Deb Socia, president and CEO of The Enterprise Center, plans to retire this year. The nonprofit’s board of directors is searching for its next leader.
Socia, a national leader in digital equity and broadband adoption, brought her expertise to Chattanooga in 2019. With Socia at the helm, The Enterprise Center assisted in the implementation of HCS EdConnect, created by Hamilton County Schools and EPB, to bring internet access to more than 17,000 Hamilton County Schools students and their families. She also led the development of new programming like EMPACT, a Google-IT certification program launched in partnership with Chattanooga State.
Under Socia’s leadership, The Enterprise Center’s Tech Goes Home Tennessee program, which supports teachers, parents and older adults, has graduated more than 11,000 participants.
When COVID struck early in her tenure, Socia deployed The Enterprise Center’s resources to assist local businesses and workers. Through virtual meetings and a resilience website, the center identified resources and opportunities that helped the community weather the pandemic.
Socia founded the Boston nonprofit that pioneered the digital educational program promoted by Tech Goes Home and served as the previous executive director of Next Century Cities, a national nonprofit that supports community broadband adoption.
“As I step back, I’ve never been more certain that the infrastructure is in place to continue this work and help residents across all our communities experience more equitable access to resources,” Socia says.
Erlanger honors Cempa’s Sizemore
The Erlanger Foundation named Cempa Community Care’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jay Sizemore, as one of its 2024 Erlanger Distinguished Physicians at the organization’s annual Dinner of Distinction, held March 1 at The Westin Hotel Ballroom.
According to the Erlanger Foundation, honorees are recognized “for their enduring commitment to improving the health of the community, as well as demonstrating unquestionable character and human compassion.”
In addition to serving as medical director in infection prevention at Erlanger Hospital, Sizemore has served as chief medical officer at Cempa for more than 18 years. During his tenure, the organization has continued to expand and adapt medical and support services to meet the evolving needs of marginalized communities throughout Chattanooga and surrounding areas
“Dr. Sizemore demonstrates an outstanding commitment to excellence and ensures that Cempa continues to deliver quality care in a welcoming, community-focused environment,” says Cempa CEO Shannon Burger. “He’s been a driving force behind the exponential growth our organization continues to experience.”
Stout promoted by Tennessee American Water
Tennessee American Water has named Grady Stout as its vice president of operations. Stout succeeds Doug Wagner, who’s now serving as American Water’s vice president of health and safety. In this operations role, Stout will lead the safety, water quality, field operations, production and maintenance teams in Chattanooga and the Sequatchie Valley.
Stout has been with American Water for 11 years. He most recently served as director of engineering and previously served as interim vice president of operations. He led the company’s COVID-19 emergency response to assure the continuity of services to customers.
Stout is licensed as a professional engineer and chairs the Water Utility Committee for the Kentucky and Tennessee section of the American Water Works Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at Tennessee Technological University. Stout and his family reside in Hamilton County.