The public is invited to celebrate Ms. Ivy Strickland's dedication and long-time service to the City of Chattanooga.
Chattanooga, Tenn. (February 13, 2026)— The City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development will honor the retirement of Ivy Y. Strickland, a
beloved public servant and longtime Community Center Manager, following 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Chattanooga.
Ms. Strickland has served her entire career at the Shepherd Community Center, where her leadership, compassion, and commitment to youth and families have left a lasting legacy. During her tenure, she and her colleagues helped establish the City’s first children’s camp under the recreation division, laying the foundation for youth programming that continues to benefit generations of Chattanooga residents.
In 1990, Ms. Strickland became Community Center Manager, a role she has held for more than three decades. Since that time, she has been a pillar of the Shepherd community—mentoring youth, supporting families, and creating a welcoming space for residents of all ages.
“Ivy Strickland’s impact on the City of Chattanooga cannot be measured by years alone, it is reflected in the generations of children, families, and residents whose lives she has touched,” said Cedric Henson, Administrator for the City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development.
Reflecting on her career, Ms. Strickland shared, “It’s been a great career, and I have loved seeing so many generations grow and come back with success.”
The City of Chattanooga invites the public to join city officials, community leaders, colleagues, and residents in honoring Ms. Strickland’s extraordinary 37 years of service in an official ceremony and an open hours reception following the ceremony.
Retirement Ceremony and Open Hours Reception
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.
Open Hours Reception: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m
Location: Shepherd Community Center (2124 Shepherd Road, Chattanooga, TN)