Dr. Reginald Smith Named Urban League President

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN) Board of Directors announce Dr. Reginald Smith's appointment as the organization's next president and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 11. Dr. Smith brings over 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership and community development.

Dr. Smith relocated from Memphis to Chattanooga in 2004 to attend UTC, where he earned degrees in human services management and public administration. He also earned his Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Johnson University in 2024.

Dr. Smith currently serves as executive director of The Bethlehem Center. Under his leadership, the center launched new initiatives in youth development, case management, food security, resource access and services for undocumented, unaccompanied children — underscoring his deep commitment to holistic community support and equity, said officials.

"I am honored to join the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and build upon its incredible legacy of service," said Dr. Smith. "ULGC's work has never been more vital. I look forward to working with the board, staff, partners and the community to expand economic mobility and opportunity pathways."

Dr. Smith succeeds Candy Johnson, who will officially vacate the role in August following her relocation to Atlanta. Appointed in 2021 as the first female president and CEO in the organization’s 40 year history, Ms. Johnson led the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga through a transformative period of growth, national recognition and community impact.

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