Hodgen Mainda, who joined EPB in January as head of government relations, was promoted today to a new position at the city utility as vice president of community development.
EPB directors today confirmed the appointment of Mainda, who will now work in his new role on environmental stewardship, public and private partnerships, education and entrepreneurship in addition to his role in government relations.
"This will give us a person who will look from a broader perspective on developing a cohesive strategy for community statements and involvement - everything from environmental sustainability and energy efficiency to promoting entrepreneurship and public and private partnerships ," EPB President David Wade said. "I think this will give us beneficial results for many years to come. Our goal is to magnify the positive impact of EPB's engagement by doing a better ob of connecting the dots among our partnerships and initiatives."
A native of Nairobi, Kenya, Mainda moved to Tennessee in 1997 to play rugby at Middle Tennessee State University. He has worked in government relations and business development jobs in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga for a law firm, a physicians practice and, most recently, for Noon Development and River Branch Strategies in Chattanooga.
"I feel very fortunate to work for EPB where my professional mission of local community development is completely aligned with my personal mission of working for the greater good of the people of my adopted hometown," Mainda said in a statement today. "EPB is already very involved in this community, and I look forward to doing my part to further enhance those efforts."