ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is pleased to announce the re-election of Brad Turner (TN) as a board member-at-large by the membership at the association business meeting on November 3, 2025. The NASDDDS Board of Directors is responsible for administering the affairs of the association and establishing all organizational policies.

Turner was appointed in January 2019 by Governor Bill Lee as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). In his role, Turner oversees nearly 2,000 employees responsible for administration and oversight of services and supports for tens of thousands of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the home and community-based waiver programs and other innovative solutions.

Under Turner’s leadership, DIDD led the transition of the Tennessee Early Intervention System from the Department of Education to DIDD. Turner promoted the alignment of all IDD service delivery systems in a person-centered manner that enhances individual outcomes, independence, and employment for persons supported. Turner also championed the first-of-its-kind two-part Katie Beckett Waiver that currently provides support for over 2,500 families in Tennessee.



Building on this work, Turner’s role was expanded and he was appointed in 2024 to serve as commissioner of the newly established Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) following the merger of DIDD with the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. In this role, he oversees a cabinet-level agency responsible for coordinating services and supports for more than 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities statewide.

“For the last two years, I’ve been able to share with my national colleagues how Tennessee has brought enabling technology and innovation to improve services and supports for children and adults with disabilities,” said Turner. “Through the collaboration with my fellow board members, we’ve shared best practices and engaged with national leaders to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a voice in the federal policies that have a direct impact on their quality of life.”

Prior to joining DIDD, Turner was the Director of Client Services at HealthStream Inc. and served as a Rutherford County commissioner for eight years. Brad, his wife Rebecca, and their daughter Kinsley live in Middle Tennessee.

“Brad’s leadership in Tennessee and his unwavering commitment to strengthening supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have had a meaningful and lasting impact on our association,” said NASDDDS Executive Director Mary Sowers. “We are deeply grateful for his continued service and look forward to the insight, energy, and leadership he will bring in this next term.”

The board is composed of four officers and five members-at-large. All board members are elected by the association membership. The officers serve concurrent two-year terms, while the board members-at-large serve staggered, three-year terms. See the current NASDDDS Board of Directors below.