Diona Layden Appointed as Deputy Director of the THRC

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) Executive Director, Muriel Malone Nolen, has appointed Diona E. Layden, Esq. as the Deputy Director. Layden was appointed on Monday, September 16, 2024. As Deputy Director, Ms. Layden will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Commission’s daily operations, including enforcement and administration, policy and procedure development, agency budget, and staff supervision. In addition, she will provide oversight for mediation, intake, and investigative processes. “Diona has a decorated history serving the State of Tennessee in various Executive leadership positions including Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Director. Her professional experience will make her a valuable addition to the Commission. I look forward to having her join the team,” stated Muriel Malone Nolan, THRC Executive Director. Layden returns to state government after serving as the Special Collections Librarian at Fisk University. She served 15+ years with the State of Tennessee in various capacities including Deputy General Counsel with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of General Counsel, Deputy Director with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Health, Licensure and Regulation, and Hearing Officer with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College in Atlanta,...