Tony Niknejad is a seasoned policy strategist with executive experience and expertise in state governance, legislative advocacy, and fiscal management. He consults with SRG clients as a strategic advisor on policy, advocacy, and communications objectives.

Previously, Tony served as policy director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and led major Administration initiatives on education, workforce, tax, and Medicaid policy. He supervised a specialized policy team and spearheaded federal relations and multi-state engagement, working closely with the Republican and National Governors' Associations. Tony also coordinated the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group, overseeing the meticulous allocation of over $6 billion in federal relief funds, and served in key appointments to the State Workforce Development Board and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.

Before his time in state government, Tony served as Policy Director for Governor Lee’s first successful campaign and led the Governor-elect's transition planning for the 2019 legislative session. Prior to joining Governor Lee’s team, Tony worked for a national education-reform nonprofit and served as a legislative staffer in the Tennessee state senate. He holds a law degree from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Georgia. A member of the State Bar of Tennessee, Tony resides in Nashville with his wife, Cristina.