Disability Rights Tennessee Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Lisa Primm

August 27, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASHVILLE, TN. – James DiMarco, Board of Directors President, announces that after 12 years of bold leadership, Disability Rights Tennessee’s (DRT’s) Executive Director, Lisa Primm, plans to retire in March 2025. The DRT Board of Directors has started the process to replace Primm by assembling a search committee comprised of Board and DRT staff representatives.

Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is the federally mandated Protection & Advocacy system in Tennessee, proudly serving people living with disabilities and/or mental health issues across all 95 counties.

“Since December 2012, Disability Rights Tennessee has been led by Lisa Primm who has brought passion, integrity, stability, transparency, and unparalleled leadership to our organization,” said DiMarco. “She’s led DRT with a steady hand for over a decade and has remained an inspirational leader capable of bringing out the best in our employees while also ensuring DRT provides the highest quality of services to our client population. DRT owes Lisa a debt of gratitude it will never be able to repay and wishes her a long, happy retirement. We look forward to a bright future as we search for our next executive director.”

Reflecting on her time at DRT, Primm expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunities, partnerships, and friendships that have shaped her tenure. Her leadership has guided DRT through significant milestones but has also strengthened the organization’s ability to advocate effectively for Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental health issues long into the future. The Board of Directors, PAIMI Advisory Council, and staff at Disability Rights Tennessee are grateful for Lisa’s effective and compassionate leadership.

“Leading Disability Rights Tennessee has been the highest honor in my professional journey,” said Primm. “I take great pride in our shared accomplishments over the last 12 years and am deeply grateful for the tenacious advocacy of my colleagues, alongside steadfast support from our Board, Advisory Council, and stakeholders. Together, we have had a meaningful impact on the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities and I feel confident that DRT is well positioned to continue this critical advocacy work.”

Lisa’s toes plan to split their time between a lake in Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico, depending on the season. She also intends to orchestrate “foodie walking tours” by day and act in murder mystery dinner theater at night, in between snuggling her grandchildren. She encourages you all to stay in touch and/or visit her!

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