Gwyn gets job as TBI director

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Writer for the Southern Standard

GWYN

A former McMinnville policeman is now the chief law enforcement officer in the state as Mark Gwyn was named director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Thursday.

Emerging from a field of three finalists for the job, the announcement of Gwyn’s promotion to director was made by Gov. Phil Bredessen during a news conference Thursday afternoon. There were 52 original applications for the position, with the final three put before the governor one month ago. Gwyn topped Memphis Crime Commission director Michael J. Heidingsfield, and Security Services executive Leon C. Schenck for the position.

“Mark is a highly effective TBI veteran who understands the bureau’s culture and who has a vision for constant improvement,” Bredesen said during a short announcement at the Capitol. “He has the highest commitment to working with federal and local law-enforcement agencies to stamp out crime in Tennessee, and he has the highest commitment to integrity.”

Prior to his promotion, Gwyn, 41, headed the forensic division of the TBI. Prior to that time, Gwyn had served as TBI executive officer, TBI spokesman and as local field agent for Warren and Van Buren counties. Gwyn was credited with clearing 95 percent of the cases he worked while a field agent here, many involving high-profile crimes.

“It’s good to see an officer from here go that high up. I’m proud of him,” said McMinnville Police Chief Joe Melton, noting Gwyn served as a patrolman with the police department from November 1985 until taking a job with the TBI in May 1988.

Gwyn will be sworn in June 28 and begin serving a six-year term. He will replace his former boss, Larry Wallace, who retired last year.

“This is a true statement that you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top. I’m honored to join this long line of distinguished directors,” Gwyn said. “I’m a firm believer in the TBI’s mission and ability to combat crime across the state. I look forward to leading some of the finest men and women in law enforcement.”

During an interview with the Southern Standard Thursday, Gwyn noted he was humbled to be chosen for the position from a field of worthy candidates.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Gwyn said, a 16-year TBI veteran. “I’m going to look at the departments and if they’re are changes needed, then I’ll make those changes.”

Gwyn said managing the bureau as efficiently and effectively as possible, “doing more with less,” are his initial challenges.

“The bureau is built on a solid foundation,” he said. “I look at it more as taking it to the next level.”

– AP reporter Tom Sharp contributed to this report