Crown Automotive Group has promoted Trevor Turner to pre-owned sales manager at Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Turner will oversee used vehicle inventory, manage sales staff and assist customers with vehicle purchases.
Turner joined Crown Automotive Group in 2016 as a sales and leasing consultant and has twice been named Best Salesman of the Year. Company officials said his decade of experience with Crown CDJR and his customer relationships made him a strong fit for the leadership role.
Virgil Edwards, general manager of Crown CDJR, said Turner has demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and the growth of the department.
A Chattanooga-area native, Turner enjoys spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Jennifer, are expecting their first child.
Habitat announces changes to leadership
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has promoted McKenna Wallace to a management role and added two new staff members to its leadership team.
Wallace, a Chattanooga native and East Tennessee State University graduate, joined Habitat Chattanooga in 2024 as events and marketing coordinator. In her new role, she will expand oversight of the organization’s marketing and events efforts, including its “Blueprints for the Future” fundraiser.
The nonprofit also announced the addition of Ernestine Godfrey as director of finance and Stephanie Herrick as construction office manager.
Godfrey previously worked in HR management at WTCI-PBS and held managerial roles in the automation industry. Herrick brings 20 years of office management experience and nearly four decades in medical office settings.
Chattanoogans honored for conservation efforts
Chattanooga residents Libby and Frank Duff were recognized by Tennessee Wildlife Federation with the J. Clark Akers III Champion of Conservation Award during the organization’s 61st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards in Nashville.
The awards ceremony, held at Loveless Cafe, honored 22 individuals, organizations and public leaders from across Tennessee for their contributions to conservation efforts statewide.
The Duffs were recognized for their years of service to and support of the federation and conservation initiatives in Tennessee.
“Conservation in Tennessee has always been driven by people,” said Kendall McCarter, chief development officer for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “This year’s award winners reflect the strength of that tradition and the collective impact of individuals who are committed to preserving our natural resources for future generations.”
Johnson to lead Chattanooga parks
Tim Kelly has selected David Johnson to lead Chattanooga’s Department of Parks & Outdoors.
Johnson most recently served as Tennessee Parks and Schoolyards program manager for Trust for Public Land. He previously worked as the organization’s Chattanooga program director and spent six years with the city, including serving as assistant director of parks.
Johnson holds a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management from Western Carolina University.
Johnson says Chattanooga’s parks and outdoor spaces help connect residents to nature and one another, adding that he hopes to strengthen partnerships with neighborhoods, schools and local organizations.
A resolution regarding Johnson’s appointment is scheduled for the June 2 Chattanooga City Council meeting.
City honors 101-year-old World War II veteran
Tim Kelly and the Chattanooga City Council proclaimed May 19 as Everett Plante Day in honor of the 101-year-old Chattanooga veteran’s World War II service.
Plante served in General George S. Patton’s Third Army with the 80th Division, 317th Infantry during the war. During a night patrol, he stepped on a German land mine and suffered injuries from shrapnel lodged in his neck, shoulder and spine. He later received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service and bravery.
When asked why he joined the U.S. Army, Plante said, “I had to do something for the country.”
Councilman Cody Harvey sponsored the proclamation, which was presented during a recent City Council meeting.
“We continue to remember the veterans who fought for our freedom,” Harvey said. “We want to recognize the sacrifice, bravery and dedication of Everett Plante to the cause of freedom.”
HCS names school principals for 2026-27
Hamilton County Schools has announced principal appointments for three elementary schools ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Kennisha Cann, currently assistant principal at Clifton Hills Elementary, has been named principal of the school. District officials credited Cann with helping improve literacy, math and science proficiency, while also contributing to gains in TVAAS performance and reduced chronic absenteeism.
Katie Hamby, assistant principal at Hardy Elementary since 2021, will become principal of Harrison Elementary School. Hamilton County Schools said Hamby helped improve attendance and raise TVAAS performance at Hardy from Level 1 to Level 5.
Jane Phillips, assistant principal at East Brainerd Elementary, has been appointed principal of Snow Hill Elementary School. The district said Phillips has supported instructional growth and school improvement efforts that contributed to East Brainerd earning Tennessee Reward School recognition and TVAAS Level 5 growth.