Paul Sloan was named Deputy Commissioner of Environment at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on April 14, 2005, following a career that includes success in education, law, business and conservation advocacy. 

Paul heads the Bureau of Environment which includes all the environmental regulatory programs within TDEC. He is presently serving as co-chairperson of Governor Phil Bredesen’s Interagency Alternative Fuels Working Group that was established by executive order. Paul’s interest lies in identifying practical ways public policy can create a more sustainable, clean energy future for Tennessee and the region.  A particular concern is expanding consumer choice and widening the availability of renewable biofuels.

Paul came to the department from Partners-in-Conservation, a conservation investment organization he founded. He was also a founding board member of Cumberland Region Tomorrow, a former trustee of The Nature Conservancy and a board member of the Cumberland River Compact. 

Paul started his career in teaching; was a founding member of the Nashville law firm Harwell Barr Martin and Sloan (now H3GM); started and sold a health care and education services company while also developing a range of innovative conservation initiatives. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College and a law degree from Vanderbilt University.