Republican candidate Lemon C. Williams announced that he is running for state representative District 28. Currently this seat is held by Rep. JoAnne Favors, D-Chattanooga, who has announced her retirement.
Mr. Williams is a cyber security and operational risk management professional with extensive energy industry experience in implementing cybersecurity programs for state and federal agencies and public utilities.
He is a graduate of Chattanooga Central High School and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1996 with a degree in Logistics and Transportation where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and remains active to this day. He also serves as the Vice-President of the UTK Black Alumni council where he is a active supporter and fundraiser for causes and activities to improve overall student and alumni engagement and success.
After graduation, Mr. Williams worked in the oil and gas industry and then in enterprise security for a federally-owned electric utility in Chattanooga.
In 2014 he founded The Ionado Group, a cyber security and emerging technologies consultancy providing advanced security solutions, services, and mitigation strategies against cyber threats facing leading industries.
He said, “I am a father, a son, a brother, a uncle and a small business owner in Chattanooga, but I am not a politician. Most people want the best for their family and community and I feel I can help make a difference by empowering individuals.”
Mr. Williams said he believes the “Gig City” is one of the greatest cities in the country and "feels that common-sense leadership and fiscally responsible management is the key to a safer community and state."