaders from across the nation are in our great state to collaborate and share best practices to help empower students and job seekers. I was able to share Tennessee’s bold vision for the future.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Childcare is a workforce issue, and we are tackling it through a partnership with Lipscomb University. Their new Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Hub removes barriers to education, puts well-trained teachers in classrooms, and will strengthen our state's economy.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I am still energized by Monday's event in Knoxville, where Governor Lee signed Executive Order 109 to boost Tennessee’s workforce!
We have a video recap of the milestone moment.
From young Tennesseans in YEP to industry-aligned training, this moment is just the beginning.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

🚨We are experiencing technical difficulties with the State Workforce Board live stream. We will post the link for the live stream as soon as it is available. 🚨

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I am passionate about workforce development. I was honored to take part in a discussion about WIOA at the National @SkillsCoalition Summit in Washington, D.C. When folks with common goals get together and share best practices, everyone in Tennessee and the nation benefits.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Hospitality and tourism is vital to Tennessee’s economy. It was my privilege to help honor industry leaders on Thursday in Knoxville. The Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association’s Pauly Awards showcase the best of the best in East Tennessee.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

I was honored to speak at the TN Rehabilitation Center graduation on Friday. It's so important that we celebrate the incredible potential of every Tennessean. These graduates are ready to make a powerful impact on our workforce. Everyone who wants to work should be able to.

[Deniece Thomas @DenieceThomas]

Congratulations to the @TCATDickson Spring 2025 graduates. It was my honor to speak at your graduation. I know the skills you’ve gained will have a tremendous impact on Tennessee’s workforce!