NASHVILLE, TN — Deputy Speaker Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) has been appointed to serve on the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) Executive Committee by Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville).

This prestigious committee is the Conference’s governing authority; it shall have general responsibility of the Conference, the Southern Office of The Council of State Governments, and their activities. Additionally, the committee will review and approve the Southern office’s annual budget, study and review each standing committee, and delegate to the regional director the authority to implement, supervise and make necessary arrangements, in conjunction with the respective host state for the SLC’s Annual Meeting.

“I appreciate the trust Speaker Sexton has placed in me to serve on the SLC’s Executive Committee, and I am excited about our work ahead as Tennessee prepares to host this year’s meeting,” said Deputy Speaker Johnson. “The SLC has an incredible history in our state, and having Nashville as the host site in 2021 is a great way to honor and celebrate the SLC in Tennessee.”

The 2021 SLC Annual Meeting runs from July 10-14 in Nashville. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the organization’s first ever event — held in Memphis back in 1947.

“Deputy Speaker Johnson’s knowledge and experience on the unique issues facing Tennessee and other southern states will be extremely beneficial as we prepare to host this year’s event,” said Speaker Sexton. “I appreciate his willingness to serve on the Executive Committee as we all work together to showcase the very best Tennessee has to offer all who attend this year’s meeting.”

Established in 1947, the SLC is a member-driven organization and the largest of the four legislative groups operating under the Council of State Governments. It comprises the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.