Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has named as his chief of staff Joda Thongnopnua, a city employee who previously served as the city’s chief policy officer since April.
Before joining city government, Thongnopnua, 28, of Highland Park, served as the director of strategic initiatives and communications for the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, according to a Thursday news release.
“I think what’s really exciting about the city of Chattanooga is that it’s an incredible place to make change,” Thongnopnua said in a follow-up interview.
His salary will likely remain the same, he said, which amounts to about $150,000 annually.