La Paz Chattanooga has expanded its team with the addition of two new staff members.
Brenda Zaragoza joins La Paz as education and outreach coordinator. A first-generation Mexican American, Brenda was born in Illinois and raised in Chattanooga. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she focused her academic work on issues of social equity and justice. Zaragoza brings a strong background in bilingual support, community outreach and culturally responsive programming to her role.
La Paz has named Melissa Pérez associate case manager. Originally from San José, Costa Rica, Melissa moved to Chattanooga in 2019 and recently earned a degree in psychology from Berry College. Her position tasks her with “building meaningful relationships with clients, providing advocacy, and ensuring families have access to essential resources and services.”
TBI names Dunlop public affairs officer
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has announced the addition of Mariah Dunlop to its Public Affairs Division, where she will serve as the agency’s first public affairs officer dedicated specifically to East Tennessee.
Based in Chattanooga, Dunlop will provide media and community relations support to Judicial Districts 9 through 14 and 31, covering 25 counties. Her appointment is part of a broader TBI initiative to strengthen relationships with communities across the Chattanooga, Cookeville and Crossville areas.
Dunlop brings a diverse background in law enforcement, education and communications to her new role. She previously served six years as a patrol officer and investigator with the Chattanooga Police Department before becoming executive assistant to the president at Bryan College – her alma mater. She holds a degree in criminal justice and communications and an MBA.
United Way adds four leaders in Chattanooga
United Way of Greater Chattanooga has appointed four new members to its governance board. The new board members are: Paul Leath, director of regional operations for Chattanooga Gas and Northwest Georgia at Southern Company Gas; Don Mueller, president and CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute; Shelton Swafford Chambers, shareholder at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, and an attorney and CPA; and Marie Webb, founder of ETHOS Coaching & Consulting. Each leader will serve a three-year term. United Way also announced leadership updates as Ken Jones, senior director of business services at EPB, enters his final year as board chair, with Dalya Qualls White stepping in as chair elect.
Smith + Howard promotes Carden to firm principal
Smith + Howard – formerly Market Street Partners – has announced the promotion of certified public accountant Nick Carden to principal in the firm’s Chattanooga office.
Carden joined the firm in 2020, bringing nearly seven years of prior public accounting experience. Over the past five years, he’s advised clients ranging from startups to billion-dollar corporations across multiple industries, including manufacturing and distribution, automotive, food production and industrial machinery. He also has extensive expertise working with investment entities such as hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity firms.
Murray joins CHI Memorial
CHI Memorial Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Gracie Murray to CHI Memorial Family Practice Associates – Ringgold. A native of Ringgold, Murray earned her medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama, and completed her family medicine residency at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. She brings comprehensive training and a commitment to patient-centered care to the practice.
Hines resigns as Collegedale city manager
Wayon Hines announced his resignation as city manager and engineer for the city of Collegedale during the Sept. 2 City Commission meeting. The city expressed its gratitude for Hines’ years of service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. Michelle Toro will serve as interim city manager while the commission determines its next steps. The commission plans to discuss the appointment process and future leadership plans at its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.
Chattanooga PD names Holley PR coordinator
The Chattanooga Police Department has named journalist Heather Holley its new public relations coordinator. A Chattanooga native, Holley brings nearly 20 years of experience in journalism to the role, having worked in positions ranging from videographer to executive producer. Most recently, she served as assignment manager for Local 3 News. Holley holds a degree in communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice at UTC.