Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke fills public works, city court clerk spots

Thursday, May 2, 2013

photo Mayor Andy Berke

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke has named administrators for the city's Public Works department and the City Court clerk's office, according to a news release.

Lee Norris will move up from deputy administrator to the top slot at public works, and Ron Swafford will serve as the City Court clerk, spokeswoman Lacie Stone said.

"Today I am pleased to announce two individuals with the experience and leadership skills needed to help implement my vision for Chattanooga and city government," Berke said in the release.

"Lee has done an excellent job leading Public Works during this transition, and Ron has decades of experience as well as an outstanding reputation in our court system. I am confident both will work hard to ensure that city functions and services are delivered in the most effective and efficient manner for our community."

Norris replaces Steve Leach, who was among the 18 administrators not held over from Ron Littlefield's administration. Norris has worked for the city for more than a decade and had been deputy administrator under Leach since 2005.

Swafford served in the Hamilton County Juvenile Court for close to 30 years, including as Juvenile Court clerk from 1998 to 2010, according to the release.

Before leaving office, Littlefield tried to place one of his aides, Anita Ebersole, in the clerk's slot, but opposition from the city judges and others made the plan fall through.