Following Thursday’s announcement that Senate Speaker Pro Tem Jamie Woodson will step down in July, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey today announced that he has appointed Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson) to succeed her.

From a press release:

“It is rare that you find someone who works as hard for the people of Tennessee as Bo Watson,” said Ramsey. “His tireless work on issues of government reform has been an inspiration to all of us striving to make state government as small, efficient and transparent as possible. I’m extremely pleased he has agreed to take the job.”

“I’m humbled and honored that Lt. Gov. Ramsey has placed this kind of faith in me,” said Sen. Watson. “I look forward to serving my speaker to the best of my ability in this new role.”

The speaker pro tempore is a key leadership role in the General Assembly, both public policy-wise and operationally. Most notably, the speaker pro tempore presides over the state Senate in the absence of the speaker.

Watson is a physical therapist in Chattanooga.