CHI Memorial Medical Group has added two new physicians to its pulmonary care team. Drs. Osamuyi Idubor and Robert Marcum have joined CHI Memorial Lung Care Associates.
Idubor earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, Georgia. He completed his internal medicine residency at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and a pulmonary disease fellowship at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.
Marcum earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his internal medicine residency at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also completed a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. A fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, Marcum has more than 30 years of experience treating patients in the Chattanooga and Cleveland areas.
CHI Memorial Lung Care Associates has offices at 725 Glenwood Drive, Suite E-500, in Chattanooga and 4700 Battlefield Parkway, Suite 360, in Ringgold. Both physicians are accepting new patients. For appointments or more information, call 423 495-2635 or visit CHIMemorialMedicalGroup.org.
Montgomery named UTC chief of staff
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has appointed Cheryl Montgomery as chief of staff to Chancellor Lori Bruce.
In her new role, Montgomery will serve as a strategic adviser to the chancellor, supporting institutional priorities, managing key initiatives and fostering collaboration across the university and the Chattanooga community.
Montgomery joins UTC from Tennessee Technological University, where she’s worked since 2007, most recently as director of program development and engagement in the College of Business. At Tennessee Tech, she led initiatives to enhance institutional visibility, secure major philanthropic gifts and align capital projects with academic goals, including the $30 million state-funded renovation of Johnson Hall.
Her career includes leadership roles in government, corporate and nonprofit sectors. She previously served on U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s staff at the Department of Justice, worked for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper and U.S. Sen. Al Gore, and spent six years with Sprint Corporation as client relationship and economic development manager.
A native of Gainesboro, Tennessee, Montgomery earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Rhodes College.
Hixson doctor earns AAFP Fellowship
Dr. Anna Worth, a family physician in Hixson, has been awarded the Degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the national medical association representing nearly 128,300 family physicians, residents and medical students.
Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow honors physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and a commitment to continued professional development. This year’s class brings the total number of AAFP Fellows to more than 25,895 nationwide.
Recipients must have at least six years of membership in the AAFP, extensive continuing medical education and active participation in public service, research or teaching in family medicine. Those earning the honor may use the designation “Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.”
The AAFP was the first national medical specialty organization to require members to complete a minimum of 150 hours of accredited continuing medical education every three years. It remains the only national medical society devoted exclusively to primary care.
East Ridge taps Viland to manage events center
City officials have announced that Tara Viland has been selected as venue manager for the city’s new event center, Venue 1921 at East Ridge. The 12,000-square-foot multipurpose facility is scheduled to open in early 2026, following completion of construction by the end of 2025.
Viland, who was raised in East Ridge and spent two decades contributing to downtown Chattanooga’s growth, recently returned to make East Ridge her family’s home. She brings more than a decade of experience in event operations, community programming and hospitality, with expertise in logistics, vendor management, live entertainment and guest experience.
Venue 1921, behind East Ridge City Hall at 1501 Tombras Avenue, will include a 7,000-square-foot indoor event hall capable of seating 500 guests and a flexible outdoor entertainment space. For more information, contact Tara Viland at tviland@eastridgetn.gov or follow @Venue1921 on Facebook and Instagram.
New Hyatt hotel selects GM, director of sales
Peter Rodriguez has been named general manager and Jeff Hollis director of sales for Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown, the city’s first Hyatt-branded hotel, set to open in early 2026.
Rodriguez brings more than 30 years of hotel management experience and a background in operations and team development. As general manager, he’ll oversee all aspects of hotel operations.
Hollis, who has more than 15 years of hospitality experience, previously served as general manager for multiple hotel brands and led sales and marketing efforts for flagship properties. As director of sales, he will focus on building partnerships with local businesses.
The 123-room Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown will open at 105 W. Main St. The city’s first Hyatt-branded property, it will feature a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, a restaurant and bar, flexible meeting areas and social spaces.
The hotel is owned and developed by 3H Group Hotels, headquartered in Chattanooga, and will be managed by LBA Hospitality.
Two new deputies join Hamilton Sheriff’s Office
Two new Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies graduated Oct. 31 from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy, marking a key step in their law enforcement careers.
Sheriff Austin Garrett and members of the HCSO executive staff attended the ceremony to recognize Deputies Savannah Rossetter and Jeremiah Nelson, both of whom began their service in Corrections before entering the academy.
The 12-week, 500-hour program included instruction in criminal law, patrol tactics, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, firearms training and physical fitness standards established by the Cooper Institute. Recruits trained alongside officers from agencies across Tennessee.
Rossetter and Nelson will now begin a 12–14 week Field Training and Evaluation Program, working under the supervision of senior field training deputies and specialized units to gain practical experience in patrol operations.
Sheriff Garrett congratulated the new deputies on their dedication and commitment to serving the citizens of Hamilton County.