Two city employees leave Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s administrative team
Two city employees are leaving Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s administration serving less than a year in their roles.
Tamara Steward, the city’s first chief equity officer, has chosen to pursue opportunities in the private sector, while Mike Compton, a senior adviser, is stepping down for health reasons, according to a news release.
Steward, who was appointed in February 2022, helped establish Chattanooga’s first Department of Equity & Community Engagement. She advised Kelly and his senior staff on diversity, equity and inclusion issues and improvements. She also led Chattanooga’s multi-agency management of the migrant bus crisis last summer. The city plans to fill Steward’s position.
“The year that I have worked for the city has had a profound impact on me,” Steward said in the release. “I look forward to continuing the work of justice and equity, engaging with leaders to make systemic changes, and advocating for the inclusion of those who have traditionally not had enough of a voice in our community.”
Compton joined the city in September 2022 after previously serving as chief of staff to Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger from 2011 to 2022. He was also chief of staff under Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker from 2001 to 2005. In his role during the current administration, he advised Kelly on a wide range of issues.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Mayor Kelly to create One Chattanooga, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of the city I love,” Compton said in the release. “Chattanooga has enormous potential, and I’ll continue cheering Chattanooga on as our community continues to thrive.”