David Eichenthal

David Eichenthal, who has led the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies for six years, is leaving the research organization and will set up the local office of a national financial and investment advisory firm.

Eichenthal's resignation is effective on Aug. 26, according to a news release from the Ochs Center.

Ellen Hays, chairwoman of the Ochs Center, said that former board chairmen Rae Bond, Tom Griscom and Grant Law Jr. will lead a search committee for a new president and chief executive.

"With the support of a great board and staff, David has created a strong foundation for the Ochs Center to build upon," Hays said. "The Ochs Center has become the source for independent research and analysis in our community."

Under Eichenthal, the Ochs Center has produced three editions of the data-rich State of Chattanooga Region Report and provided research and analytical support to more than two dozen different local foundations, nonprofit agencies and local government agencies, the news release stated.

Eichenthal joined the Ochs Center, then called the Community Research Council, in January 2005 after serving as finance officer and director of performance review under former Mayor Bob Corker.

Eichenthal will join Public Financial Management Inc., one of the nation's leading providers of independent financial and investment advisory services to state and local governments as well as not-for-profit institutions, according to the news release.

At PFM, Eichenthal will direct work with state and local governments to increase efficiency and improve the effectiveness of criminal justice and public safety agencies. He will also lead national efforts to increase the use of 311 systems as a means of improving local government performance, the news release stated.

PFM currently has 34 office locations across the country.

Eichenthal will open a new PFM office in Chattanooga.

Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.