Mayor Kelly statement on Karen Rennich’s appointment

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2025) – Mayor Tim Kelly released the following
statement following City Council’s vote confirming his appointment of Karen
Rennich as administrator of the Department of Planning and Executive
Director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA).

“In July, I appointed Karen Rennich as interim administrator knowing she
could take the helm of the Department of Planning and serve as interim
Executive Director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning
Agency (RPA). With more than 14 years in the deputy’s role, she’s worked on
affordable housing, land use, public transit and more. She’s doing a
terrific job and is deserving of the permanent appointment.”