Bass, Berry & Sims has named a former Corrections Corporation of America official to head its lobbying efforts.

As director of the law firm's government relations unit, Leslie Hafner will lend expertise in working with the state legislature. "Her government relations experience and knowledge of the Tennessee General Assembly will strengthen the service that we are able to provide our clients," Bass partner Dick Lodge said in a release.

Hafner is assuming responsibilities that had been shouldered by Anna Windrow. Formerly an employee of the law firm, Windrow in recent years has been an active consultant to the company on its lobbying needs. She was appointed in December by Gov. Phil Bredesen to be senior advisor to the governor for legislation and policy.

At CCA, Hafner was senior director of customer relations. Previously, she was an executive assistant in the Tennessee Dept. of Finance and Administration and worked in Gov. Don Sundquist's office in various press and legislative positions.

Hafner is a 1992 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.