Clint Brewer Now Top Dog At TCPR

By Kleinheider Posted on October 29, 2009 at 11:22 am

“GQ” Drew Johnson is leaving the libertarian think tank he founded back in 2004:

The Tennessee Center for Policy Research (TCPR), the Volunteer State’s free market think tank and government watchdog organization, today announced changes to the organization’s leadership structure.

Founder and president Drew Johnson will step away from TCPR at the end of 2009 to pursue media and business opportunities. Johnson will remain an active member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Current TCPR staff member Clint Brewer has been promoted to interim executive director and Justin Owen was named director of policy and general counsel.

Brewer previously served as TCPR’s director of government accountability. He will take over leadership of the day-to-day operations of TCPR as well as continue his duties as editor of Tennessee Watchdog, the state’s premier non-profit investigative reporting and watchdog journalism website.

Owen previously served as TCPR’s director of legal policy. He will oversee all of the organization’s policy initiatives and be the main point of contact for the Tennessee General Assembly, other government officials and the public on matters of policy.

“Five years ago, free market economic ideas and the principles of liberty badly needed a greater voice in Tennessee’s political landscape,” said Johnson. “Since that time, TCPR has been a steadfast and successful advocate for liberty and champion of limited, responsible government.”

“I am confident that as I leave the duties of day-to-day management of TCPR to pursue new challenges, Clint Brewer, as well as TCPR’s talented board, tireless staff and generous supporters will lead the organization to even greater successes, resulting in a freer, more prosperous state for all Tennesseans.”

TCPR Board Chairman John Cerasuolo thanked Johnson for his service, saying TCPR is a unique organization in Tennessee that has served for years as a watchdog over government and an advocate for a free market.

“Drew Johnson started TCPR from scratch, and he has turned it into one of the most innovative and well-regarded state-focused policy organizations in America,” Cerasuolo said. “Drew has contributed to the dialogue of public policy and government in our state in a meaningful and profound way. His contribution will be felt for years to come as TCPR continues to grow as a beacon of liberty within our state.”

The Board of Directors will conduct a national search for a new executive director, and expects exceptional candidates from within the existing staff, throughout Tennessee and across the country to apply for the position.

SEE ALSO: A sad Mike Slater

permalink | 9 Comments

Tags: Clint Brewer, Drew Johnson, TCPR, Tennessee Center For Policy Research