Executive Staff

Veronica McGraw was appointed to Deputy Director in August 2022. She joined THRC in September 2018 as the Communications Director where she oversaw the agency’s day-to-day internal and external strategic communications efforts, and education and outreach activities. As Deputy Director, Ms. McGraw works closely with the Executive Director on the agency’s day-to-day operations, enforcement, case management, state and federal government contracts, agency budget, and staff supervision. Deputy Director McGraw is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she received her Master of Public Administration and Leadership from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Communication from Notre Dame College. She is a graduate of the State of Tennessee Boards and Commissions Leadership Academy and the State of Tennessee Accelerated Leadership Institute (ALI). Prior to joining THRC, Ms. McGraw worked as a communications manager for a private firm and as a news assignment editor for an ABC News affiliate. She has nearly 25 years of professional experience working in the non-profit, private, and public sectors, with a combination of experience in organizational leadership, compliance, quality assurance, government and public affairs, civil and human rights, communications, and media relations.

A career government service attorney, Tremecca D. Doss' legal experience includes Equal Employment Opportunity and Fair Housing compliance, diversity, equity and inclusion matters. Ms. Doss’ work experience also includes public affairs and community relations, administrative adjudication, law enforcement and policing, employee training and disciplinary matters, transportation, health care, white-collar crime, alternative dispute resolution, real estate development, and affordable housing. She has also served as a criminal court judicial clerk. Tremecca D. Doss has practiced as a member of the Tennessee bar for her entire career. Ms. Doss earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Vanderbilt University Law School. She is also admitted to practice before Federal Courts in the Middle District of Tennessee, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Ms. Doss holds the Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Ms. Doss is a trained Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Mediator. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Doss graduated from Tennessee State University summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Theatre.

Lynn Cothren  serves as the Operations Manager and Special Assistant for the Commission. He works in partnership with the Executive Director on all facets of agency operations including stakeholders and the public.  This includes assisting with day-to-day logistics, education and outreach, and general agency administration. Lynn works as an integral member of the executive staff team.  Previously he served as the Director of Administration at Girl Scouts of the USA in a leadership role which included developing and implementing organizational strategies and policies that enable girls to build courage, confidence, and character, and make the world a better place. Previously, Mr. Cothren served for 23 years as Special Assistant to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, founder of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.  

Jacob Aparicio joined the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) as the Communications Director in March 2023. In his role, he oversees internal and external communications for the Commission as well as implementing education and outreach efforts. Jacob works closely with the executive staff team to coordinate all Commission events, manage community partnerships, and develop resources to engage and educate stakeholders and the public. Prior to joining THRC, Mr. Aparicio had 10+ years experience in human services, with roles ranging from the non-profit sector to municipal government. Previously, he worked as a Program Coordinator with the Oasis Center in Nashville, TN. There he coordinated various youth leadership programs and events in relation to youth voice and advocacy. In his home state of Connecticut, Jacob served the Mayor's Office in the City of Hartford as Assistant to the Chief of Staff.  Jacob graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology. Outside of his professional roles, Mr. Aparicio has been deeply involved in his community including serving as chair of the Nashville MLK Day Youth Committee and founder of the Reel Youth Hartford Film Festival.