NASHVILLE (AP) - Anne B. Pope, a state government veteran, has been named executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Pope is a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, and executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission. She also served as federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Most recently Pope was executive director of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, which promotes the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public schools.

Pope succeeds Rich Boyd, who retired after 28 years in the post.