Maura Black Sullivan
Mayor Andy Berke announced Maura Black Sullivan will serve as chief operating officer for the City of Chattanooga, starting at the beginning of 2016. Ms. Sullivan currently serves as the interim executive director of the Memphis Housing Authority and served for five years as the deputy chief administrative Officer for the City of Memphis.
“I am honored to join Mayor Berke’s team and aid in his work to move Chattanooga forward,” said Ms.
Sullivan. “Chattanooga has been an inspiration to other cities across the state and country. I look forward to being a part of the incredible things that are happening in this community.”
Prior to her time as deputy chief administrative officer, she served as deputy director of Planning & Development for Memphis/Shelby County as well as assistant superintendent of Planning & Student Services for Shelby County Schools, where she was responsible for the long range capital project planning for the 47,000 student school system.
“Not only does Maura have decades of experience in municipal government, she has a passion for service,” said Mayor Berke. “Her ability to manage an organization of over 6,000 employees, along with her proven leadership abilities and commitment to the betterment of the community, makes Maura the right person for this important position.”
Ms. Sullivan has over 20 years of experience in government and community service, including serving as a mediator for the Shelby County Juvenile Court. With a variety of professional experiences within the public sector, she possesses a thorough understanding of the education, housing, economic development, and fiduciary aspects of City government.
“Maura is a tremendous public servant and one of the most dedicated individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” said Cato Johnson, senior vice president of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Methodist Healthcare. “I have worked with Maura for over 15 years and she has incredible work ethic, thorough knowledge of municipal operations, and truly believes the role of government is to serve its citizens. The Chattanooga community will gain immensely from her experience and talent.”
A native of Memphis, Ms. Sullivan graduated with a master's degree from the University of Memphis, where she received the Outstanding Alumnae award. Ms. Sullivan is also very active in the community, serving on numerous boards including Ballet Memphis, Women’s Foundation, Leadership Memphis, Brooks Museum of Art, Grace St Luke’s Episcopal School, and Project Green Fork to name a few.