Many of Chattanooga’s biggest employers got new bosses in 2017.
In the past year, new CEOs were named to head Hamilton County’s public schools, Chattanooga’s biggest community college, the region’s largest manufacturer, one of the country’s biggest trucking companies, Chattanooga’s daily newspaper and three major local business associations. Although a few were promoted from within their organizations, most were new to their businesses and to Chattanooga and provide a fresh, but experienced perspective to their organizations.
A new school superintendent for Hamilton County
Bryan Johnson, formerly the chief academic officer for Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, was tapped as the new superintendent for Hamilton County public schools. He replaced interim superintendent Kirk Kelly last summer and succeeded former Superintendent Rick Smith, who retired in 2016 after more than 30 years with the school system. Johnson is the fourth superintendent to lead Hamilton County Schools since its merger with the former Chattanooga school system a decade ago.
Another president at Chattanooga State