Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed city native Tamara Steward as Chattanooga's first chief equity officer, according to a Friday news release.
Pending approval by the city council, Steward will oversee the Department of Equity and Community Engagement and the Office of New Americans and will work to "stimulate inclusion and diversity in city government, engage philanthropic partners, drive supplier diversity programs and work to close communication gaps within our community."
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"I am deeply honored and excited to join the city and Mayor Kelly in service to our community, its residents and visitors as we work together to realize his vision for One Chattanooga," Steward said in the release. "Through building bridges, removing barriers and enabling access, I will work to ensure that Chattanooga is a place where all residents and neighborhoods can thrive and have their voices heard."
A graduate of Girls Preparatory School, Steward has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a master's in business administration from Bryan College. She has previously held various roles in local organizations, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, and has served as community outreach manager for Hamilton Health Care System, on the board of directors for the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority and as president of the board of directors of A Step Ahead Chattanooga.
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"Today, the data tells us that Chattanooga is one of the worst places in the nation to grow up poor," Kelly said in the release. "And while we can't and won't attempt to guarantee equal outcomes, what we can do is ensure that every Chattanoogan has access to opportunity. And Tamara has the experience and leadership ability to unlock our community's true potential."
- Compiled by Tierra Hayes