July 1, 2025

Chattanooga Welcomes Dr. Reginald Smith as New Urban League Leader

News Summary

Dr. Reginald Smith has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, succeeding Candy Johnson. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and community development, Dr. Smith aims to drive growth and expand economic mobility in Chattanooga. He has notable achievements in youth development and education, positioning him well to lead the organization into a new chapter.

Chattanooga Welcomes Dr. Reginald Smith as New President and CEO of the Urban League

Chattanooga, TN – Dr. Reginald Smith will officially take the helm as the president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) on August 11, succeeding Candy Johnson, who is relocating to Atlanta. Dr. Smith’s appointment brings over two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community development, positioning him to lead the organization into a new chapter.

Currently serving as the executive director of The Bethlehem Center, Dr. Smith has implemented a variety of initiatives aimed at youth development, case management, food security, and providing services for undocumented, unaccompanied children. His previous experience also includes a role as a project manager for Hamilton County Schools’ Innovation Zone, where he focused on improving underperforming schools. He is a more recent graduate of Johnson University, receiving a PhD in organizational leadership in 2024.

Dr. Smith’s academic journey began when he relocated to Chattanooga from Memphis in 2004 to pursue studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where he earned degrees in human services management and public administration. He is noted for his community leadership, being a 2017 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and a recognized “20 Under 40” honoree by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Leadership Transition at ULGC

Candy Johnson, the first female president and CEO in the organization’s 40-year history, will leave a significant legacy before her departure in August. During her tenure since 2021, ULGC secured its first permanent headquarters on East M.L. King Boulevard and achieved substantial financial milestones, including a $3.8 million acquisition with over 80% of the debt paid down in less than two years. Notably, under her leadership, the organization received the largest philanthropic gift in its history from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation and was honored as National Urban League Affiliate of the Year, ranking among the top five percent of affiliates in the nation.

Johnson’s leadership also led to over $10 million in new multi-year investments, coupled with major initiatives aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, education, and workforce development. She emphasized equity research and upward economic mobility while modernizing internal operations and releasing significant reports, including ‘The State of Black Chattanooga’ in 2022 and 2024.

Search for New Leadership

A transition committee, led by Board Vice Chair Jennifer Fuller, was responsible for Dr. Smith’s selection, collaborating with The Hawkins Company, a minority-owned executive search firm, to conduct a national search. The committee dedicated over 275 hours to ensure the right fit for ULGC’s leadership moving forward.

Marcus Cade Johnson, chair of the ULGC Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for Candy Johnson’s contributions and acknowledged her lasting impact on the Chattanooga community. As Dr. Smith steps into his new role, he aims to continue driving growth and enhancing community impact through ULGC’s initiatives.

Future Vision

Dr. Smith’s appointment is anticipated to usher in a fresh approach to fulfilling the Urban League’s mission of expanding economic mobility and creating pathways for opportunity among the communities it serves. The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is poised for a new chapter in its storied history, as Dr. Smith prepares to lead and advocate for a better future for the residents of Chattanooga.

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Additional Resources

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.

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