Mayor Haslam today announced the following changes in Knoxville City Government. Effective immediately most of the functions previously housed in the Department of Communications and Government relations are being combined with Policy Development in a new Department of Policy and Communications headed by Sr. Director Bill Lyons.

Other changes will be made effective December 1: Bob Whetsel will join the Department of Policy and Communications with responsibility for expanding the success of downtown into the neighborhoods surrounding downtown. His responsibilities will include major initiatives for Cumberland Avenue and the Downtown North/ Broadway and Central areas, as well as the Magnolia corridor and Park Ridge.Present Director of Engineering, Steve King, will become Director of Public Works, which includes Public Service, Engineering, and Plans Review and Inspections. David Brace, Brent Johnson, and Gary Norman will head these departments. Sr. Director Sam Anderson will head a new department that will include 311, KAT, Fleet, and Parks and Recreation.Larry Martin will continue his role as Deputy to the Mayor. However Treasurer Jim York will serve as Finance Director and continue to report to Mr. Martin. Public Works will also report to Mr. Martin. Community Development, Risk Management, Purchasing, and IT will continue to report to Larry Martin. All other departments and reporting relationships will remain the same.Further details will be forthcoming regarding department names and job titles.

For more information please contact William Lyons, at 215-2612.