Dr. Martina Harris, Chattanooga State Community College dean of nursing and allied health, has been selected as one of 27 nursing educators from across the country to join the 18th class of fellows to be inducted into the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education.
Harris joins a total of 406 NLN fellows across the 18 classes who teach in a range of nursing education programs across higher education. They are affiliated with top-ranked teaching hospitals, academic institutions, and other organizations committed to advancing the quality of health care in the U.S. and globally, according to the NLN.
Harris was chosen in a competitive application process that considers contributions to innovative teaching and/or learning strategies; nursing education research; faculty development activities; academic leadership; promotion of public policy initiatives that advance nursing education; and collaborative educational, practice or community partnerships.
This year’s class of Academy Fellows will be inducted during an Honors Convocation at the 2024 NLN Education Summit in San Antonio, Texas. As a fellow, Dr. Harris will actively participate in the work of the NLN community to share ideas and insights on transforming nursing education. She will also be entitled to use the credential ANEF, which stands for Academy of Nursing Education Fellow.
Yates, Bossert join Erlanger Women’s Health
Erlanger recently welcomed Angela Yates, M.D. and Frederick Bossert, M.D. to the talented team of women’s health providers.
Yates is a graduate of Carson Newman College in Jefferson City and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from ETSU Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. From there, she completed her OB/GYN residency at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.
Yates is a faculty member for the University of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga and serves as the program director for the OB/GYN residency program. With years of experience in women’s health, Yates is committed to delivering the highest standard of care while fostering a supportive and informative environment for her patients.
Bossert attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville and earned his degree in biology. His Doctor of Medicine degree was obtained from ETSU Quillen College of Medicine and from there, he completed his OB/GYN residency through University of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga.
Bossert is a board-certified OB/GYN and U.S. Armed Forces veteran who has been serving the community for the past 12 years. Currently, he is the director of OB/GYN Surgical Skills and Simulation for the University of Tennessee OB/GYN residency program and serves on many different hospital committees within Erlanger.
In addition to OB/GYN, Dr. Bossert still serves as a civilian technical adviser for the Tennessee Army National Guard and is heavily involved in wilderness and austere medicine.
Yates and Bossert will both be providing their services at Erlanger Women’s Health, located at 979 E 3rd Street, Suite C-725, in Chattanooga. To make an appointment visit or call 423-778-2580.
CSO adds Ram as music director
After a two-year search, the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera has announced the appointment of Ilya Ram as its next music director.
Ram becomes the fourth artistic leader of the CSO in its 91-year history, immediately taking on the responsibilities of music director designate, before his three-year tenure as Music Director which currently extends through 2027-28.
Praised for his charismatic and energetic performances, Ram is garnering an international reputation throughout North America and Europe. Constantly looking for creative new ways to approach classical music, Ram also serves as music director of the Akademische Philharmonie Heidelberg in Germany since the 2023-24 season.
Susan Caminez, executive director of the CSO says, “We are excited to begin this new chapter under Ilya’s artistic leadership. Ilya brings an exuberance and passion to everything he does. His worldwide perspective and his desire to connect to the community makes him an invaluable asset to the CSO. We were impressed by his ability to showcase our musicians when he was here with us last November and we can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Emerson joins Chattanooga Heart
Cardiologist Tyler Emerson, M.D., has joined the Chattanooga Heart Institute at CHI Memoria.
Emerson earned his medical degree from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. He completed his residency in internal medicine and a general cardiovascular medicine fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
He worked as a critical care nurse and nurse leader for five years before returning to school to earn his medical degree.
Emerson is board-certified in internal medicine and a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Preventive Cardiology.
At the Chattanooga Heart Institute, Dr. Emerson joins 28 cardiologists and four cardiothoracic surgeons. In July, CHI Memorial was named best regional hospital by the U.S. News and World Report for the 10th year.
Smith named to new First Horizon role
First Horizon Bank recently named Scott Smith as business banking relationship manager in Chattanooga. Smith has been working in the finance industry for more than 15 years, including nearly three years with First Horizon.
He brings a background in commercial real estate, commercial and corporate banking, treasury management, and risk and compliance to the role. He previously served as treasury management sales officer.
In his new position, Smith will provide a full range of banking services to businesses with annual sales between $5-$25M, with a focus on client experience and risk management. The services he will provide include business and commercial lending, cash management and fraud prevention.
Smith graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in economics and international business. He is active in the community and currently serves as board chair for Tennessee River Gorge Trust, finance chair for RiseUp Cooperative, and is on the Chattanooga Room in the Inn board.
Smith currently resides in North Chattanooga and enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors and playing golf, basketball and skeet shooting.
Allen joins city in workforce dev
Charita Allen has been named Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s new senior adviser for economic and workforce development.
With more than 25 years of experience, Allen joins the Kelly administration from the state of Tennessee, where she served as director of workforce development at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Before working at the state level, Charita served as deputy administrator of economic development for the city of Chattanooga from 2017 to 2021.
“Building a competitive regional economy is one of the core pillars of the One Chattanooga plan, and workforce development is at the core of our critical goal to improve economic mobility and vitality in Chattanooga. I am confident that Charita Allen is the person to get us to the next level,” Kelly says. “Charita has a proven track record of success at the state level, in the private sector, and here in Chattanooga. We are thrilled to have her return and I’m looking forward to working with her.”
“I am truly honored and energized to return to the city of Chattanooga. My time away has equipped me with additional workforce development experience and resources,” said Allen. “I look forward to joining the team and growing a healthy, sustainable economy in Chattanooga with Mayor Kelly.”