Saluting Chattanooga’s MVPs
Chattanooga’s downtown skyline took on a new look in 2017 with the tallest new building erected in decades added in the central city and several signature structures taking on new owners and uses.But far more than just the built environment was altered during the past year as a growing and shifting economy and workforce continued to change the way business is done in Chattanooga.The individuals who helped lead such changes and did the most to reshape the regional economy are our Most Valuable Players in business in 2017. The top 10 list includes those leading everything from volunteer programs to Chattanooga’s biggest business and reflects the diversity of our changing economy.
Politicians often run for office on a jobs platform, but few people in public life can actually bend a local workforce toward higher-paying jobs like a successful community college president.
Rebecca Ashford, a 44-year-old Florida native who was formerly vice president of student affairs at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, took the helm as president of Chattanooga State Community College this summer.
Ashford was among 63 candidates to apply for the position, which opened when past-president Flora Tydings was promoted to chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents in late 2016.
Already, a batch of recent headlines signals that Chattanooga State is on the move.