News Summary
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Stephanie Cepak as the new press secretary. With over 20 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications, Cepak’s background includes previous roles at Michigan State University and various creative agencies. Having lived in Chattanooga since 2020, she is committed to enhancing the city’s communication strategies and community engagement, supporting the mayor’s vision of ‘One Chattanooga.’
Chattanooga—Mayor Tim Kelly has appointed Stephanie Cepak as the new press secretary for the city of Chattanooga. With a robust background as an award-winning journalist and strategic communications professional, Cepak brings over two decades of experience in public relations and media to her new role.
Cepak has been a resident of Chattanooga since 2020, where she has lived with her family. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took advantage of Chattanooga’s EPB’s world-fastest internet service to work remotely, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to communication.
The city’s communications team will benefit from Cepak’s extensive professional history. Prior to this appointment, she served in various roles at creative agencies focused on strategic communication planning and execution, specifically for issue advocacy and candidate campaigns. This experience is expected to enhance the city’s communication strategy under Mayor Kelly’s administration.
Previously, she oversaw communications for the Honors College at Michigan State University. In this capacity, she successfully led a rebranding initiative and made significant contributions during a fundraising capital campaign. Her proven track record in higher education communications complements her journalistic background, which began in Frankfort, Indiana, where she reported on local government and business news.
Cepak has also covered state politics and policy for an online news organization in Michigan and earned multiple awards from Capitolbeat for her journalism. Readers of The Washington Post recognized her as one of the best state-based political reporters, attesting to her skills in storytelling and analysis.
Mayor Kelly expressed his enthusiasm about Cepak joining the communications team, highlighting the existing “tremendous talent bank” in Chattanooga. Cepak’s role will support the implementation of the mayor’s vision for “One Chattanooga,” focusing on unifying the community and effectively communicating its narrative.
Cepak holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She met her husband, Anthony, while they were both working as reporters in Indiana. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. The couple is raising two children who attend Hamilton County Schools, emphasizing their investment in the local community.
In addition to her professional roles, Cepak is actively engaged with several local organizations, including the League of Women Voters and Forward Tennessee. She also co-leads her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, showcasing her commitment to community involvement beyond her professional duties.
The press secretary position was vacated by Paris Vinnett, who has transitioned to another role in Hamilton County. Joining the city’s communications team, which operates under Senior Advisor Eric Holl, Cepak is expected to enhance communication strategies and community engagement efforts effectively.
Overall, Cepak’s diverse background in journalism and strategic communication, combined with her active involvement in Chattanooga, positions her well to fulfill the duties of press secretary and contribute positively to the city’s leadership and public narrative.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Mayor Names New Press Secretary
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Chattanoogan: Mayor Tim Kelly Appoints New Press Secretary
- Google Search: Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
- Local 3 News: Mayor Tim Kelly Names New Press Secretary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
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.
