FRANKLIN, Tenn. — June 13, 2026 — The Tennessee State Employees Association announced the re-election of Constance Smith-Burwell as association president.
Member voting took place throughout May, with election results certified by TSEA’s Election Committee on June 1, 2026. Smith-Burwell was re-elected following a contested election that also included candidates Dena Taylor and Justan Spurling. She was officially inducted into her second two-year term during the business session of TSEA’s 52nd Representative Assembly on June 13 in Franklin.
A TSEA member for 32 years, Smith-Burwell has served the association in numerous leadership roles, including District 6 director, Davidson County Chapter secretary pro tem, chapter bylaws chair and worksite representative. Since her election as president in 2024, she has guided TSEA through one of the most challenging legislative periods in its history while fiercely advocating for Tennessee’s state employees, higher education employees and retirees.
“I am honored by the trust our members have placed in me to continue serving as president of TSEA,” Smith-Burwell said. “Our association remains membership-funded and member-driven, and I look forward to continuing to lead with transparency, accountability and integrity as we advocate for state employees, higher education employees and retirees across Tennessee.”
The 2026 Representative Assembly brought together delegates from across Tennessee to conduct association business, receive leadership reports, participate in training sessions, and establish priorities for the year ahead. The event reflected TSEA’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights, benefits and workplace interests of Tennessee’s state employees.
TSEA congratulates Smith-Burwell on her re-election and looks forward to her continued leadership as president during the 2026-28 term.
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