MATTHEW KENNY

Governor

Rhodes College, Memphis

Class of 2022, Political Science and Greek & Roman Studies

Hometown: Vestavia Hills, AL

Matthew will be serving as Governor for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be his fourth year at TISL, having previously served as Speaker of the House, Chief Clerk of the House, and an Assistant Clerk.

At Rhodes College, he works in the library, conducts research on treason and exile in the history of political theory, and is preparing an honors thesis in Political Science. He leads the Political Science Film Club and a Political Science club that sponsors political forums and discussions, and participates in a variety of other student organizations.

Once he graduates, Matthew plans to attend graduate school to obtain a masters in Legislative Affairs. His career plans include either working with the United States Congress or as a secondary or postsecondary educator.

JANNAT SAEED

Secretary of State

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Class of 2022, Software Engineering and Political Science

Hometown: Cleveland, TN

Jannat will be serving as the Secretary of State for the 52nd TISL General Assembly. This will be her fourth year at TISL, having previously served as a Representative in the House and the lobbying firm CEO of the Diversity and Disability Coalition.

At UTC, Jannat serves as the elected representative for the Brock Scholars program for the Honors College Student Council and as the Honors College social media team Community Manager. She is the Secretary and Treasurer of the UTC chapter MSA. Jannat is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and works on multiple other student-led organizations. She is currently planning to begin working on her Honors thesis in preparation for possible early graduation. Outside of UTC, Jannat serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for a local non-profit charity directed towards aiding women and children in need.

CHLOE VAUGHN

State Treasurer

Belmont University, Nashville

Class of 2022, Political Science and Global Leadership Studies

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Chloe will be serving as State Treasurer for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be her third year at TISL, and her first year on the Executive Council.

At Belmont University, Chloe is a Resident Assistant, where she cultivates community within her Residence Hall alongside her residents and fellow RA’s. She serves as the Piccolo Section Leader for the Spirit of Gold Marching Band at Vanderbilt University and is a member of many other organizations, including Alpha Gamma Delta.

Once Chloe graduates, she plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s in Public Policy or International Relations. Her career plans include working with the United States Department of State or another federal agency crafting public policy.

ROHAN THOMPSON

Attorney General

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Class of 2023, Political Science with a Minor in French &Economics

Hometown: Brentwood, TN

Rohan will be serving as the Attorney General for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be his second year at TISL.

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Rohan is the Secretary of his Student Body Association, and he hopes to be Vice President or President in his junior and senior year. He invests substantial time in both Student Government and his TISL delegation.

Once he obtains his bachelors at UTC, Rohan hopes to get a masters in International Government at Georgetown University. From there he plans to work for either the CIA or UN as a political analyst or a humanitarian affairs officer.

PRESTON GEORGE

Lt. Governor and Speaker of the Senate

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro

Class of 2021, Political Science, Pre-Law

Hometown: Mount Juliet, TN

Preston served as the Deputy Attorney General for the 50th General Assembly and the Lieutenant Governor for the 51st General Assembly. This will be his 3rd year at TISL.

At Middle Tennessee State University, Preston serves as the Attorney General of his Student Government Association. He also serves as the chairman of the Student Conduct Board that hears code of conduct violations for students. Preston serves on many university committees including academic misconduct, traffic, grading appeals, and the student fee assessment committee. Preston is also the chairman of the Student Advisory Council for MTSU’s General Education Redesign.

Preston is also the Vice Chairman of the Tennessee College Republicans. Upon graduation, Preston plans to attend his alma mater studying a masters in Management with a concentration in organizational leadership.

MAYA RING

Speaker Pro Tem of the Senate

Rhodes College, Memphis

Class of 2023, Political Science and Russian Studies

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Maya will be serving as Speaker Pro Tem of the Senate for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be her third year at TISL, and her first year on the Executive Council.

At Rhodes College, Maya serves as Treasurer of the Rhodes College Democrats, and helps to plan many of their meetings and activities. She also participates in various other organizations like Rhodes’ chapter of the Food Recovery Network.

Once Maya graduates, she plans on pursuing a master degree in Political Science and possibly a doctorate. Her career plans include to work in some way within public policy.

CHRISTIAN CERVANTEZ

Speaker of the House

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro

Class of 2022, Public Policy and Political & Civic Engagement

Hometown: Santa Fe, TN

Christian will be serving as the Tennessee House Speaker for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be his 4th year attending TISL and his first year on the Executive Council.

Christian has served on many political campaigns including, Speaker Beth Harwell’s gubernatorial race, Fmr. Speaker Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Presidential bid, and others.

Once he graduates, Christian plans to attend graduate school at either American University or George Washington University to obtain his Master in Political Campaign Management. His career plans include working in a political consulting firm or with a member of Congress. 

HARRISON DIRCKS

Speaker Pro Tem of the House

Rhodes College, Memphis

Class of 2024, Undecided

Hometown: Larchmont, New York

Harrison will be serving as the Speaker Pro Tem of the House for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be his second year at TISL, and it will be his first year serving on the Executive Council.

He is currently serving as a member of the Rhodes Activities Board, an event planning committee at Rhodes College. Harrison currently intends to major in Business and Film. Harrison is active in music community at Rhodes, serving as a member of Rhodes Singers and the Jazz Band. He is also a member of the Political Science Film Club and various other organizations on campus.

Once he graduates, Harrison plans on moving back to New York City to pursue a masters degree, specializing in film and media production. His career plans include working as a producer or at a media firm.

SYDNEY ODELL

Chief Justice

Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson

Class of 2023, Law and Politics and Spanish

Hometown: Dover, TN

Sydney will be serving as the Chief Justice for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be her second year at TISL, having previously served as Associate Justice of the Court.

At Freed-Hardeman, she works in the Bible Department as a teacher’s aide. She is a member of the social club, Chi Beta Chi.

Once she graduates, Sydney plans to attend law school. Her career plans include either working as a District Attorney or Family Attorney and becoming a either a state or family court judge.

JULAN STRANAHAN

Lobbying Director

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Class of 2023, English Professional Writing and Political Science

Hometown: Lebanon, TN

Julia will be serving as Lobbying Director for the 52nd General Assembly. This will be her second year at TISL, having previously served as a lobbyist and a Magistrate in AMC3.

At UTC, she serves in the SGA as a member of the procedures committee and also serves on the UTC Honor Court and Student Conduct Board. Outside of college, she serves as the Social Media Director for a non-profit she co-founded, Catherine’s Orchestra For All.

Once she graduates, Julia plans to continue her work with Catherine’s Orchestra in Nashville. Her career plans are to work in government as a political speechwriter.