News Summary
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Stephanie Cepak as the new press secretary, succeeding Paris Vinnett. Cepak, an award-winning journalist, brings a strong background in strategic communications, including experience in media relations and community involvement. Her role will be pivotal in enhancing the city’s communication strategy as she aligns with Mayor Kelly’s vision of ‘One Chattanooga’.
Chattanooga, TN – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Stephanie Cepak as the new press secretary, filling the role previously held by Paris Vinnett, who left for a position in Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp’s office in April. Cepak’s appointment coincides with Mayor Kelly’s initiation of his second and final four-year term, marking a new chapter in the city’s communications strategy.
Cepak, an award-winning journalist and strategic communications professional, has made Chattanooga her home since 2020. Her move to the area came during the COVID-19 pandemic, at which time she took advantage of EPB’s high-speed internet to facilitate remote work. This local experience, coupled with her expertise in communication, positions her as a strong asset for Mayor Kelly’s administration.
Before joining the Chattanooga team, Cepak held multiple roles contributing to her strong background in media and public relations. Notably, she served as a communications manager for the honors college at Michigan State University, where she led a significant rebranding initiative and was involved in fundraising efforts. Additionally, she had worked as a strategic communications strategist at Byrum and Fisk Advocacy, further showcasing her ability to navigate complex communication challenges.
With a rich background as a journalist, Cepak has covered local and state government news across Indiana and Michigan, earning recognition for her reporting quality. Her efforts as a journalist garnered multiple awards from Capitolbeat, and she was recognized as a top state-based political reporter by a prominent national publication. This experience is expected to enhance her effectiveness in engaging with the media and the public in her new role.
In her commitment to engaging with the community, Cepak is actively involved in local organizations, including the League of Women Voters and Forward Tennessee. In addition to her community work, she co-leads her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, further emphasizing her dedication to local advocacy and involvement.
Cepak holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where she began her career as a newspaper reporter in Frankfort, Indiana. During this time, she reported on local government and business news, laying the groundwork for her future successes in strategic communications.
As part of the city’s communications team, Cepak will report to Senior Advisor Eric Holl. Holl expressed confidence in Cepak’s ability to contribute effectively to the administration’s communication efforts, citing her extensive experience in media and public relations as a key factor in her selection.
In her new role, Cepak emphasizes the importance of storytelling in connecting with the community and advancing Mayor Kelly’s “One Chattanooga” vision. As residents of Chattanooga welcome her, her commitment to transparency and effective communication is expected to play a vital role in shaping the narrative of the city’s future initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Mayor Names New Press Secretary
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly Appoints
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Mayoral Candidate Faces Scrutiny
- Local 3 News: Southern Adventist Confirms Candidate Never Graduated
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Residents Present Agenda
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga news
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
