Former member of the General Assembly, Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis, has joined Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s cabinet as a senior advisor.

“John DeBerry is a respected leader and man of faith who has served our state with integrity for decades as both a legislator and civil rights champion,” said Gov. Lee. “John has fought to protect life, provide better education options for Tennessee students, and to reform our criminal justice system and I’m honored to have his counsel within the cabinet.”

DeBerry represented the 90th House District of Tennessee since 1995, until his defeat by Torrey Harris. Prior to the election, he was ousted from the Democratic party under the accusation of being “too cozy with Republicans and GOP donors.”

DeBerry is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and the University of Memphis and currently preaches at the Coleman Avenue Church of Christ in Memphis in addition to churches and organizations across the country.

“It’s been an honor to serve my constituents for the last 26 years,” said DeBerry. “I am proud of the work accomplished throughout my time with the Tennessee General Assembly, and I look forward to serving Tennesseans in this statewide role.”