JCLA dedicates day to service
Members of the Johnson City Leadership Academy spent Nov. 5 supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee during a dedicated day of service in Kingsport. Participants worked in two shifts from 9-11 a.m. and from 1-3 p.m., joining food bank staff in their ongoing effort to provide nutritious meals to residents across the region.
Human Resources Director Melanie Rice shared her appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the experience offered a meaningful way for staff to contribute directly to the
community. Throughout the day, JCLA members prepared 19 pallets, each holding 60 boxes of food, resulting in more than 1,190 boxes for SNAP recipients. They also assembled more than 800 bags of food, each weighing between 8 and 9 pounds, containing a variety of dry goods.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has worked to address hunger across the region since 1986 and serves an eight-county area that includes Carter, Green, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
JCLA culminates with capstone
Members of the Johnson City Leadership Academy (JCLA) recently presented their capstone projects to commissioners, leadership, directors, and City staff, marking the culmination of this new cohort. Special Projects Manager Cooper Reaves explained that the goal of the capstone is to identify an issue within the organization or community and propose practical solutions. Four proposals were presented.
Safe Exchange Zone: Tyler Morris, Billy Flanary, Amy Sanders, Ricky Carter, and Ally Locicero
The Safe Exchange Zone team explored the need for a designated space for safe in-person exchanges. Many communities, including Kingsport, Greeneville, and Bristol, have adopted monitored locations similar to this team’s proposal. These zones are typically near police departments or city halls.
The group noted that the
absence of such a space in Johnson City creates risk for the individuals completing online transactions or child custody exchanges. Their solution proposes establishing a clearly marked Safe Exchange Zone at City Hall supported by video monitoring using existing cameras. The group contends that the Commission’s Quality of Place strategic goal is supported through this public safety initiative.
City-Provided Childcare: Theresa Carter, John Steadman, Thad McMillen, and Wayne Lyons II
The City-Provided Childcare group focused on the increasing difficulty City employees face in affordable and reliable childcare. Demand has outpaced supply for nearly two decades, resulting in rising costs that ultimately pushed some parents out of the workforce, increased absenteeism, and made employee retention challenging.
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Allyson Locicero, Communications & Engagement
Amy Sanders, Risk Management
Billy Flanary, Building Division
David Grubb, Water & Sewer Services
John Steadman, Economic Development
Johnny Isaacs, PW Solid Waste
Lexi Vance, Economic Development
Malinda Stills, Finance
Marshall Hardy, Fire
Rachel Evans, Parks & Recreation
Rickey Carter, Fire
Riley Pudney, Planning Division
Shanda Sargent, Human Resources
Thad McMillen, Water & Sewer Services
Theresa Carter, PW Storm Water
Tyler Morris, PW Traffic
Wayne Douglas, Parks & Recreation
Wayne Lyons II, Economic Development JCLA Cohort 2
Continued: JCLA culminates with capstone
Their proposal outlines a childcare center designed to serve up to 85 children with costs shared between employees and the City. The group compared the investment to the cost of the Employee Health Clinic. The team proposed that rather than demolish the Towne Acres School once the new facility is built, the City should repurpose it for childcare.
Reducing Non-Emergency Strain on Emergency Services: Marshall Hardy, Shanda Sargent, David Grubb, Johnny Isaacs, and Rachel Evans
The Reducing Non-Emergency
Strain on Emergency Services team examined how often emergency crews respond to calls that fall outside the scope of a true emergency. These situations, which frequently involve non-urgent medical or social needs, can strain resources, affect vulnerable populations, and reduce critical-incident readiness.
The team proposed creating a dedicated nonemergency response program staffed by trained medical technicians, social workers, and community health professionals. Their conclusion stressed connecting residents to the right care at the right time would not only improve outcomes for community members but would also preserve resources and help lift strain on emergency first responders.
Supervisor-Specific Onboarding Policy: Lexi Vance, Riley Pudney, Malinda Stills, and Wayne Douglas
The Supervisor-Specific
Onboarding Policy team addressed inconsistent onboarding experiences across City departments. Without a standardized approach, new employees may feel unsupported, which can contribute to early turnover and reduced engagement.
Their proposal recommends a comprehensive onboarding policy to include department directors and division leaders, which was supported by feedback they received from a survey and review of industry best practices. They emphasized that effective onboarding begins on day one and has lasting positive impact on retention and workplace culture.
JCLA is designed to identify emerging leaders and support their professional growth in the organization. Congratulations to each member of this cohort for their successful completion of the program and for their thoughtful capstones that will lead to meaningful change to City operations.
Baker inducted to honor roll
City of Johnson City Risk Management Director Joy Baker was inducted into the Public Risk Management Honor Roll during the 2025 Public Entity Partners Risk and Insurance Symposium,
held Oct. 1–3 in Franklin.
The annual Symposium brought together more than 315 professionals from across the state for three days of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Joy’s induction into the Honor Roll reflects her 44 years of dedication to promoting safety and mitigating risk within our City government. Her recognition is a testament to her professionalism and the respect she has earned among her peers.
