NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Higher Education Commission's leader plans to leave his post for a job with a law firm.

Executive Director Mike Krause will depart after 14 years in the government to become a senior adviser for government affairs and economic development with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Nashville, a commission news release said Wednesday.

"Mike's leadership has been transformational for THEC and Tennessee students have been the beneficiaries of his vision for linking education and workforce development opportunities," Gov. Bill Lee said in the release. "We wish him the best in his new role."

Krause was appointed to his position in 2016 after working as a member of former Gov. Bill Haslam's senior staff. Krause led the launch of the Tennessee Promise program offering free tuition for community and technical colleges.

Krause, a U.S. Army veteran, holds a bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University and a master's in public policy from Vanderbilt University.