Rutherford County, Tennessee Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rutherford County, Tennessee has 4 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, communications, technology, human resources, and alternative communications.

Committed to fostering community wellness, Rutherford County, Tennessee delivers essential rehabilitation services through the Recovery Court program. This initiative provides structured intervention and treatment to support individuals overcoming substance use disorders while enhancing local infrastructure for long-term recovery success.

Leadership Roles at Rutherford County, Tennessee

  • Chief of Staff - Eric Hennessee
  • Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer - Melissa Peacher
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sonya Stephenson
  • Chief Technology Officer, Alternative Tac Communications Department - Jenny Mathias
  • Eric Hennessee - Chief of Staff

    Eric Hennessee, the Chief of Staff at Rutherford County, Tennessee, manages administrative workflows and coordinates interdepartmental initiatives to ensure operational efficiency. Overseeing the integration of county-wide policies, the Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the broader mission of the Recovery Court program. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the County Commission and program directors to secure necessary resources for facility expansions. By streamlining internal processes, Eric Hennessee directly supports the delivery of rehabilitation services to participants. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of the 18-month intervention cycles, ensuring that all administrative requirements meet the standards of the local government. Through rigorous oversight of operational logistics, the Chief of Staff maintains the structural integrity of the recovery environment. This position remains vital for the successful execution of community-focused programs that assist individuals in rebuilding lives across the region.

    Melissa Peacher - Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer

    Melissa Peacher, the Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer at Rutherford County, Tennessee, directs digital outreach strategies and manages the technological infrastructure supporting public services. Overseeing the implementation of secure data systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that participant information remains protected while facilitating efficient communication between recovery staff and community stakeholders. This leadership role involves modernizing the digital platforms used for program tracking and reporting. By optimizing these technical assets, Melissa Peacher enhances the accessibility of resources for individuals seeking addiction recovery. The Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer also coordinates public awareness campaigns to promote the success of the Recovery Court. Through the integration of advanced software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational transparency and improves the overall effectiveness of the rehabilitation program. This dual-function role remains essential for maintaining the technological backbone of the county's public health initiatives.
    Melissa Peacher

    Sonya Stephenson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sonya Stephenson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Rutherford County, Tennessee, manages talent acquisition and workforce development for the various departments supporting the Recovery Court. Overseeing the recruitment of specialized staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the rehabilitation program maintains a team dedicated to compassionate care and structured intervention. This leadership role involves designing training programs that equip employees with the skills necessary to assist participants throughout the 18-month recovery process. By fostering a supportive organizational culture, Sonya Stephenson directly impacts the quality of service provided to the community. The Chief Human Resources Officer also manages performance metrics and compliance standards to ensure that all personnel adhere to local government regulations. Through the strategic management of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the capacity of the county to deliver effective addiction treatment services. This position remains critical for sustaining the workforce required to achieve long-term recovery outcomes.

    Jenny Mathias - Chief Technology Officer, Alternative Tac Communications Department

    Jenny Mathias, the Chief Technology Officer, Alternative Tac Communications Department at Rutherford County, Tennessee, architects specialized communication networks that support emergency and alternative service delivery. Overseeing the deployment of robust hardware and software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the Alternative Tac Communications Department maintains reliable connectivity for critical county operations. This leadership role involves integrating advanced communication tools that facilitate seamless interaction between the Recovery Court and external support agencies. By optimizing these specialized networks, Jenny Mathias enhances the responsiveness of the county's intervention services. The Chief Technology Officer, Alternative Tac Communications Department also evaluates emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of data transmission across regional operations. Through the continuous improvement of communication infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer supports the broader mission of providing stable, accessible resources for individuals in recovery. This role remains essential for maintaining the technical reliability required for high-stakes public service environments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rutherford County, Tennessee Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rutherford County, Tennessee?
    Rutherford County, Tennessee is led by Eric Hennessee (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Melissa Peacher (Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer) and Sonya Stephenson (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Rutherford County, Tennessee’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rutherford County, Tennessee includes leaders such as Eric Hennessee (Chief of Staff), Melissa Peacher (Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer), Sonya Stephenson (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rutherford County, Tennessee have?
    Rutherford County, Tennessee has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rutherford County, Tennessee’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rutherford County, Tennessee includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Communications Officer II & Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Alternative Tac Communications Department.