U.S. Representative John Rose has promoted Leah (Bane) Grider to the position of Chief of Staff. Grider, who is from Smith County, has worked for the Sixth Congressional District since 2019. She first served as Director of Operations in the Washington office and became Deputy Chief of Staff in 2022.
“Leah embodies everything that makes Tennessee great: faith, grit, and a deep commitment to serving others,” Rep. Rose said. “Her leadership and relentless dedication have set a high bar for our office, and I am thrilled that she will continue leading my team in this capacity.”
As Chief of Staff, Grider will manage operations for Congressman Rose’s offices in Washington, Cookeville, and Gallatin. She will commute to Washington as needed for legislative business while residing in Tennessee to handle constituent services. Grider’s responsibilities also include advising on policy matters and ensuring outreach across the district’s 19 counties.
“Working for the people of Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District isn’t just a job—it’s an honor,” Grider said. “I’m passionate about serving the communities that shaped me, and I am committed to bringing their strong voices and Tennessee values to this job every day.”
Before joining Rep. Rose’s team in 2019, Grider worked as an Economic Development Planner at the Upper Cumberland Development District and gained experience in community banking and independent pharmacy sectors.
Grider was raised in Carthage, Tennessee. She graduated from Smith County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Tennessee Technological University. She lives with her husband Michael in Knoxville but is based out of the Cookeville office.
