The Benwood Foundation has appointed Dr. Keri Randolph as its next president, effective Nov. 3. She succeeds Sarah Morgan, who is stepping down after 13 years of leadership. Randolph currently serves as executive director of Chattanooga 2.0, a nonprofit focused on expanding economic opportunity and improving quality of life in Hamilton County.
Her previous roles include chief strategy officer for Metro Nashville Public Schools, assistant superintendent of innovation for Hamilton County Schools, vice president of learning at the Public Education Foundation and faculty member with the UTeaChattanooga program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
A former biochemist and high school science teacher, Randolph holds degrees from Agnes Scott College and East Carolina University, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Morkert named interim manager of Collegedale
The city of Collegedale has appointed Andrew Morkert as interim city manager following the recent resignation of the city’s previous leader. Morkert has worked for Collegedale for 16 years, most recently as director of buildings and codes, where he oversaw development and compliance. In his interim role, Morkert will continue his departmental responsibilities while managing day-to-day city operations. The Board of Commissioners is expected to begin the process of selecting a permanent city manager in the coming months.
Chambliss hires development manager
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel has added Jennie Corley as client development manager on its marketing and business development team. Corley will focus on nurturing client relationships, overseeing prospective opportunities and advancing new business initiatives. She will work with firm leadership, practice group leaders and the business development team to support Chambliss’ strategic goals. With a decade of experience as a corporate attorney and a background in government relations, Corley has led initiatives at both regional firms and a National Law Journal NLJ 250 firm.
First Horizon adds Grady as mortgage loan officer
First Horizon Bank has welcomed Jeff Grady as a mortgage loan officer. An Air Force veteran, Grady brings more than 20 years of financing experience to help individuals and families purchase homes. Originally from Kingston, Tennessee, Grady has been active in community service with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. He and his wife live in East Brainerd and have two adult children. In his new role, Grady will work with clients across the region, offering guidance to both first-time buyers and experienced homeowners seeking financing solutions.
White retiring as UTC vice chancellor
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announced that Kim White, vice chancellor for advancement and UC Foundation executive director, has retired. Since joining UTC in 2021, White has led record-breaking fundraising campaigns and expanded alumni engagement.
A Chattanooga native and longtime community leader, White extended her planned transition by a year to help guide UTC through leadership changes. Her tenure has been credited with transforming advancement efforts and leaving a lasting impact on the university and the community.
UTC has appointed Andrew Sheehy as Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the UC Foundation. Sheehy most recently served as associate vice chancellor for strategic initiatives at UT Knoxville, where he oversaw prospect management, donor engagement and campaign planning. He’s played key roles in major fundraising campaigns across the UT System, including strategies for billion-dollar initiatives.
UTC will begin a national search for a permanent successor soon.
UTC honors dean stepping down
Dr. Linda Frost, founding dean of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Honors College, will transition to a faculty role after the 2025-26 academic year. She will join the English department following her tenure as dean.
Since arriving at UTC in 2013, Frost has guided the Honors College through significant growth, expanding its enrollment to nearly 400 students and developing it into a nationally recognized model of interdisciplinary learning. She led the creation of the campus’ first Office of Undergraduate Research and the Office of National Scholarships, as well as partnerships like the Innovations in Honors program with the City of Chattanooga.
Among her accomplishments, Frost oversaw UTC’s leadership in publishing “The National Collegiate Honors Council Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity,” which university officials describe as the nation’s most selective undergraduate journal of its kind.
Frost said the transition will allow her to return to the classroom, where she began her career and passion for teaching.
Kraft promoted to new position at First Horizon
First Horizon Bank has named Colleen Kraft a private client relationship manager after nearly two years as a banking center manager at the bank’s East Ridge and Hamilton Place locations. Kraft has more than a decade of experience in banking, including eight years as a banking center manager. In her new role, she will continue serving clients with a focus on building relationships and helping them achieve their financial goals. An Illinois native and graduate of Illinois State University, Kraft lives in Ooltewah with her husband and son. She enjoys traveling, outdoor activities and football season.
Primary Care Associates adds Tyler in Glenwood
CHI Memorial Medical Group has added Dr. Jessica Tyler to its Primary Care Associates – Glenwood office. Tyler earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, and completed her internal medicine residency at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, where she also served as chief resident. She is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and previously worked as a hospitalist at CHI Memorial. She joins the practice located in the Missionary Ridge Medical Tower. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 423 495-3940.
Cooke resigns as chief of Sequoyah Volunteer Fire
Sequoyah Volunteer Fire Department Chief Cooke has resigned due to his wife’s health issues and other family obligations, the department’s board of directors announced. The board thanked Cooke for his many years of service and dedication, noting he will be missed.
Assistant Chief Morrison will assume leadership, with the board expressing confidence in his knowledge and experience to keep the department running amoothly.
Junior League announces new board of directors
The Junior League of Chattanooga has named its 2025-26 board of directors – a group of women who will lead the organization into its 108th year.
Annie Miller will serve as president, with Reneese Pope as president-elect. Other officers include BayLee Long, secretary and treasurer; Martha Law, director of program programming and strategic implementation; Morgan Cardwell, vice president of community engagement; Juanita Wade, vice president of fund development; Sara Garmon, vice president of marketing and public relations; Liz Sheeks, vice president of membership; Maggie Duckworth, vice president of nominating and placement; and Laura Nemser.
The board members bring diverse professional experience in case management, legal services, human resources, campaign sales and corporate event planning to their roles.
Rehberg named EPB president, CEO-elect
EPB has announced that President of Strategic Initiatives Janet Rehberg will serve as President and CEO-elect as part of a leadership transition following CEO David Wade’s planned retirement in fall 2026. Rehberg, who joined EPB after leadership roles at Tri-County Electric Cooperative and American Electric Power, will prepare to assume full leadership while Wade remains in his role during the transition. Ryan Keel will continue as President of Energy and Communications, overseeing EPB’s power and fiber services. Meanwhile, the utility will launch a search for a new president of strategic initiatives to guide long-term innovation efforts.
Chattanooga announces city staff reorganization
Chattanooga City Council has approved a re-organization that moves staff from community health, engagement, safety, and gun violence prevention under the Department of Community Development. The change also dissolves the Department of Equity and Community Engagement, shifting its remaining functions to the Office of Constituent Services.
The restructuring follows new state laws eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion departments and employment practices. City officials said the move allows Chattanooga to comply while maintaining services that support residents.
As part of the changes, Kelly Valcarce was named director of community engagement, bringing experience from her leadership of the Office of New Americans. Miles Huff was appointed director of the new Office of New Chattanoogans, where he will focus on strategies to welcome and integrate new residents.
Both leaders bring extensive community involvement and professional backgrounds aimed at strengthening local engagement and support services.