Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced today he has appointed current State Election Commissioner Mark Goins as Coordinator of Elections for the State of Tennessee. In accordance with Tennessee Annotated Code statute 2-11-201 (b) Mark Goins will now be the chief administrative election officer for the state.

'With Mr. Goins' wide array of experience in both the Tennessee General Assembly and the State Election Commission, he is going to be a great asset to the Department of State and to the election commissions in all 95 counties," announced Hargett.

Goins stated, "I am honored and excited to be appointed to this important position by Secretary Tre Hargett. I look forward to working hard to ensure Tennesseans have fair and impartial elections statewide."

Mark Goins is an attorney currently serving his second term on the State Election Commission. Goins previously served three terms as a state representative representing Campbell, Claiborne, and Union Counties. During his tenure as a state legislator he served on the Elections Subcommittee.

"Based on Mark's experience and his familiarity with election law, I am tully confident ot his ability to serve in this capacity," said Secretary Hargett. "He is a man of character and will serve with distinction, and I look forward to having him on board."

According to the Tennessee Bluebook, "The coordinator interprets questions ot the law tor the benefit of all election officials; reviews election law legislation, suggesting amendments and revisions to the General Assembly; and prepares the election manual and election handbook tor use by election officials. He is responsible for the uniformity of election procedures throughout the state and for coordinating the activities of county election commissions. The coordinator, upon approval of the secretary of state, may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to comply with requirements of the election code."