Stephen Adams named Chambliss intellectual property chair and more Chattanooga-area career moves

Stephen Adams named Chambliss intellectual property chair

The Chattanooga law firm of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C. announces that shareholder Stephen Adams is the new section chair for the firm’s intellectual property service group, which counsels clients on matters related to patents, trademarks and copyright preparation and prosecution as well as intellectual property maintenance, defense and enforcement.

Adams’ diverse clientele ranges from entrepreneurs, inventors and startups to small and large corporations, governmental entities and universities. Adams frequently speaks and writes on matters related to intellectual property law and provides virtual and in-person training sessions for company stakeholders. Additionally, as a long-time member of Chambliss Startup Group, he works with early innovators on a variety of matters related to protecting their business as it grows and matures, including filing for trademark and patent protection, implementing trade secret safeguards, drafting and reviewing contracts with vendors and employees and other initial business concerns.

“I am pleased to take on the position as the firm’s intellectual property chair and for the opportunities it will bring. I am looking forward to evolving our IP practice to help our clients meet tomorrow’s legal and business needs and also to continuing the tradition of providing the outstanding and timely client service that we are known for,” Adams said in a release announcing his new role. “I am focused on growing this practice while also remaining a trusted partner to our clients in helping them understand and protect the importance and value of their businesses.”

Susan Harris named COO for Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Susan Harris, formerly president of See Rock City Inc., will become the chief operating officer of the Chattanooga Tourism Co. on April 18.

Harris has served on the executive committee for the Chattanooga Tourism Co., which is the official destination marketing organization for Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Before accepting the position as COO, she stepped down as a member of the board and executive committee.

In her new role, Harris will oversee strategic opportunities, advance organizational effectiveness and strengthen partnerships with tourism-related businesses in the area. She will be a member of the leadership team, responsible for working with all departments and team members, with direct impact in all aspects of the organization.

“Susan’s 30 years of experience, knowledge and passion for the travel and tourism industry make her uniquely qualified for this role. We are thrilled to have her join our team as COO,” Chattanooga Tourism Co. CEO Barry White said in a statement announcing Harris joining the company. “It is an exciting time in travel and tourism, and we look forward to working with Susan as we continue to build upon the successes of our community.”

PGA pro Mark Robinson named McLemore golf pro

PGA professional golfer Mark Robinson has joined McLemore’s growing team as a golf professional.

The Portland, Maine, native developed a love of golf in his early 20s and worked at golf clubs along the Maine coast, including Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. While at Wentworth, Robinson completed the PGA Apprentice Program.

In 2011, Robinson joined the Atlanta Athletic Club’s golf staff where he rose to head golf professional. In 2019, Robinson played The Course at McLemore and became enamored with the Rees Jones and Bill Bergin Highlands Course built atop Lookout Mountain.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to meet Charlie Rymer and the team at McLemore Club,” Robinson said in a statement announcing his new job. “Charlie and I have a shared excitement for the vision and trajectory of McLemore. I am honored by the invitation to join the team and contribute to the growth of such an amazing community.”

Rymer, another PGA pro who is executive vice president at McLemore, said “it’s an honor to have a PGA professional with Mark’s talent, passion, expertise and experience” join the staff at McLemore.

“He has the resume to work at any facility in our industry and we are thrilled he chose McLemore,” Rymer said. “He’s a great addition to our already outstanding team being led by head golf professional Doug Amor.”

Beverly Bell opens local office for TSW Architect studios

Planner and landscape designer Beverly Bell has re-joined Atlanta-based TSW and established the firm’s first Chattanooga office.

In her new role, Bell will broaden the architecture, planning and landscape architecture firm’s presence in Tennessee, north Georgia and western North Carolina, building on established client relationships in the region and pursuing new business opportunities. She will work primarily in TSW’s planning and landscape architecture studios.

“Beverly was a valued member of our team, and we were sorry to lose her when she moved from Atlanta to Chattanooga,” said Adam Williamson, TSW senior principal. “As an urban designer working for a Tennessee non-profit, Beverly worked on a number of significant projects, including Chattanooga’s award-winning urban initiative, The Porch. She’s also serving as vice chair of Chattanooga’s form-based code committee. We are delighted to welcome her back to TSW and offer our clients the benefit of her experience in urban design, long-range planning, design code development and site design. Her contacts and experience in Tennessee and neighboring states will be extremely valuable to us as we grow our business in the region.”

TSW Chattanooga is the second TSW satellite office established in the past year, along with the firm’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, branch.

Laura Smith wins STEP Ahead honor from Manufacturing Institute

Laura Smith, the director of sales, inventory and operations planning at Shaw Industries, will receive the STEP Ahead Award in April. from the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. The annual award recognizes exceptional women in manufacturing.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from an organization that is closing the gender gap in manufacturing and helping prepare the next generation of female leaders,” Smith said in a statement. “As a mother of daughters, its especially meaningful to be recognized along with this prestigious group of women.”

Smith led a holistic outsourced supply chain re-engineering project to connect and improve the outsourced supply chain for Shaws hard surface business. Through her leadership of more than 10 workstreams related to the project, Smith added significant savings to Shaws bottom line and ensured solid service on Shaws hard surface products.

“Laura has dedicated her entire career to learning every aspect of Shaw and the flooring industry, while empowering her peers to do the same,” Scot Davis, vice president of corporate planning and inventory management, said in a statement “She lives Shaws mission to create a better future for our associates, customers and communities and shares these skills so that others can do the same.”

– Compiled by Brandi Dixon

Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.