Current Hamilton County Democratic Party Executive Director Khristy Wilkinson was re-elected for a second term as the annual party convention.
Dennis M. Clark is the new vice chairman and Lawrence G. Miller, a retired educator, will serve as secretary. Attorney Melody Shekari was elected to be the party treasurer.
A crowd of around 150 meeting at the Chattanooga Public Library was greeted by Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, who delivered the invocation. Qualified Democratic voters were sorted by the nine Hamilton County districts to caucus and select their precinct and district leaders. Those selected will make up the HCDP Executive Committee for the next two years.
Hamilton County Magistrate Rodney Strong was elected to preside and manage the election process to determine the four executive officers. After nominations were taken from the floor, the group elected "its most diverse leadership team in its history." Three of the four positions were newly elected. All four of the new officers have had experience as Democratic candidates for local offices, it was stated.
Convention Chair Strong commented, “This is really democracy in action. Every vote was 'stand up and be counted,' so no secret ballots. The energy in the room was really inspiring.”
The Hamilton County Democratic Party is located at 1089 Bailey Ave.