NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2026) – Former Senior Acquisition Advisor at the United States Department of War Nicole Lillyman has joined the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference as Deputy Director of Operations.
Lillyman joins TNDAGC with nearly two decades of experience in federal acquisitions, program management, and strategic operational leadership. She most recently served at the Pentagon as a Senior Acquisition and Policy Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of War, supporting the Under Secretary for Policy and the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASW (SO/LIC)). In this capacity, she provided critical oversight of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF), ensuring the effective organization, training, and equipping of the SOF enterprise.
Her portfolio encompassed analysis, advocacy, and oversight of a $13 billion annual budget, including all SOF acquisition matters, while shaping policy and resource priorities to strengthen readiness and operational capability. Her career reflects a deep commitment to integrating civilian oversight with strategic defense objectives, ensuring administrative and operational requirements remain fully resourced and aligned with national security priorities.
Her federal career includes extensive experience managing complex programs, contracting, financial, and technical portfolios across the Department of War and the Pentagon, including maritime systems, fixed and rotary wing programs, and advanced, autonomous, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
“The Conference continues to establish itself as a leader in bringing highly skilled professionals into public service in Tennessee; people who understand our mission and are committed to strengthening it. Nicole’s experience and perspective will bring a new depth of experience and a unique perspective to state government,” said Stephen Crump, TNDAGC Executive Director.
In her new role at TNDAGC, Lillyman will bring her federal expertise to the state level, enhancing the Conference’s operational capabilities and leading the management of all fiscal and operational activities to support district attorneys statewide.
Lillyman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University and her Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, where she concentrated in strategic ethical leadership and completed a practicum focused on counterterrorism strategy.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference was created by the General Assembly in 1961 to provide for a more prompt and efficient administration of justice in the courts of the state. It is composed of the elected District Attorneys General from the state’s 32 judicial districts. www.tndagc.org.