Mayor-elect Kincannon Announce Senior Leadership Team
Mayor-elect Kincannon Announces Senior Leadership Appointments
KNOXVILLE, TN (December 9, 2019) – Mayor-elect Indya Kincannon has announced additional members of her cabinet.
“Strong leadership and effective management are core to any organization,” said Mayor-elect Kincannon. “My leadership team is aligned around the issues that matter to the people of our City: high quality and efficient government services; policy leadership to address tough issues collaboratively and transparently; and inclusive economic development that expands opportunities for all Knoxvillians.”
Mayor Kincannon’s senior leadership team will be structured around three Deputies:
Chief Operating Officer David Brace, will continue in the role he has held since 2017. Brace will oversee numerous City departments, including Public Service, Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Plans Review and Inspections, Fleet Services, Information Systems, Finance, Employee Benefits and other operating departments. With over 16 years of experience at the City, Brace is committed to continuously improving the responsiveness, efficiency and quality of services for Knoxville residents and businesses.
Chief Economic & Community Development Stephanie Welch, will resign from her City Council position prior to stepping into her new role with the administration in mid-February. Welch will lead the City’s efforts to invest in Knoxville’s workforce and infrastructure in ways that catalyze private sector investment across the City while maintaining a focus on housing affordability, community wealth building, and inclusive economic development.
Chief Policy Officer – Erin Gill, the Director of Sustainability under Mayor Madeline Rogero, will serve as and oversee Communications, Sustainability, and the Center for Service Innovation (a.k.a. 311 and 211), as well as State/Federal legislative affairs and other projects. Gill will work across departments and sectors to implement strategic initiatives, policies, and accountability mechanisms necessary to advance Mayor Kincannon’s priorities and values on sustainability, equity, innovation, and inclusive economic development. Gill will also oversee a new division under Policy led by Charles Lomax.
- Community Empowerment – Charles Lomax, will lead a new division under Policy. Lomax will build upon the work of retiring Senior Director of Community Relations Avice Evans Reid. Lomax will deepen the City’s focus on advancing inclusivity, diversity, and equity, and champion Mayor Kincannon’s commitment to actively engaging residents and neighborhoods to promote collaborative decision-making and problem-solving.
The three Deputies will be joined on the Mayor’s Cabinet by:
- Police Chief Eve Thomas
- Fire Chief Stan Sharp
- Law Director Charles Swanson
Deputy Director of Communications – Eric Vreeland will serve as Acting Communications Director during the transition and continue in the new administration.
Special Advisor – Dr. Bill Lyons, currently serves as Deputy to Mayor Rogero and Chief Policy Officer, will stay on through Mayor Kincannon’s transition. Current Finance Director Jim York, Director of Information Systems Janet Wright, and Senior Director of Community Relations Avice Evans Reid will be retiring at the end of the year.
Mayor-elect Kincannon is accepting applications for several positions: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Director of Transit.
“As I build my team, I am excited at the opportunity to draw top applicants to fill these open positions and serve Knoxville,” said Kincannon. “I’ll be looking for candidates with the skills and experience needed to step seamlessly into these roles, while also bringing a fresh perspective to ensure we are fully meeting the needs of our residents and of a modern city.”
