Terry Knowles has been named the next chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Knowles, who has served as CFD’s assistant chief of special operations since 2022, joined the department as a firefighter in 2005. Over the years, he’s risen through the ranks as lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and Urban Search & Rescue instructor.
“The Chattanooga Fire Department is one of the very best in America,” Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says. “We had a very competitive pool of internal applicants for this post and appreciate the knowledge and skill set Terry Knowles brings to this role. I know he’ll pick up where Phil Hyman left off.”
Hyman announced earlier this year that he’d retire in July.
A Chattanooga native, Knowles is a member of the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 and a former president of the Chattanooga Fire and Police Pension Fund. Before joining CFD, he served in the U.S. Navy and worked for the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department. He studied at Dalton State College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“It’s an honor to serve as the 21st fire chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department,” Knowles says. “The courageous men and women of this department inspire me each day – and I’m proud to lead the CFD as we continue serving the people of Chattanooga.”
Knowles’ appointment will go before the City Council for confirmation.
Hamilton Co. Schools announce new leadership
Hamilton County Schools has announced a series of leadership appointments for the 2025–26 school year, including a new principal for Hixson High School and several key central office roles.
Daniel Lunt will join Hixson High as principal, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public education. Lunt most recently served as principal at Rocky Mountain High School in Idaho, where he helped improve graduation rates and strengthen professional learning systems. He previously led two high schools in California and has district-level experience as an assistant superintendent.
At the district level, Hamilton County Schools announced several central office appointments:
Jasmine Fernandez, Ed.L.D., chief of student supports: Fernandez has worked in New York, Virginia and nationally, focusing on school climate and culture and supporting children affected by parental incarceration. She recently earned a doctorate from Harvard.
Michelle Eargle, executive director of exceptional education: Eargle has held leadership roles in Hamilton and Bradley counties, with expertise in compliance, program analysis and instructional coordination.
Adison Lambert, director of communications: Lambert, who led the district’s recent brand refresh, has been promoted from her role as communications manager.
Jennifer Newberg, director of exceptional education, access and transition: Newberg has more than 20 years of experience in special education and transition planning for students with diverse needs.
Becca Smith, director of data and research: A former math teacher and data coordinator, Smith has worked on integrated data systems that inform classroom and district strategies.
Caitlyne Steward, Ed.D., director of community impact and partnership: Steward has led the district’s community schools work and statewide efforts to connect students and families with wraparound services and learning opportunities.
UTC soccer adds former Tide player as assistant
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s soccer head coach Gavin McKinney has announced the hiring of Chattanoogan Josie Rix as an assistant coach for the 2025 season.
Rix joins the Mocs after three seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Florida, where the Gators opened the 2023 season with a six-game unbeaten streak.
Before Florida, Rix spent four seasons at Samford as associate head coach, helping the Bulldogs win four Southern Conference (SoCon) championships and two SoCon Tournament titles, advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and 2021. Samford’s 2021 squad went unbeaten in conference play and finished the season ranked No. 29 in the NCAA Rating Percentage Index.
Rix’s coaching career also includes stints at Auburn, Wofford and Lee University, where she helped Lee win the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association National Championship in 2014.
As a player, Rix started 40 matches for the University of Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide reach the NCAA Tournament in 2011. A standout midfielder, she earned SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll and SEC Community Service honors.
Rix replaces longtime UTC assistant Martyn Blankley, who helped guide the Mocs to 70 wins, a 2022 SoCon regular season title, and numerous individual player honors during his decade with the program.
The Mocs open their 2025 season at home against Winthrop Aug. 14, with preseason friendlies against Georgia State (Aug. 3) and Tennessee (Aug. 6). All UTC home games are free and open to the public.
UTC’s Mullins earns President’s Award
Nancy Mullins, assistant director of events in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Division of Advancement, has been named a recipient of the 2025 University of Tennessee Foundation (UTFI) President’s Award.
The prestigious annual award honors advancement professionals across the UT System who demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity and leadership in support of fundraising and alumni engagement.
Mullins was recognized for her outstanding work in planning and executing events that reflect UTC’s high standards and welcoming atmosphere.
“Nancy is one of the unsung heroes of our advancement office,” says Kim White, UTC vice chancellor for advancement. “She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure we’re providing excellent experiences for our alumni and donors.”
The UTFI President’s Award is among the highest honors in the UT advancement community. Recipients are nominated by peers and selected by a committee of past winners for their innovation, impact and commitment to the university’s mission.
Erlanger Women’s Health welcomes OB/GYN Todd
Erlanger Women’s Health has announced the addition of Dr. Nivin C.S. Todd to its team of providers.
Todd brings extensive experience in obstetrics and gynecology, with specialties including routine and complex gynecologic care, adolescent gynecology, family planning, STD screening and treatment, hormone replacement therapy, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopy, urinary incontinence treatment and da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery.
She earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in 1997 and completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Erlanger in 2001. Her educational background also includes a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Emory University, a Bachelor of Science in biology from Southwest Missouri State University, and a Master of Public Health from Emory.
Todd is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Tennessee Medical Association and Hamilton County Medical Society.
She will practice at Erlanger Women’s Health, located at Erlanger East Hospital, Physician Offices A, Suite 205.
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Detective honored for theft arrest
Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett presented a Sheriff’s Commendation Thursday, July 17, to Criminal Warrants Detective Marty Dunn for his investigative work that led to the arrest of a theft suspect and recovery of stolen property.
On May 28, while patrolling near the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant on Hickory Valley Road, Dunn noticed an open gate at the site, which has been plagued by theft, vandalism and arson since 2024. Acting on instinct, he entered the property and spotted fresh tire tracks and heard a running engine.
Dunn soon located a Nissan pickup truck hauling a trailer filled with high-voltage wiring that had been removed from utility poles stored on the premises. He conducted a traffic stop and detained the driver, later identified as Dean Allen Martinez.
According to investigators, Martinez had cut chains and locks to access the property despite posted “No Trespassing” signs and admitted he intended to take materials for scrap.
Authorities credited Dunn’s vigilance and quick action with preventing further loss. Garrett presented him with a Certificate of Commendation and the Sheriff’s Challenge Coin in recognition of his professionalism and dedication to public safety.