NASHVILLE (AP) - Former state Republican Party chairwoman Robin Smith has been appointed to the Tennessee Economic Council on Women.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville and House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville announced the appointment this week.

Smith served as chairwoman of the party from 2007 to 2009. During her tenure, state Republicans gained majorities in both houses of the General Assembly for the first time since Reconstruction.

The Economic Council on Women is a state agency created to assess the economic status of Tennessee women and help them achieve financial independence.