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A resolution honoring Wallace W. "Wally" Dietz for his distinguished service as Director of Law for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Wally Dietz has served as Director of the Metropolitan Department of Law since June 2021, having been appointed by then-Mayor John Cooper and asked to continue in the role by Mayor Freddie O'Connell; and
WHEREAS, prior to his public service, Director Dietz spent nearly four decades at the Nashville law firm Bass, Berry & Sims, where he chaired the firm's compliance and government investigations practice group; and
WHEREAS, early in his career, he served as a legislative and media aide to then-U.S. Senator Jim Sasser and as a judicial clerk for U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, he received the Nashville Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award for his pro bono work in international human rights; and
WHEREAS, as Director of Law, he became a leading voice in defense of Nashville's and Davidson County’s right to self-govern, guiding the city through multiple lawsuits to retain home rule and equal protection in actions against the State of Tennessee, including efforts to block a state takeover of appointments to the Metropolitan Sports Authority and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and to preserve the size and authority of this Metropolitan Council; and
WHEREAS, he likewise led Metro's legal response to federal actions affecting the city's funding and policies, earning recognition as a steady and indispensable counselor across Metro government; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to public service reflects a personal connection to this government, as his father covered the drafting of the Metropolitan charter and the formation of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson Charter in the early 1960s as a reporter for The Tennessean; and
WHEREAS, even after suffering a stroke in March 2025, Director Dietz continued to lead the Department of Law with resolve through the conclusion of his tenure; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council expresses its profound gratitude for his integrity, his counsel, and his unwavering defense of Nashville and its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring and commending Wallace W. "Wally" Dietz for his exemplary service as Director of Law and extends its sincere best wishes upon his retirement.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Director Dietz.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect upon adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson requiring it.