Chattanooga, Tenn. (Monday, April 28) — Mayor Tim Kelly announced today a
slate of strategic appointments to his senior leadership team as he begins
a second term as the Chief Executive for the City of Chattanooga. Designed
for outcomes, his team will continue to build upon the operational
efficiency gains of the mayor’s first term and drive execution around the
One Chattanooga imperatives, in service of all Chattanoogans.
"I’m proud to announce and welcome these dedicated leaders to my senior
team as we hit the ground running for a second term,” said Mayor Kelly.
“Each brings a proven track record of getting results and a deep commitment
to serving all Chattanoogans. Together, we will accelerate the progress
we’ve made toward building a vibrant, prosperous, and unified city. The One
Chattanooga vision is about outcomes that matter—and this team is ready to
deliver."
Kevin Roig – Chief of Staff
Kevin Roig will serve as Chief of Staff. Roig joined the Kelly
Administration in 2023 as Senior Advisor for Public Affairs and has been
serving as Deputy Chief since the start of 2024. Bringing deep political
and government experience that includes nearly a decade in senior
leadership roles with former Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves in
Washington, DC and successfully managing multiple congressional campaigns,
Roig will continue to provide strategic and managerial leadership to
advance Mayor Kelly’s One Chattanooga vision.
Charita Allen – Senior Advisor for Economic and Workforce Development
Charita Allen will serve as Senior Advisor for Economic and Workforce
Development, reporting directly to the Mayor. With over 25 years of
experience, Allen recently returned to the Kelly Administration and has
previously served as Deputy Administrator of Economic Development for the
City and as Director of Workforce Development at the Tennessee Department
of Economic and Community Development. Her expertise will continue to be
pivotal in driving economic mobility and vitality for Chattanooga and the
region.
Nicole Heyman – Chief Policy Officer
Nicole Heyman will serve as the mayor’s Chief Policy Officer. Currently
serving as Chief Housing Officer, Heyman has spearheaded various policy
initiatives and programs to expand affordable housing, including the
development of the city's first Housing Action Plan. Her background
includes directing the Mayor’s Office of Community Assets and Investment in
New Orleans and serving as Vice President at the Center for Community
Progress.
Former Councilman Darrin Ledford – Deputy Chief of Staff
Former District 4 Councilman Darrin Ledford will join the Kelly
Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff. An entrepreneur and longtime local
business owner, Ledford served on the Chattanooga City Council since 2017,
including a term as Chair from 2022 to 2023. He led the council’s Planning
and Zoning Committee and was instrumental in updating the city’s zoning
code. His tenure was marked by a focus on operational efficiency and
enhanced public services.
These appointments take effect on May 2, 2025.