In 1990, Beth became the Executive Assistant to the Bureau of Environment in the newly minted Department of Environment and Conservation. In that position, she assisted with legislation and held oversight responsibilities of ten divisions within the Bureau. Winstead was also the Commissioner’s representative on the Solid Waste Control Board, Air Pollution Control Board, Underground Storage Tank Board, and Water Quality Control Board.
In 1995, Beth was appointed as the Assistant Chief Clerk of the Tennessee House of Representatives. She then joined the staff of Mayor Phil Bredesen as his chief lobbyist on Capitol Hill where she was instrumental in bringing the Tennessee Titans NFL team to Tennessee. She also served as a member of his legislative team representing the Mayor’s office before the Metro Council, where she played a significant role in the building of Bridgestone Arena and the addition of the Nashville Predators, which were paramount in the revitalization of Nashville’s world famous Broadway.
Beth received her A.A. from St. Mary’s Junior College in Raleigh, North Carolina and her B.S. in Business Administration magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She received her J.D. from the Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law, University of Memphis. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, The Downtown Rotary Club of Franklin and was a founding member of the Tennessee Lobbyists Association. She frequently is invited to speak at the University of Tennessee Law School Institute of Professional Leadership where she shares her experiences in the government relations field with first year law students.
She is married to Brigadier General Kurt Winstead, USA, Retired, and they have two daughters, Bridget and Mary Hannah.
The contacts Beth has made across the state are abundant and diverse. She possesses strong and enduring relationships across both sides of the aisle and her lobbying skills are well respected by every legislator in the Tennessee General Assembly.