Christy Behnke is the Higher Education Resource Officer (HERO) for the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

The HERO responds to questions and provides support and information to faculty, staff, and employees of Tennessee’s higher education institutions and systems. Christy also evaluates administrative policies and procedures in higher education to ensure they are meeting the goals of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Christy additionally focuses on leadership development and training for staff in all Comptroller’s Office divisions. She plans, develops, and implements specific programs that improve employee engagement and staff development. Christy also partners with division leaders on writing job descriptions, analyzing compensation, and succession planning.

Christy joined the Comptroller’s Office in 2018 and served as Talent Manager during the pandemic and the challenging job market that followed. Her success in that role allowed her to share strategies with other government leaders as an expert speaker on employee engagement and retention. Prior to joining the Comptroller’s Office, Christy served as the Tennessee General Assembly’s Internship Program Administrator. She has also worked as a classroom teacher and has marketing and business experience.

Christy received her bachelor’s degree in Management & Marketing from the University of North Alabama. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management.

Christy and her husband, Rob, live in Old Hickory and attend Pathways Fellowship Church in Lebanon. She has two grown children who are both college athletes. Christy and her husband enjoy traveling to softball and baseball games, vacationing on the beach, and spending time with family, friends, and their dog Charlee.