News Summary
Beka Bohannon has been appointed as the Health Department Administrator for Hamilton County, following the dismissal of her predecessor Sabrina Novak due to allegations of harassment. Bohannon, previously the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, brings extensive experience in public health, including addressing the opioid crisis and enhancing mental health services. Her appointment signals a leadership transition aimed at restoring trust and improving health services in the county. The County Commission will vote on her confirmation on July 16.
Chattanooga, TN – Beka Bohannon has been appointed as the new Health Department Administrator for Hamilton County, following the dismissal of the previous administrator, Sabrina Novak, six months ago. Bohannon’s new role was announced by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp as part of a significant leadership transition within the department.
Novak was terminated due to serious allegations of harassment and retaliation against employees, prompting the county to seek a replacement who could restore trust and effective management within the department.
Bohannon, who has been serving as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in Hamilton County, is recognized for her extensive experience and contributions to public health and community welfare. Throughout her tenure in the county government, she has notably played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid crisis, as well as leading the county’s nationally recognized recovery courts, which aim to support addicted individuals in their journey towards sobriety.
Her appointment is also backed by her previous experience as the Director of Mental Health Court, a position she held after being appointed by former mayor Jim Coppinger in 2021. In this role, Bohannon was instrumental in significantly improving mental health services within the county.
Prior to her governmental career, Bohannon dedicated a decade of service at The Next Door Recovery nonprofit, where she trained over 150 staff members and developed various efficiency-improving policies. Her expertise is supported by formal credentials, as she is a licensed mental health therapist recognized by the Tennessee Department of Health.
In addition to her roles in government and nonprofit sectors, Bohannon has been actively involved in innovative projects, including operating Tennessee’s first correctional release center that integrated behavioral health services with addiction treatment. This experience highlights her commitment to addressing complex public health issues effectively.
The County Commission is set to vote on Bohannon’s appointment during their upcoming meeting scheduled for July 16th. Once confirmed, her leadership is anticipated to bring renewed focus and energy towards improving health services in Hamilton County, particularly in the face of ongoing public health challenges.
As the county continues to navigate the impacts of health crises, Bohannon’s knowledge and previous leadership experience may be crucial in steering the Hamilton County Health Department toward effective strategies and community support initiatives.
This leadership change reflects the county’s dedication to enhance its health department and regain the confidence of the community following a tumultuous period marked by the previous administration’s controversies. The upcoming vote will be closely watched as stakeholders evaluate Bohannon’s potential to lead the department into a new era.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hamilton County Welcomes New Businesses
Community Rallies for Keegan Bradley with Blood Drive
Chattanooga Man Seeks Delay in Bus Hijacking Trial
InternshipCha.com Launches to Boost Local Internships in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Health Departments Release Weekly Restaurant Food Safety Scores
UTC Secures Federal Grant for Mental Health Workforce Enhancement
Chattanooga Man Arrested for Stabbing at Daycare
Chattanooga Hosts First Friday Gallery Crawl
Chattanooga Secures 13 Acres at Missionary Ridge for Preservation
Chattanooga Faces Layoffs as BlueCross BlueShield Shuts Down Shared Health
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: New Head of Hamilton County Health Department Chosen
- Local 3 News: Hamilton County to Sell Health Department Location to Erlanger for $10 Million
- WDEF: Hamilton County Mobile Health Unit Now in Service
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Health Department Facing Millions
- Times Free Press: Bare Handling of Salad, Multiple Fruit Flies
- Wikipedia: Hamilton County, Tennessee
- Google Search: Hamilton County Health Department
- Google Scholar: Hamilton County Health Department
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hamilton County, Tennessee
- Google News: Hamilton County Tennessee health
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.
