Chattanooga Welcomes Steve Willson as New Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Exciting Leadership Change in Chattanooga

Chattanooga, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement after the recent announcement from Mayor Tim Kelly. The city has welcomed Steve Willson as its new deputy chief operating officer, and there is plenty of enthusiasm about what this change means for the community.

A Perfect Fit for the Position

Mayor Kelly expressed his confidence in Willson’s appointment, saying, “Steve’s in-depth understanding of the inner workings of city government, and his proven track record of operational efficiency make him the ideal fit for this role.” With his extensive background in operations management and process improvement, Willson is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the role and encourage innovative thinking across various city departments.

Willson’s journey in local government began in July 2022 when he stepped in as the director of innovation for the city. In this capacity, he successfully managed the development of innovative solutions aimed at addressing residential concerns through data-informed strategies. His goal was to ensure that solutions were both effective and sustainable, making a real difference in residents’ lives.

Experience That Speaks Volumes

Before joining the city, Willson served as the director of Operational Effectiveness and the Lean Center of Excellence at UNUM. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. He has a reputation for being a problem solver, and his passion for improving processes is evident in his work.

Reflecting on his approach, Willson shared, “I’ve always liked to fix things and improve processes. Sometimes I break things in the process, but failure is a great teacher. We don’t improve if we don’t take action.” This mindset will undoubtedly foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness within the city government.

Championing One Chattanooga Goals

Willson’s commitment to making Chattanooga a better place is clear. He mentioned that he joined the city to passionately pursue One Chattanooga Goal 7: to be a responsive and effective government. As deputy chief operating officer, he is excited about the prospect of collaborating with all city departments to continue advancing this goal.

With his forward-thinking attitude and actionable strategies, residents can expect to see improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of city operations. His leadership style encourages taking bold steps and embracing the lessons learned along the way.

A Motivating Quote to Live By

To sum up his approach to leadership and problem-solving, Willson shared his favorite quote from General George S. Patton: “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.” This quote encapsulates his belief that timely action can often lead to better outcomes than waiting for the “perfect” solution.

A Bright Future for Chattanooga

As Chattanooga moves forward under Willson’s leadership, residents and city officials alike are thrilled about the potential changes in store. With a strong emphasis on data-driven solutions and a commitment to effective governance, the city is set to tackle its challenges head-on.

In an era where residents demand transparency and responsiveness from their local government, the appointment of Steve Willson may just be the refreshing change that Chattanooga needs. His dedication to collaborative improvement and innovative problem-solving promises to not only enhance city operations but also strengthen the community as a whole.

As the city embarks on this new chapter, all eyes are on the upcoming initiatives and changes that Willson will spearhead. It’s an exciting time for Chattanooga, and the best is yet to come!