Schedule upgrade with IT
Employees who have a workstation or City laptop that has not been updated to Windows 11 should reach out to IT with the computer name (JC-xxxx) to get the upgrade scheduled. The laptop will need to be plugged in to a power source and may
go through several reboot cycles as part of the upgrade process.
Contact help@johnsoncitytn. org or call 423.434.4357 to connect with an IT staff member who can assist you with this updated software.
An Employee Benefits Portal has been installed on all desktop computers. By clicking the icon, employees will have access to a one-stop resource for all benefits offered to staff by the City of Johnson City. The website houses policy information, claim forms, provider resources, and much more.
Look for the icon on your desktop today
Strong appointed as chief building official
Johnson City leadership has appointed Joseph Strong as the City’s new chief building official. In this role, Strong will oversee the Building Services Department’s permitting and inspection services, supervise all City trades inspectors, and lead the plans review process. He will also be responsible
for inspecting existing buildings, reviewing plans for compliance with City codes and ordinances, and investigating complaints.
“I am a problem-solver who works well with everyone from contractors to property owners to outside agencies,” said Joseph. “This role will be challenging, but I look forward to serving the people of Johnson City as their chief building official.”
Strong served as a deputy state fire marshal for the past 20 years. There, he developed extensive expertise in building, fire, and property maintenance codes, as well
as a deep understanding of the National Fire Protection Association, International Building Code, and International Code Council standards.
“Joseph joins the City with a comprehensive background and wealth of experience that make him the ideal chief building official during this period of significant growth,” said Building Services Director Brian Ross. “I am grateful that he is joining our team and look forward to working alongside him.”
Welcome, Joseph. We are pleased you have joined the City of Johnson City.
Volunteers Needed
Wrapping party – Help JCPD get Shop with a Cop gifts ready for the big night! Dec. 1, 4-7 p.m., Police Training Facility, 899 Riverview Drive (Bull Rowland Boulevard).
Volunteers also are needed for the night of Shop with a Cop on Dec. 10.
Email swac@johnsoncitytn.org for details.
Police promotional ceremony held Nov. 5
Recently, Police Chief Eric Dougherty announced the promotions of several officers during a ceremony at the Rick Collins Police Training Complex.
Tim Hensley was promoted to major of operations, the position formerly held by Chief Dougherty. Hensley most recently served as captain of Platoon 4. A 33year veteran of the Police Department, he has been in a variety of roles including patrol officer, motor officer, and patrol sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. Hensley retired from the United States Navy Reserves
with the rank of chief petty officer.
Matt Gryder has been promoted to captain in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). A 26-veteran of the Police Department, Gryder has served on patrol, in the Training Unit, and in CID. While assigned to CID, he performed the duties of squad sergeant, a department member assigned to the FBI’s Safe Streets task force, and most recently lieutenant.
Jeff Legault has been promoted to captain on Platoon 4, where he will serve as watch commander. As a
20-year veteran of the JCPD, he has served as a patrol officer, member of the traffic unit, and on the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team. Legault also served as officer in charge of the K-9 Unit, officer in charge of the Special Investigation Squad (SIS), and sergeant of the SIS.
Shane Williams has been promoted to lieutenant of the CID. Williams, a Tennessee Life Saving Award recipient, most recently served the JCPD as sergeant of the Special Victims Unit. He began his law enforcement career with the Department in 2013 and has been a patrol officer, SWAT officer, and SIS sergeant. Williams also has acted as a drug task force officer, U.S. Marshal task force officer, and Tennessee Internet Crimes Against Children task force officer.
Gary Wills has been promoted to lieutenant of Platoon 2. He began his career with the JCPD in 2013. He has served as a patrol
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Continued: Police promotional ceremony
officer, polygraph examiner, evidence technician, a member of the SWAT Team, and most recently a sergeant supervising a squad of investigators in CID.
Keith Bowers has been promoted to sergeant of Platoon 2. He is a 19-year veteran of the Department. Bowers has served as a patrol officer and field training officer and holds multiple teaching certifications for Department instruction. He has also been a member of the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team and the Bicycle Unit.
Jon Dempsey has been promoted to sergeant of the SVU. Dempsey began his career with the JCPD in 2003.
During his more than two decades at the JCPD, he has served as a patrol officer, a school resource officer, and most recently as a criminal investigator.
Tim Hensley has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 5. Hensley started his career with the JCPD in 2021. He holds several specialized roles in the Department including hostage negotiator, honor guard member, and child passenger safety technician. Hensley has served the Department as a patrol officer, a field training officer, and for the last two years as a CID investigator. He was honored with the JCPD Life Saving Award last year and named the Tennessee Highway Safety Office East
Tennessee Officer of the Year in 2022.
Johnnie Willis has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 2. He is a 15-year veteran of the JCPD. Willis has served as a patrol officer and most recently as an investigator in the JCPD’s SVU. Willis is also part of the JCPD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.
“Congratulations to these officers. They have earned this moment through exceptional service,” said Chief Dougherty. “Their new roles mark an exciting chapter in their careers. I am confident that their hard work and dedication will further strengthen the JCPD.”
