Two staffers in Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's administration will be returning to the private sector as Berke enters his second term.
Justin Wilkins, currently the deputy chief of staff, will be leaving within the next 30 days, and Lacie Newton, senior advisor to the mayor, is completing her last day with the city today, according to a news release from communications coordinator Marissa Bell.
Wilkins has been with the Berke Administration since 2014, while Newton has worked in city government since the mayor's transition in 2013.
Both Wilkins and Newton have contributed to key projects during their tenure in city government, including Berke's challenge to end homelessness among the city's veterans, the July 16, 2015, attack response and the establishment of the Family Justice Center.
Each is returning to a career in the private sector. Newton will reopen the private consulting business she operated prior to her tenure in the administration; Wilkins will be launching a new statewide advocacy and civic engagement initiative in Tennessee.
"Justin and Lacie have been both incredible public servants. They are two of the most hard working and dedicated professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. Everyone in our office wishes them the best as they further their careers in the private sector," said Stacy Richardson, Berke's chief of staff and both staffers' supervisor.
In addition, the Berke Administration is in the final stages of hiring for several appointments, including a deputy of economic development as well as chief of police.