- Address
- 611 Commerce Street
- Suite 2902
- Nashville, Tennessee 37203
- Telephone: 615.259.5509
- Facsimile: 615.259.5510
Elizabeth Millsaps Merkel
Elizabeth Millsaps Merkel joins Southern Strategy Group after serving as the legislative director for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. As legislative director, Elizabeth developed legislative initiatives for the Department, and served as chief liaison to the state legislature. Elizabeth lobbied issues relating to over 30 regulated industries, including architecture, building contractors, engineers, insurance, mixed martial arts and real estate. Elizabeth also represented the Division of Consumer Affairs, the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Elizabeth worked with Governor Bredesen, the Fire Marshal, and the building industry to develop and pass legislation to establish statewide minimum building and energy codes.
Prior to that, Elizabeth served as the legislative liaison for the Tennessee Department of Safety. Elizabeth negotiated the politics of policies relating to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as well as issues related to driver’s licenses, driver’s safety, immigration, and vehicle registration. Elizabeth was able to forge strong relationships with legislators across the state by working diligently with them though a difficult period for the Department.
Prior to that, Elizabeth did lobbying, marketing, and fundraising for a number of not for profit clients, including the American Cancer Society and the ASPCA. Elizabeth began her career in politics, raising money for candidates across the country. While based in Washington, DC, she consulted on over 70 congressional, senatorial, and gubernatorial campaigns. Elizabeth is an active volunteer for the Nashville Greenway system, Calvary United Methodist Church, and the Sylvan Park historic neighborhood. Elizabeth is a native of Lynchburg, TN, and graduated from the honors program at Middle Tennessee State University.
