Tennessee Code Title 4. State Government § 4-3-602

(a) The department of correction is under the charge and general supervision of the commissioner of correction.

(b) It is the duty of the governor to appoint a suitable person to the position of commissioner of correction, who shall serve for a term coeval with that of the governor, or until the commissioner's successor is appointed and qualified. In the case of a vacancy in the office, it is the duty of the governor to appoint a suitable person to fill the office for the unexpired term. In order to be qualified for the office, a person shall be not less than twenty-five (25) years of age, a person of good character, and a person with training and experience in institutional operation and management in similar activities. The commissioner, upon the commissioner's appointment, shall take the oath required by law of other state officers.

(c) The commissioner shall receive as compensation for the commissioner's services a salary to be fixed by the governor as provided in § 8-23-101, payable monthly upon warrant of the commissioner of finance and administration, and also the commissioner's traveling expenses incurred in official business, when itemized and approved by the governor.

(d) The commissioner shall be provided with a suitable office, and with such furniture, supplies, books and appliances as may be necessary, the expense thereof to be audited and paid like other state expenses.

(e) The commissioner is authorized to appoint: