Mayor Indya Kincannon has announced that Betsy Cunningham will be the City’s new Director of Human Resources. Cunningham will succeed Dr. Kelly D. Drummond, who is leaving the City to become the National Head of Talent for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 

Cunningham has decades of experience in Human Resources and Public Relations, and is currently serving as the Human Resources consultant for the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) through the University of Tennessee.

“I am so excited to join the City of Knoxville,” said Cunningham. “The City’s commitment to its employees and residents is undeniable.  I’m looking forward to being a part of the team, and playing a part in keeping this positive momentum going.”

Attracting, retaining and investing in talented employees has been a key focus of the Kincannon Administration and, under the direction of Drummond, the Human Resources Department completed a comprehensive compensation study that led to historic raises for City employees.

“Dr. Drummond will be greatly missed,” said Mayor Kincannon. “She expertly navigated the City through challenging times and has made huge strides in improving relationships and efficiency at the City. I wish her all the best.”



“I want to thank Mayor Kincannon and the Administration for the opportunity to return to the City five years ago and help re-establish the City’s Human Resources Department,” said Dr. Drummond. “My goal has always been to help departments work together, improve support for employees, and to look for ways to improve efficiency at the City.  I am proud of the work we accomplished in these transformative five years!”

Cunningham will take over as HR Director in early January 2026. At that time, current City HR Consulting Manager Mary-Margaret Murray will become Deputy Director of Human Resources.

“As we would expect from an H.R. professional, Dr. Drummond is leaving the Department in good hands,” said Mayor Kincannon. “I am looking forward to working with Betsy, Mary-Margaret, and the entire HR team to build upon the great work that is already underway.”