Hagerty Announces Staff Promotions, Additions

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is asking anyone whose home has been impacted by recent events to complete a new, easy-to-use survey to report any damages. Submitting the survey does not guarantee assistance, but it is a critical step in helping state and local officials assess impacts and identify potential needs across Tennessee.Complete the survey here.
March 31, 2026
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) announced several changes to his staff in Washington, D.C.“I’m pleased to announce these promotions and welcome new members to my staff,” saidSenator Hagerty. “Their experience and dedication will help ensure our office continues delivering results for Tennesseans.”PromotionsJillian Cantrellis now serving as Legislative Assistant to Senator Hagerty, managing the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Pensions, and Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. Cantrell previously served as Legislative Aide, Legislative Correspondent, and Staff Assistant to Hagerty. She is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where she received bachelor’s degrees in both biology and politics. She is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.Cecilia Ann Huttonwill serve as a Legislative Correspondent to Hagerty, assisting in the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Rules portfolio. She previously served as a Staff Assistant in Hagerty’s Office. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. She is a native of Athens, Alabama.
AdditionsSean McCarthynow serves as Legislative Aide to Senator Hagerty, assisting on issues related to emergency management, economic development, fiscal responsibility, federal budget and appropriations portfolio. Most recently, he served as a Congressional Liaison Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection under President Trump. He is a graduate of the College of William & Mary. McCarthy’s family has lived in Knox County since 2021.
Mary-Hunter Brownis now serving as Staff Assistant to Hagerty. Brown served as an intern in Sen. Hagerty’s DC office in the fall of 2025. She graduated summa cum laude from Rhodes College with a major in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a master’s in political communication from American University and is a native of Nashville, TN.
Varsha Dasariis now serving as a Staff Assistant to Hagerty. Dasari joins from Congressman Kevin Hern’s (OK-01) office, where she served as an intern. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in government through the Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Peter ‘Mackie’ Richis now serving as Legislative Correspondent to Hagerty. Rich recently graduated from Columbia University with degrees in classics and math. He grew up in The Plains, Virginia.
###