Jamaine Akins
Kelly-Ann Walker
Tenisha King
With ever-increasing community needs and new programs like Work Ready starting up, Signal Centers, Inc. has brought three key new members onto its staff: Jamaine Akins as deputy operations officer, Kelly-Ann Walker as deputy program officer and Tenisha King as deputy HR officer.
"Signal Centers already has several programs working with the local Chattanooga community, like the Hart Gallery, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Assistive Technology Services and Adult Day Services, to name a few.
But as new needs are uncovered, some unserved fields become apparent," officials said. "For example, Signal Centers’ multiple early childhood education programs highlighted the need to aid workers without a college education in their field. Enter Work Ready, Signal Centers’ newest program.
"The Work Ready program is designed to support TANF eligible individuals with at least one child 18 years old or younger, who have a high school education or GED/HiSET, to gain paid internships and college education. Funded under a grant contract with the state of Tennessee, the program has a goal to provide a track towards permanent employment in the licensed child care industry.
"As Signal Centers keeps expanding its programming, its need for continuing capable leadership continues to grow. Considering its current number of over 300 employees, Signal Centers made the three strategic hires of Mr. Akins, Ms. Walker and Ms. King."
“We are beyond excited to welcome Jamaine, Kelly-Ann and Tenisha to their new positions,” said Donna McConnico, Signal Centers CEO. “Through their unique insights and skills, we believe we can continue to forge a path forward and meet the needs of Chattanoogans from all walks of life. It’s a very thrilling time for Signal Centers, one that’s focused on growth and community.”
Mr. Akins, a native of Chattanooga, graduated from the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee as a licensed journeyman electrician and is a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. As deputy operations officer, he will maintain proper operational structure within the organization, including the maintenance of facilities and operational staff support and the ongoing sustainment of the organization’s internal structure for superior agency performance. Mr. Akins is passionate about serving people, and can often be found traveling, enjoying different foods or spending time with his wife, Natalie, four children and three grandchildren.
Ms. Walker comes to Signal Centers with over 15 years of experience in program management, community advocacy and nonprofit operations. As the new deputy program officer, she works with all programs to ensure they have the support and resources to meet regulatory requirements, key performance indicators and operational needs. She enjoys working with like-minded individuals and organizations on impactful and meaningful initiatives while making positive changes in the community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing tennis and spending time with her family and pet dog, Marlo.
Another native of Chattanooga, Ms. King, graduated from East Tennessee State University, where she earned her BS in mass communications with a concentration in public relations. In 2013, she returned to school at Bryan College to obtain her MBA. As deputy HR officer, she will implement employee engagement strategies to enhance satisfaction and retention and help drive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organization. Among other things, she will also assist in directing all functions of the Human Resources Department to ensure excellent customer service and that employees and managers experience a welcoming and supportive environment. Outside of her job, Ms. King enjoys doing outreach work and spending time with her family, friends and two dogs.