After nearly three decades of service, Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman has announced his retirement, effective this July.
Hyman joined the Chattanooga Fire Department in the 1990s and steadily rose through the ranks – first as a lieutenant, then as a captain, battalion chief and training chief. He was appointed fire chief in 2017.
Throughout his tenure as chief, Hyman spearheaded wide-ranging improvements across the department. Under his leadership, the CFD made advancements in infrastructure, equipment and technology. He also prioritized the health and safety of firefighters, ensuring that the department not only remained operationally effective but also focused on the well-being of its personnel.
One of the department’s most notable achievements during Hyman’s leadership was maintaining its ISO Class 1 rating – an elite designation that mirrors the highest standards of fire protection services. He also oversaw the recruitment and training of multiple fire academy classes.
In a heartfelt message shared with the department, Hyman reflected on the CFD’s transformation and the people behind it.
“I can’t express enough how proud I am of all the hard work each of you do for the Chattanooga Fire Department,” he wrote. “This department has seen a tremendous amount of positive change over the last several years. That is a testament to the passion each of you have for the service we provide.”
He urged members of the department to “support each other and strive to make the department better each day,” reinforcing the CFD’s mission of “leading, serving and training.”
“Our community trusts the CFD to fulfill that mission and be the best we can be,” Hyman continued. “Take ownership of the mission and continue to grow in your career because our community deserves the best from each of you. I love all of you and I love the Chattanooga Fire Department.”
Fire department officials say plans to identify Hyman’s successor will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, tributes have already begun to pour in from city leaders and community members recognizing the chief’s unwavering service.
Bethel announces leadership transition
Bethel Bible Village has announced that its president and CEO, Rosalind Connor, will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a transformative seven-year tenure. Mark Troxel, the organization’s current director of marketing and development, will step into the president and CEO role Jan. 1 following a carefully planned leadership succession.
Connor joined Bethel Bible Village in December 2018 and has since guided the ministry through a period of strategic growth and renewed focus. Under her leadership, Bethel sharpened its commitment to serving at-risk children and their families by streamlining operations and eliminating programs not aligned with its core mission.
Among her most significant accomplishments is keeping Bethel Christian Academy (BCA) open during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in education and care for students. She also initiated and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to expand Bethel’s capacity to serve more children. A key component of that plan is a $3.1 million expansion of BCA, which will triple the school’s enrollment capacity upon completion.
“Rosalind’s dedication to this ministry and her servant leadership has left a legacy that will continue to create opportunities to serve children and families in our community,” says Ron Bailey, chair of Bethel’s board of trustees. “The board expresses its deepest gratitude to Rosalind for her outstanding leadership and innovative style in advancing Bethel’s mission.”
The board of trustees has unanimously approved Troxel as Connor’s successor. He joined Bethel’s board in 2022 and served as vice-chair before being appointed director of marketing and development in August 2024. Since then, Troxel has worked closely with Connor and the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition.
Connor voices full confidence in her successor, stating, “I wouldn’t leave Bethel unless the right person was in place to take over, and I’m confident there’s no one better suited or qualified than Mark. His background in leadership and managing complex operations, coupled with his love of Bethel’s ministry, make him the perfect choice to take Bethel to the next level.”
Troxel brings more than three decades of experience in senior leadership roles within large sales and operations organizations. He credits his career journey and faith as preparation for this new chapter.
“God has prepared me for this time by placing me in challenging roles throughout my career and blessing me along the way with great leaders and faithful mentors,” Troxel says. “I’m humbled and excited to fulfill His purpose for my life in this new capacity and experience the joy of seeing children’s lives changed through the power of Jesus.”
Since joining the staff, Troxel has been instrumental in building community relationships and increasing donor engagement. He has also led the early development of Bethel’s new strategic plan, working alongside Connor, the executive team, and the board to position the organization for continued impact.
“Mark has worked alongside Rosalind for months and is an incredible leader in his own right,” says Bailey. “I’m confident that Mark will build on Rosalind’s legacy and continue to lead Bethel Bible Village as the standard for the highest quality programs for children.”
Troxel and his wife, Lisa, are longtime members of Red Bank Baptist Church. He serves there as a deacon, Life Group teacher, member of the Finance Committee, and has participated in numerous international mission trips.
Bethel Bible Village, a faith-based nonprofit in Hixson, Tennessee, serves children and families in crisis through Christ-centered programs and residential care. With Troxel stepping into his new role in 2026, the organization looks to continue expanding its services and deepening its mission for years to come.
Veteran litigator joins Grant Konvalinka
Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison has announced the addition of attorney Jena Story as of counsel to the firm. A seasoned litigator and legal adviser, Story brings over a decade of experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, including catastrophic personal injury, business disputes, probate litigation and family law.
Story also brings deep expertise in estate planning and business law, assisting clients with everything from wills and trusts to corporate legal needs. Her practice will continue to span both litigation and advisory services, now strengthened by the resources and collaborative environment of one of Chattanooga’s most established law firms.
“Joining Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison has given me the opportunity to apply my experience to a broader client base,” Story says. “The firm’s team-oriented approach allows me to better serve individuals and businesses with complex legal needs.”
A graduate of the University of Mississippi and a licensed attorney since 2010, Story began her legal career working as a paralegal and case manager during her undergraduate and law school years. She later launched her own private practice in Nashville and served as corporate counsel for several large development firms before relocating to Chattanooga.
Since joining Grant Konvalinka in March 2025, Story has expanded her practice areas to include financial services and corporate transactions, in addition to her well-established litigation work. She is a member of both the Chattanooga and Tennessee Bar associations.
Outside the courtroom, Story is an active community leader. She serves on the board of The Passage, acts as an advisory board member for the Mountain Education Foundation and volunteers with Junior Achievement, YoungLife and Habitat for Humanity. She has held multiple leadership roles in the Thrasher Elementary PTA on Signal Mountain, including president and executive board member.
Story and her family are members of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, where she leads studies and teaches. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, James, and their three children, and spending time on their family farm.