https://soundcloud.com/clarksville-conversation/tennessees-covid-19-unified-command-chief-of-staff-scott-brower

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Governor Bill Lee’s recent announcement of a task force specifically designed to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, includes Gen. Scott Brower (Ret.) of the 101st Airborne Division.

On March 23, the governor established the joint effort, let by Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, to streamline coordination across the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Department of Military.

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenges every aspect of traditional government response in a crisis,” said Gov. Lee. “I have appointed the UnifiedCommand to effectively change the way we attack COVID-19 in Tennessee as we work to simultaneously address health, economic and supply crises.”

McWhorter appointed retired Brig. Gen. Scott Brower to serve as chief of staff for the operation.

“Gen. Brower’s special forces background and previous service as the Acting Senior Commander for the 101st Airborne Division has enabled him to pull leaders together and troubleshoot quickly in a crisis,” said McWhorter. “Gov. Lee has urged our team to challenge every barrier and assembling this team is the first step.”

Brower resides in Clarksville and most recently served as the military advisor in residence to the president of Austin Peay State University.

In a recent discussion for Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, Brower joined Charlie and Katie from the task force headquarters to discuss the role of the task force. Brower shared stories of how Tennesseans are coming together to help one another during the crisis, and what residents can do to stay safe.

The COVID-19 Unified Command also includes:

  • Patrick Sheehan, TEMA Director
  • Dr. Lisa Piercey, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health
  • Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Adjutant General, Tennessee Department of Military

For more information on the COVID-19 Unified Command, visit the state’s website.