Carol Hunter
Joy Bullard-Moore
Donnie Walker
Chattanooga City Council on Tuesday confirmed Mayor Tim Kelly’s appointment of Carol Hunter as the new administrator of the Department of Community Development. Joy Bullard-Moore will join her as deputy administrator, and Donnie Walker has been appointed Chattanooga’s new director of supplier diversity.
Mayor Kelly said, “Catalyzing economic vitality in underserved communities and building a competitive regional economy are two pillars of the One Chattanooga plan.
“Carol Hunter, Joy Bullard-Moore, and Donnie Walker are all seasoned professionals who will help us make progress in these key areas.
I want to thank them for answering the call to serve Chattanooga in these roles.”
With more than 25 years of experience leading community initiatives, Ms. Hunter most recently served as Community Development’s Director of Operations. She also works as the project director for the EMPACT workforce training program at the Enterprise Center.
Ms. Bullard-Moore, who will join the administration from Philadelphia, has served as the Director of Place-Based Initiatives at the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) since 2020. At PHA, She has led strategic planning and the expansion of supportive service programming across various neighborhood reinvestment projects.
Officials said Ms. Bullard-Moore’s work also focused on closing gaps within underserved communities in areas such as health, employment, entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility. In addition to her role at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, she holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has been an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University, teaching graduate-level courses in ethics, culture, race, and social justice.
Mr. Walker joined the city of Chattanooga in 2023 as deputy administrator for Community Development after more than 30 years of experience in policy regulation and managing complex program operations as the director of Guest Services and Operations for the Tennessee Aquarium. In his new role, he will work to help the city reach its One Chattanooga Plan priority of “ensuring city purchasing and procurement practices meet equity goals.”
City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod said, "Mayor Tim Kelly’s appointment of Carol Hunter as the new Department of Community Development Administrator and Joy Bullard-Moore as Deputy Administrator mark a significant step forward for Chattanooga’s community centers and the Office of Family Empowerment.
"Carol Hunter and Joy Bullard-Moore bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to their new roles, promising to infuse new energy and vision into these vital community resources. Under their leadership, the community can expect innovative programs, stronger collaborations, and a renewed focus on equity and inclusion within Community Development.
"Their combined expertise and dedication will bring new energy and vision to these vital community resources. Under their leadership, we can expect innovative programs, stronger community collaborations, and a renewed focus on equity and inclusion within Community Development.
"A key priority under Carol and Joy’s leadership will be building the morale of our employees, who serve as the first connecting points for families. Their commitment and enthusiasm are essential to providing exceptional service and support to our community.
"As Chair of the Office of Community Development, I look forward to working with Carol and Joy to catalyze economic vitality in underserved communities, a priority of the One Chattanooga Plan. Together, they will drive positive change and ensure that our community centers and the Office of Family Empowerment continue to provide opportunities, support, and growth for all residents.
"We are excited about the positive changes and progress that Carol Hunter and Joy Bullard-Moore will bring to the department. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing the goals of the One Chattanooga Plan and in fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all."