The Chattanooga Bar Association recognized community leader Bill Norton with its 2026 Liberty Bell Award during the organization’s annual Law Day Celebration on Wednesday at St. John’s Restaurant.
This year’s Law Day theme was “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
The Liberty Bell Award honors a non-lawyer who promotes a deeper understanding of the Constitution, encourages respect for the rule of law and fosters community leadership and responsibility.
Norton was recognized for his service as immediate past chairman of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, parade chairman of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Armed Forces Day Parade, and for his leadership roles with Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion.
Linda Moss Mines, recipient of the 1999 Liberty Bell Award, presented the honor to Norton during the luncheon event.
Robertson earns regional superintendent honor
Justin Robertson has been named Southeast Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.
The award recognizes Robertson’s leadership in improving student outcomes, expanding opportunities for students, supporting educators and strengthening community engagement across Hamilton County Schools.
Under Robertson’s leadership, Hamilton County Schools achieved the highest graduation rate in district history and earned the state’s Advancing District designation during the 2024-25 school year. The district also launched LiteracyFirst and LiteracyNow initiatives aimed at improving early literacy instruction and reading achievement.
District leaders also cited Robertson’s emphasis on school safety, career-connected learning opportunities, staffing and long-term facilities planning.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said Robertson’s leadership has helped strengthen the county through investments in education and career pathways for students.
Tallent joins First Horizon for client management
First Horizon Bank has named Jake Tallent vice president and private client relationship manager.
In the role, Tallent will advise high net-worth clients on wealth management strategies and financial planning.
Tallent returns to First Horizon after more than 20 years in the financial services industry. Most recently, he served as a financial advisor with Regions Investment Solutions. He also previously worked as a senior financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Tallent began his career with the former First Tennessee, where he joined the company as a registered representative in its bank brokerage program.