Executive Staff

Diona E. Layden joined the Tennessee Human Rights Commission as Deputy Director in September 2024. As Deputy Director, Ms. Layden supports the Executive Director with overseeing the agency’s operations, which include enforcement and administration, policy and procedure development, case management, mediation, litigation, budget, human resources, education, and community outreach. Additionally, Ms. Layden provides oversight for the mediation, intake, and investigative processes. Prior to joining the Commission, Diona served as the Special Collections Librarian at Fisk University. Previous roles that Ms. Layden has held with the State of Tennessee include serving as Deputy General Counsel with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of General Counsel, Deputy Director with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Health, Licensure and Regulation, and Hearing Officer with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and earned both a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. 

William “Will” Wade serves as the General Counsel for the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. As General Counsel, Mr. Wade provides legal counsel and supports the Commission in various capacities including advising investigations of discrimination, supporting the Title VI Unit in monitoring Title VI Compliance, and collaborating with the Training and Communications Units for education initiatives. He joined the Commission in 2018, previously serving as the Commission’s Assistant Attorney and Associate General Counsel. Will was raised in Dickson County, Tennessee. He attended his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, Will began working for a local law firm in Charlotte, TN, during the day and attending the Nashville School of Law (NSL) at night. He graduated from the NSL in December of 2013 and passed the February, 2014 Tennessee Bar Exam. Mr. Wade began his career in law working for a local firm handling estate planning, criminal defense, and domestic law. During his time in private practice, Will particularly enjoyed handling indigent criminal defense and appellate litigation.

Lynn Cothren  serves as the Operations Manager and Special Assistant for the Commission. He works in partnership with the Executive Director on all facets of agency operations including stakeholders and the public.  This includes assisting with day-to-day logistics, education and outreach, and general agency administration. Lynn works as an integral member of the executive staff team.  Previously he served as the Director of Administration at Girl Scouts of the USA in a leadership role which included developing and implementing organizational strategies and policies that enable girls to build courage, confidence, and character, and make the world a better place. Previously, Mr. Cothren served for 23 years as Special Assistant to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, founder of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.  

Jacob Aparicio joined the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) as the Communications Director in March 2023. In his role, he oversees internal and external communications for the Commission as well as implementing education and outreach efforts. Jacob works closely with the executive staff team to coordinate all Commission events, manage community partnerships, and develop resources to engage and educate stakeholders and the public. Prior to joining THRC, Mr. Aparicio had 10+ years experience in human services, with roles ranging from the non-profit sector to municipal government. Previously, he worked as a Program Coordinator with the Oasis Center in Nashville, TN. There he coordinated various youth leadership programs and events in relation to youth voice and advocacy. In his home state of Connecticut, Jacob served the Mayor's Office in the City of Hartford as Assistant to the Chief of Staff.  Jacob graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology.