Chattanooga Appoints New Leader to Tackle Affordable Housing Crisis

Chattanooga Takes Major Steps Towards Affordable Housing Solutions

In a significant move for the city of Chattanooga, Maeghan Jones, the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, has been appointed by Governor Bill Lee to address one of the state’s most urgent issues: affordable housing. Jones will serve a four-year term on the board of directors for the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), the state’s primary agency dedicated to financing housing development.

The THDA plays a critical role in ensuring that low- and moderate-income Tennesseans have access to safe and affordable housing. This agency administers various programs, including home loans, down payment assistance, and rental aid. Additionally, it supports private-sector development through bonds and tax credits. “Safe, quality, affordable housing is crucial to maintaining economic stability,” says Jones. “This is true for every person, everywhere, every day.” With her leadership, the expectations are high for meaningful change in the housing landscape of the region.

Exciting New Faces in Local Healthcare

Switching gears to healthcare, Dr. Yazan Saba is the newest addition to the Erlanger Cardiology team. Saba completed his residency and general cardiology fellowship at Erlanger before heading to Boston for an interventional cardiology fellowship at Boston University School of Medicine. His return adds valuable expertise to the local medical community, which is always a plus for Chattanooga residents.

Local Business Leadership Changes

In the world of finance, the Starr Mathews Agency has announced the promotion of Joshua Wilson to chief operating officer. Wilson, who previously served as the chief financial officer, brings years of experience including stints at Market Street Partners and Frazier & Deeter.

Over at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Cornelius Bayes has joined the board of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. With 14 years of experience in supply chain and operations at TVA, Bayes is poised to make a significant impact on local efforts to provide housing solutions for those in need.

Former board member Don McDowell is also returning to Habitat for Humanity. After spending 17 years abroad, McDowell brings a wealth of experience from his corporate career, along with his passion for long-distance backpacking and community involvement through the Chattanooga Downtown Rotary Club.

Enhancements in Assistive Technology and Lending

Turning to assistive technology, Deardra McGee has been named the new director of assistive technology services at the Speech & Hearing Center at Signal Centers. With nearly 30 years of experience working with students at UTC, McGee is set to enhance the services offered to individuals with diverse needs in the community.

Meanwhile, Tyler Siira steps in as the new chief financial officer at Southern Champion Tray, a prominent player in the paperboard packaging industry. Siira has an impressive 20-year career and has held various financial roles, making him a perfect fit for this key position.

Real Estate and Consumer Lending Developments

In real estate, Tony Brock has been promoted to vice president of leasing at The Raines Group. A Chattanooga native and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Brock brings more than 48 years of experience to the position.

Babar Khawaja is now the director of consumer lending at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. Having previously worked at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union in Maryland, Khawaja played an essential role in aligning lending policies, ensuring he is well-equipped to lead TVFCU’s initiatives in consumer lending.

Finally, Taylor Catlett has joined Waterhouse Public Relations as a strategist and account manager. With a background in communications and marketing within the utility sector, her expertise will surely bolster the firm’s efforts in managing client relations and campaigns.

Rick Siskin Hospital has also expanded its services by welcoming Dr. Laurel Everett, a clinical neuropsychologist, to its behavioral medicine and rehabilitation psychology program. Dr. Everett will support both inpatient and outpatient therapy programs, further enhancing the comprehensive care provided at the facility.

As these community leaders take on new roles and responsibilities, the focus is firmly on fostering growth, stability, and, most importantly, creating a better quality of life for all Chattanoogans.