Paige Baker has changed the job title on her business card from “marketing and business development specialist” to “marketing manager” following a promotion at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel.
As marketing manager, Baker oversees branding, content marketing, social media and advertising strategies at Chambliss. She also manages vendor partnerships, drives the development of digital and print assets and enhances the firm’s online presence through strategic website management and SEO initiatives.
Chambliss president and managing shareholder Mark Cunningham says Baker’s advancement reflects her commitment to elevating the firm’s brand and market presence.
“Paige’s vision and creativity have been instrumental to our firm’s growth. We’re confident she’ll continue to drive success for our firm and clients.”
Also at Chambliss, Caroline Coppock has been hired as a marketing and communications specialist.
Coppock brings experience in media relations, public relations, social media and event coordination to the firm. She’ll focus on supporting content marketing initiatives, digital campaigns and various special projects to promote Chambliss’ practice areas and attorneys.
Coppock’s prior role at a public relations firm allowed her to collaborate with clients across various industries and develop a skill set in project management, copywriting and graphic design.
Marketing and business development director Aricia Gallaher says Coppock’s background in PR and commitment to community engagement make her an excellent addition to Chambliss.
“We’re excited to see how Caroline will put her fresh ideas to work in advancing our marketing and communications strategy.”
Community Foundation adds Adams, Clegg to board
The board of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is rolling out the red carpet for four newly selected members. The fresh faces include: Dr. John Adams, a Navy-trained obstetrician in private practice at Women’s Health Services of Chattanooga; Briana Garza, CEO and founder of Chatt Taste Food Tour; Will Clegg, a partner at HHM CPAs; and financial professional Pam McKenney.
No stranger to board service, Adams has served on the Parkridge board of governors, the Physician’s Surgery Center (PSC) governing board and as a member of the medical executive committees at Parkridge and the PSC, where he currently serves as medical director.
Clegg is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in business administration. In addition to his efforts within the business community, Clegg is a strong advocate for Chattanooga, having served as chair of CHI Memorial Foundation Board and on the board of the Just One More Foundation.
Garza is a disability advocate and food enthusiast who spent her early years traveling the world. She co-launched Chatt Taste Food Tours with two friends in 2019. USA Today has recognized Chatt Taste as a top 10 culinary experience in the U.S.
McKenney has held roles in audit, financial reporting, business integration, process management and strategic planning at both Deloitte and GE Capital. She adds her service on the Community Foundation to present terms on the boards of CHI Memorial Foundation and Siskin Hospital for Rehabilitation.
McKenney has also served on the boards of The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County, Hunter Museum of American Art, Baylor School board of trustees and Bridge Scholars, and was a member of the Community Foundation’s inaugural WE Project cohort from 2018-2019.
UTC names Jones interim business dean
Michael Jones will serve as interim dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC beginning Jan. 1.
UTC Chancellor Steven Angle announced in November that he’s relinquishing his leadership role to join the university’s faculty after serving as chancellor since 2013. UT System President Randy Boyd appointed Gary W. Rollins College of Business Dean Robert Dooley to serve as interim chancellor Nov. 13.
Jones has been a member of the Rollins College of Business for 27 years; he’s served as senior associate dean of the college for the last 14 years and filled in as interim dean in 2018.
Jones attended the University of Alabama before obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees in marketing. His areas of expertise include marketing research, customer satisfaction and retention, and retailing and services marketing.
Jones has published more than 25 peer-reviewed journal articles. His research on the marketing of mutual funds has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Time and Money.
HHM CPAs expands team
HHM CPAs is boasting the addition of a new tax director with more than 15 years of experience in tax planning, compliance and consulting.
Michelle Ammon will focus on providing tax strategies and guidance to the firm’s clients. Her expertise includes preparing complex federal and state income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, estates and trusts. Ammon also offers estate, gift and fiduciary income tax planning. She’s also guided family offices and closely held businesses through intricate tax issues.
Additionally, Ammon has experience representing clients during IRS audits and has successfully coordinated field examinations.
HHM Managing Partner Donnie Hutcherson says Ammon’s experience and track record will be assets to the firm.
“Michelle’s expertise in estate, gift and fiduciary tax services, along with her audit experience, strengthens our ability to serve our clients and deepen our presence in the region.”
In addition to Michelle, HHM has added Rylee Arp as a staff accountant in its Chattanooga office.
White to remain at UTC until chancellor named
Kim White is not leaving the building – yet.
The vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation previously decided to transition into a new role in 2025. White recently agreed to continue as vice chancellor until a new UTC chancellor is named.
White joined the UTC executive leadership team in December 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. A UTC alumna with 18 years of experience holding multiple volunteer leadership positions at UTC and within the UT System, she has worked to increase philanthropy on campus by rebuilding advancement and alumni engagement teams.
UTC is coming off the largest fundraising year in its history, with $60.1 million raised from 6,762 donors during fiscal year 2024.
UTC engineering professors honored
Two members of the mechanical engineering department in UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science are basking in the warm glow of national recognition from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: UC Foundation associate professor Trevor Elliott and associate professor Reetesh Ranjan.
Elliott is one of seven recipients of the 2025 Sustained Service Awards, which recognizes significant service and contributions to the AIAA by members.
Ranjan is an AIAA Class of 2025 Associate Fellow. The grade of associate fellow recognizes individuals “who have accomplished or been in charge of important engineering or scientific work, or who have done original work of outstanding merit, or who have otherwise made outstanding contributions to the arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics,” notes UTC in a news release.
Elliott has been a member of the UTC faculty since 2012. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from UTC and his doctoral degree in aerospace engineering from the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma.
Elliott is the primary faculty adviser for the UTC Rocket Mocs. He mentors students who have achieved national recognition in collegiate competitions and set a world record in amateur rocketry.
Ranjan joined the UTC faculty in 2019 after spending six years at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received a bachelor of technology degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois.
Ranjan’s research focuses on the development and application of multi-scale methods and models.
The AIAA will formally honor Elliott and Ranjan in Orlando in January.