Girls Preparatory School has named Mary Allison Raper its new chief development officer following a national search. Raper will join the Chattanooga school Jan. 4, 2027, and serve on its senior leadership team.
Raper is director of advancement at St. David’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she more than tripled annual philanthropic support and the school’s major gift pipeline through donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
At GPS, Raper will oversee development efforts, cultivate major gifts, advise school leadership and the board on fundraising strategy, and strengthen philanthropic relationships throughout the school community.
“From our very first conversation, Mary Allison demonstrated a deep understanding of independent schools, a strategic approach to philanthropy, and a genuine appreciation for the relationships that sustain a thriving school community,” says GPS Head of School Megan Cover.
Raper holds a degree in English from the University of Kentucky and has held fundraising positions at educational institutions and nonprofit organizations throughout the South.
“I fell in love with all-girls education early in my career, and GPS reminded me why,” Raper says. “I’m honored to join Megan Cover and the GPS community.”
Founded in 1906, GPS is an independent day school serving approximately 500 girls in grades six through 12.
Ruby Falls CEO receives state tourism award
Hugh Morrow, president and CEO of Ruby Falls and chairman of the Tennessee Tourism Committee, received the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s 2026 Spirit of Tourism Award during the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism in Gatlinburg.
Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell presented the award, recognizing Morrow’s leadership, advocacy and contributions to the state’s tourism industry.
Morrow has led Ruby Falls since 2007, overseeing the Chattanooga attraction’s growth while promoting conservation, sustainability and tourism opportunities.
As chairman of the Tennessee Tourism Committee, he works with industry leaders and state officials to help support the growth of the tourism industry.
Viscomi joins Ringgold general surgery practice
Chattanooga native Brian Viscomi has joined CommonSpirit Medical Group’s General Surgery – Ringgold clinic as a general surgeon.
Viscomi earned his medical degree from East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City and completed his general surgery residency at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Louisiana.
He specializes in surgical evaluation and treatment using minimally invasive and open surgical techniques to address a range of conditions.
Viscomi is accepting new patients. CommonSpirit Medical Group – General Surgery – Ringgold is located at 4700 Battlefield Parkway. To schedule an appointment, call 706 841-4214.
Kelly appoints Haubner communications adviser
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Andrew Haubner as senior adviser of communications, placing the former broadcast journalist in charge of the city’s communications program.
Haubner, who moved to Chattanooga in January, brings 10 years of broadcast journalism experience to the position. He will oversee communications efforts related to Kelly’s One Chattanooga Plan.
His career began in Casper, Wyoming, before taking him to Eugene, Oregon, where he led the sports department for local ABC stations. He later worked as a reporter for CBS stations in Sacramento, California, and Denver, Colorado, covering politics, climate issues and public policy. His reporting also appeared on CBS Evening News.
Haubner, whose wife is a Tennessee native, said his family has long-standing connections to the Chattanooga area.
Rhoad joins Ooltewah family medicine practice
William Rhoad has joined CommonSpirit Medical Group – Family Medicine – Ooltewah, where he is accepting new patients.
Rhoad earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his family medicine residency at Lonesome Pine Hospital in Virginia. He also holds a master’s degree in biology from The Citadel, where he graduated with distinction.
Outside of medicine, Rhoad plays bagpipes with the Charleston Pipe Band and enjoys singing, hunting, fishing, CrossFit, cooking and reading.
CommonSpirit Medical Group – Family Medicine – Ooltewah is located at 6401 Mountain View Road. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 423 495-5951.
St. Charles inducted into Mentor Hall of Fame
Chattanooga attorney Mike St. Charles, senior counsel at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, has been inducted into the tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame for his volunteer work helping students pursue higher education through the Tennessee Promise scholarship program.
A Chattanooga native with more than 40 years of legal experience, St. Charles previously served as president and managing shareholder of Chambliss. He has also held numerous community leadership positions, including chairman of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and board chairman of United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
The tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping students navigate the path to college and career opportunities.
Since 2008, tnAchieves has recruited more than 105,000 volunteer mentors statewide. The organization is seeking approximately 2,000 additional mentors for the Class of 2027, including 190 in Hamilton County.
Volunteers commit about one hour per month, and no prior experience is required. The registration deadline is Nov. 20. For more information, visit tnAchieves.org/mentors.