Stephen H. Norris, Deputy Commissioner
“We will continually strive to enhance the quality of care for the persons we support. Their quality of life is paramount. We will ensure it through the highest professionalism, compassion, respect and commitment.
“Our focus must always remain on the persons we serve. We all have a responsibility, and that is to take care of persons who can’t take care of themselves. Nothing is more important.”
Stephen H. Norris
The Division of Mental Retardation Services Deputy Commissioner Stephen H. Norris is a veteran public administrator with nearly two decades of state government experience. Norris served as the state’s commissioner of Corrections from 1985-88, where he successfully implemented reforms that ultimately led to that department coming out from under federal supervision. From 1983 to 1985 he held the post of deputy commissioner of the State Department of Employment Security.
Before joining Governor Phil Bredesen’s administration in October 2003 Norris was a partner in The Ingram Group of Nashville, a prominent public affairs consulting firm, where he specialized in managing public and government relations efforts for a broad range of clients throughout Tennessee and surrounding states. In addition, he served as mediator in several federal lawsuits.
Norris is a former executive vice president of Comprehensive Children’s Services of Murfreesboro and executive director of the Tennessee Business Roundtable.
Norris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and a Masters degree in Public Administration from MTSU and the University of Tennessee. He is also a graduate of the Senior Managers in Government Advanced Management Training Program at Harvard University.
