Mark Cate is the founder and president of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based government and public relations consulting firm serving Tennessee as well as regional and national clients. He served as former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s chief of staff, where he was the governor’s top advisor, strategist, and negotiator.

Prior to serving in state government, Cate successfully managed Governor Haslam’s first gubernatorial campaign in 2010. He previously worked as an executive in real estate management and development and served for 16 years as a higher education administrator at Maryville College. Over the course of his career, Cate has served as a chief development officer, chief planning officer, chief marketing officer, and chief financial officer.