Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed veteran journalist and communications strategist Stephanie Cepak as the city of Chattanooga’s new press secretary.
Cepak, who has called Chattanooga home since 2020, brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications to the role. She joins the city’s communications team under the leadership of senior adviser Eric Holl.
Drawn by Chattanooga’s quality of life, Cepak relocated to Chattanooga during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she’s worked remotely for two creative agencies focused on strategic messaging for issue advocacy and political campaigns. She’s also worked as a freelance writer and consultant, supporting state and local ballot initiatives and a range of clients across sectors.
A Michigan native, Cepak previously led communications for the honors college at Michigan State University, where she spearheaded a research-based rebranding effort and contributed to a record-setting fundraising campaign.
Her journalism career began in Indiana, where she covered local government and business. She later transitioned to statehouse reporting in Michigan, where she earned accolades from Capitolbeat and was recognized by The Washington Post as one of the nation’s top state-level political reporters.
Cepak is active in the local community, lending her skills to organizations like the League of Women Voters and Forward Tennessee, and co-leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Her husband, Anthony, is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and the couple are raising two children who attend Hamilton County Schools.
“I want to thank the mayor for appointing me to serve as press secretary for the great city of Chattanooga,” says Cepak. “I love the power of stories and how they communicate our wants, needs and ambitions. I look forward to helping tell the next chapter of Chattanooga’s story as we implement Mayor Kelly’s One Chattanooga vision.”
Hamilton Co. names new principals for 2025-26
Hamilton County Schools has announced three principal appointments for the 2025-26 academic year. Cora Fisher, Karyn Cox and Jill Evans will take the helm at Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Soddy Daisy Middle and Westview Elementary, respectively.
Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson praised the new leaders, calling them “committed educators who lead with purpose and care.”
Fisher, currently assistant principal at East Side Elementary, is known for driving academic growth and implementing inclusive, data-informed instructional practices.
Cox, who transitions from Brown Middle, brings over 20 years of experience and a strong record in instructional leadership and community engagement.
Evans, principal of Rivermont Elementary since 2018, is recognized for her work in early literacy and educational equity.
Deputy Superintendent Sonia Stewart added, “These appointments reflect our continued investment in educators who put students at the center and lead with vision and integrity.”
HCS will launch searches for new principals at Brown Middle and Rivermont Elementary. Final selections are expected in May.
Miller & Martin adds experienced litigator
Miller & Martin has announced the addition of seasoned attorney Ashley West Thompson to its litigation team, further strengthening the firm’s presence in Tennessee. Thompson joins the Chattanooga office as Of Counsel, bringing more than 15 years of experience in federal government legal work to her new role.
Thompson will focus her practice on civil litigation and appellate advocacy, drawing on her extensive background in both trial and appellate courts. Her previous positions include serving as a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and clerking for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Known for her precise legal writing and strategic insight, Thompson has played a key role in numerous successful appeals in both federal and state courts.
“Ashley brings a tremendous depth of knowledge and a proven record in appellate practice that will significantly benefit our clients and enhance our litigation team,” said a spokesperson for the firm.
Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Carolina and her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. She is licensed to practice in both Tennessee and Georgia.
Penny elected shareholder at Baker Donelson
Baker Donelson has announced the election of 16 new shareholders across its offices, including Craig Penny from the firm’s Chattanooga location. Penny, a seasoned attorney, brings extensive experience in senior housing, long-term care, hospitality and commercial real estate.
Penny’s practice focuses primarily on the seniors housing and care sectors, advising clients on a broad spectrum of matters such as financing, acquisitions, dispositions, development and operational issues. He also provides counsel to lenders and investors on commercial and project-based financing, real estate transactions, strategic planning and due diligence.
Before joining Baker Donelson, Penny served as general counsel for a national developer and operator of senior living and long-term care facilities.
Carico appointed executive director of CRMA
The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) has named Kerry Beth Carico as its new executive director following her tenure in the interim role. The announcement was made April 30, marking a new chapter of leadership for the organization dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing sector across the region.
Carico brings a strong background in strategic engagement and stakeholder relations, honed over eight years at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. She will continue serving as the Chamber’s senior director of investor engagement, further aligning efforts between the two organizations to boost support for manufacturers.