Cindy Todd has been named chair of the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation board of directors, the governing board of WTCI PBS. WTCI PBS’s mission is to enrich lives through quality programs and services that educate, engage and inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration.
Todd is joined on the 2024-2025 Executive Committee by Dr. Jeffrey Gefter, vice-chair; Cole Powell, treasurer; Jo Coke, secretary; Julie Brandao, past chair; David Martin, chair of the development committee; and Bob Culkeen, WTCI president/CEO.
Todd retired in 2020 from her longtime role as vice president, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Tennessee Aquarium and has since worked part-time with other nonprofit organizations.
During her 28 years with the Aquarium, she led several departments that were responsible for generating approximately 70% of the Aquarium’s revenue through attendance, membership, corporate fundraising, sponsorship, concessions and facility rental. She also served as a member of the organizational executive team.
Todd was appointed to WTCI’s board of directors in July 2021 and has served on the executive committee since 2023.
Blackman to lead UTC comms, marketing
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Steven R. Angle has appointed Dr. JAy Blackman as the University’s vice chancellor of communications and marketing, effective Oct. 1.
Blackman, who has served as the University’s deputy athletic director for internal operations since April 2021, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the UTC community to his new role, having worked for the institution since 2008.
Blackman currently oversees the athletics department’s communications and digital media services efforts and is the communications liaison between campus and the athletics department. His many roles include oversight of the football and wrestling programs, McKenzie Arena, creative services, social media, business affairs, strength and conditioning, branding, equipment and facilities – as well as serving as tournament director of the Southern Scuffle wrestling tournament. In addition, he has been the athletics department liaison on the Wolford Family Athletic Center project.
In his new role, he will oversee all facets of the University’s communications, creative and marketing teams.
Blackman’s UTC career began in December 2008 as the athletics department’s director of communications and media relations, with promotions to assistant athletic director in 2010 and associate athletic director in 2012. He has overseen communications and digital media services, budget and finance and various athletic programs, contributing significantly to the University’s visibility and engagement strategies.
Blackman earned a degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina; a master’s degree in sport management from Appalachian State University in North Carolina; an MBA from the University of New Mexico; and a Ph.D. in sport administration from the University of New Mexico.
Pryor named media coordinator for aquarium
Former Local 3 News meteorologist Alison Pryor has been named the new media coordinator for the Tennessee Aquarium.
Pryor, a native of the Tennessee Valley who visited the Aquarium on school field trips as a child, developed a love of math and science, subjects fostered by early environmental education and exposure to STEM curriculum. T hose passions have translated to careers in science communication and public awareness.
Before joining the Aquarium’s communications team, Alison spent the previous six years as a meteorologist with the local NBC affiliate.
In her new role as media coordinator, Pryor will help raise awareness for the Tennessee Aquarium’s freshwater science initiatives, education programs, new exhibits and offerings at the IMAX 3D Theater.
Durgin joins CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Group
Wesley Durgin, M.D., has joined CHI Memorial Chattanooga Internal Medicine Group.
Dr. Durgin earned a bachelor’s in biology from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia at the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership in Athens, Georgia.
He completed an internal medicine residency, where he served as chief resident, at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton. Dr. Durgin is a member of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Durgin joins R. Forrest Sowell, M.D., Johannes DuPlooy, M.D., Rachel Labovitz, M.D., Holley Davis, M.D., Sarah Baker, M.D., Hannah Edwards, M.D., and Elise Marshall, D.O., at CHI Memorial Chattanooga Internal Medicine Group.
The practice is located in the Memorial Plaza Building at 605 Glenwood Drive, Suite 300 in Chattanooga. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (423) 495-2690.
Dr. Durgin welcomes new patients. Same day appointments and video visits are available.
Junior League announces new board members
The Junior League of Chattanooga is proud to announce its 2024-25 board of directors ahead of the new league year.
Melissa Loper will serve as the incoming president, with Annie Miller stepping into the role of president-elect. Loper, a graduate of the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, brings her expertise from her current position at Cempa Community Care. A dedicated member since 2015, Loper has demonstrated a strong commitment to the mission and values of the Junior League of Chattanooga.
This year’s board of directors also includes:
• Abbey Gentry, secretary
• Rachel Pell, director of program development and strategic implementation
• Kim Davis, treasurer
• Samantha Redinger, vice president, community engagement
• Melissa Graveline, vice president, fund development
• Claire Portilla, vice president, marketing and communications
• ReNeese Pope, vice president, membership
• Danielle Bucken, vice president, nominating and placement
• Alayna Best, executive coordinator
“I’m proud to lead such an impactful organization alongside other talented and dedicated women passionate about serving their community,” Loper says. “For over a century, JLC has fostered women’s leadership development through community service, and I’m honored to have a small role in the league’s long-standing success.
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