Bass, Berry & Sims attorneys Erica Vick Penley and Ross Smith were recently appointed to serve in different state and city leadership positions.
Erica Vick Penley
Erica was appointed to the Transportation Licensing Commission by the Metro Nashville Council. The commission oversees the licensing and regulation of booting services and vehicles for hire, such as party buses, taxis, wreckers and horse-drawn carriages. Her term will run through April 30, 2026.
Erica serves as legislative counsel to a number of businesses and trade associations and is a registered lobbyist with extensive experience representing the interests of various industries before the Tennessee General Assembly, Executive Branch, and other state agencies and commissions. In this capacity she represents clients concerning new legislation, legal definitions and restrictions, business tax exemptions, rule-making proceedings, public-private partnerships, among other matters. She currently leads the firm’s Government Advocacy & Public Policy Practice Group. Read more about Erica’s practice here.
Ross Smith
Ross was appointed to the Board of Appeals by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. The board plays a crucial role in resolving employment disputes by hearing appeals related to dismissals, demotions and suspensions of preferred service state employees. His term will run through June 30, 2030.
Ross advises clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and the various branches, departments, agencies and commissions of state government. In this role, he represents companies, organizations and associations related to regulatory issues and to advocate for their business interests within the state of Tennessee. Read more about Ross’ practice here.