Muriel Malone Nolen was named Executive Director of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission in July 2022. Director Nolen has previously served as the agency's interim executive director and deputy director.  As executive director, Nolen oversees the agency’s operations which include enforcement and administration, policy and procedure development, case management, mediation, contract negotiations, budget, and human resources. Director Nolen is responsible for the supervision, training, and development of staff members.  

Prior to joining THRC, she served as an Assistant District Attorney General in Shelby County for 18-years.  Mrs. Nolen is a trial lawyer by trade and has worked for various governmental and non-profit agencies throughout Tennessee including, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, Memphis Area Legal Services, Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office, and Southwest Tennessee Community College. 

Director Nolen received her Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis.  She currently serves on the Board of Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County and the Executive Board of Ben F. Jones-National Bar Association and is the immediate past Regional Director of The National Black Prosecutors Association.