U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, Terry Epps and Kelly Brexler received the inaugural Leadership Chattanooga annual awards during a celebration of the organization's 25th anniversary Saturday night.
Leadership Chattanooga is a leadership development program sponsored by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Corker was recognized with the first Lifetime Achievement Award for his personal and professional contributions to the improvement of the Chattanooga area, according to a news release.
Corker left a construction and real estate holdings business to serve as Chattanooga mayor. During his tenure Corker transformed the Chattanooga waterfront, attracting $2.1 million of investment to continue downtown revitalization.
Corker, who was a member of the first Leadership Chattanooga class in 1985, was unable to attend the celebration Saturday at Loose Cannon Studios. He will accept the award at the Chamber's annual meeting this week at the Convention Center. Corker will be the featured speaker for the event.
Finalists for the award were Lynda Hood, executive director of the Chattanooga Bar Association, and Chattanooga City Councilwoman Sally Robinson.
Epps, chef and director of the Salvation Army School of Culinary Arts, received the first Unsung Hero Award. The 2003 Leadership Chattanooga graduate was recognized for working quietly behind the scenes for the good of the community and for the leadership he demonstrates through dedication and service to his fellow citizens.
With a degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta, Epps accepted the challenge of serving as director of the Salvation Army food services program instead of taking a for-profit position. In June Epps presided at a ceremony for the first three School of Culinary Arts graduates, all of whom now have their own apartment and a job.
Finalists for the Unsung Hero Award were Lori Hairrell, executive director of RE:START - The Center for Adult Education; and Julie Baumgartner, president and executive director of First Things First.
The first Emerging Leader Award was presented to Brexler, former finance director for the Robin Smith for Congress campaign and former constituent services representative for Sen. Lamar Alexander.
Brexler's community service includes founding Gluten Free Chattanooga and volunteering for the American Heart Association, Executive Women's International, March of Dimes, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the American Lung Association, the news release stated.
She was a Leadership Chattanooga class of 2009 graduate.
Finalists for the award were Ken Smith, president and managing partner of episode49, and Rick Wood, director of the Trust for Public Land, Chattanooga office, the news release stated.