Interim no more: Alexander new fire marshal
The Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD) recently announced the appointment of Steve Alexander as its new fire marshal. Alexander has served as interim fire marshal since mid-September.
Alexander’s background is in fire suppression. He has served
our community as a firefighter, driver/engineer, lieutenant, and district chief with the Johnson City Fire Department for 22 years.
“Fire prevention looks very different from fire suppression, but both are essential to keeping Johnson City safe,” said Alexander. “I am excited to take on the challenges of this role and the opportunity to continue serving our community.”
As fire marshal, Alexander will oversee the JCFD’s Fire Prevention Division and its four fire prevention officers. Some of the Division’s tasks include fire code enforcement, building inspections, fire investigations,
and community risk reduction programs.
“This position is about more than inspections and investigations,” added Alexander. “It’s about relationships, trust, and education. My goals are to work hand-in-hand with all our stakeholders to keep Johnson City safe and to ensure our team has the tools and the training to serve the public at the highest standard.”
Prior to being hired at the JCFD, Alexander served in the U.S. Navy as an avionics technician. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration at Liberty University.
Reminder: Avoid fragrances, scented products
Risk Management reminds staff that maintaining safe and comfortable buildings is essential for both employees and the public who rely on City facilities. To support a healthy environment for everyone, please be mindful that some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to fragrances or scented
products. We ask that you limit, and when possible avoid, the use of these items in the workplace.
Additionally, please remember that burning candles is not permitted in any City building. Your cooperation helps us ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Change of time, location for Roundtable
The Johnson City Police Department invites the community to enjoy a cup of coffee and meet the new members of the JCPD Command Staff at the December Community Roundtable.
December’s gathering will have no formal agenda. It is an opportunity to drop in and engage in open conversation with Police Chief Eric Dougherty, Deputy Chief Mike Adams, and Major of Operations Tim Hensley.
This informal setting offers the public the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and get to know the new members of the JCPD leadership team.
“Listening to our community helps us serve Johnson City better,” said Chief Dougherty.
“We encourage residents to join us and share their perspectives. Open dialogue with the people we serve is essential to our mission.”
Please note that the time, date, and location of this month’s session have changed. The December Community Roundtable will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4 at The Well Coffee Shop, 820 W. Walnut St. from 8:30-10 a.m.
The Community Roundtable strives to foster a positive relationship between the JCPD and the residents it serves.
Community Roundtable is not an appointed board, nor is there formal membership. All community members are welcome to join the meetings.
Important update: Change to W-2 delivery
Beginning in January 2026, W-2s will no longer be printed and delivered; instead they will be accessible electronically in Oracle. Termed and/or retired employees will have their W-2s mailed to the address on record with Human Resources. Information Technology requests that everyone verify
their access to Oracle and reset passwords if necessary. Closer to January, detailed instructions on how to access W-2s in Oracle will be provided. After W-2s have been published in Oracle, various times will be scheduled for employees to drop into locations for assistance
with accessing and printing. IT recognizes this as a big change and will answer any questions that arise because of the adjustment. Contact help@johnsoncitytn.org or call 423.434.4357 to connect with an IT staff member who can assist you with questions.
Planning earns top honor for Horizon 2045
The City’s Planning Division has been recognized by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA) for its work on the Horizon 2045 Growth Management Plan. Planning Manager Whitney Hodges was presented with the award at the TAPA’s annual conference. This recognition honors a community plan that serves a population greater than 50,000.
The Horizon 2045 plan serves
as a long-term vision for growth and development in the city, ensuring thoughtful planning that balances the needs of the community, housing, transportation, and quality of life. TAPA’s recognition reflects the Planning Division’s dedication to guiding responsible future growth.
Congratulations on the welldeserved recognition, Whitney and team.
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - October
Charles White - Transit
Lisa Ray - Transit
Clayton Epperly Jr. - Public Works
Sarah Flaifel - Planning Division
Vanessa Donohue - Building Division
Promotions - October
Arron Davis - Water & Sewer Services
Michael Hudson - Public Works
Jeremy Presley - Parks & Recreation
Chandler Wilson - Public Works
Veronica Mikson - Parks & Recreation
Jonathan Perreault - Transit
Fire Calls for Service
The JCFD responded to 814 calls for service during October.
Here’s the breakdown:
• Fire – 20
• Medical – 508
• Other – 286 (includes anything that is not a fire or medical call)
Retirements - October
Jeffrey Story - Fire (20)
Randy Trivette - Administration (7)
Curtis Hollifield - Water & Sewer Services (25)
Information Technology requests your participation in a survey to help determine how GIS can better serve you in the role you perform for the City. You’re an important part of GIS and we need your input! Let us know what you need to:
• Improve work processes;
• Manage your work; and
• Highlight your accomplishments.
Click the button below or scan the QR code with your mobile device to take the annual GIS survey.
Take Survey - Click Here
2026 City-Observed Holidays
The following are the holidays observed by the City of Johnson City in 2026, during which offices will be closed.
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Holiday
Christmas Holiday
Thursday, January 1
Monday, January 19
Monday, May 25
Friday, July 3
Monday, September 7
Thursday, November 26
Friday, November 27
Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
