Tennessee Department of General Services
Steven G. Cates, Commissioner

Steven G. Cates serves as the Commissioner for the Department of General Services. The Department of General Services operates the functions of State government, including the Central Procurement Office, Real Estate Asset Management, Motor Vehicle Management, Printing & Postal Services and Warehousing and Distribution.

In his first year of service, Commissioner Cates has overseen many major changes within the department. With the passing of the 1098 legislation, he was charged with the responsibility of forming a new Central Procurement Office. This new office was created to centralize procurement functions and create cost savings while ensuring transparency and accountability in the procurement and contracting process.

Another priority for the department is the efficient management of State property. The Department of General Services is dedicated to operating, managing and maintaining the State's real estate assets and needs in a manner that ensures a comfortable, safe and secure working environment for State tenants, employees and guests. Commissioner Cates has 25+ years of experience in the private sector working in real estate development and takes a business-like approach to State government. His fresh approach has led to significant cost-savings to the state of Tennessee, as well as making his department run more efficiently and effectively. Commissioner Cates graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Civil Engineering and currently serves on the Auburn University Engineering Council. He previously served with both Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee and United Way.