In a significant shift at the helm of the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL), Dr. Charles F. Lomax Jr. has relinquished his position as president and CEO of the organization. After nearly two years of leadership since December 2022, Lomax is departing to "pursue other opportunities," laying the groundwork for new leadership within the nonprofit that remains deeply committed to fostering economic empowerment and advancing social justice. WBIR 10News reported that Lomax conveyed his intentions earlier this week to the board, which has since confirmed his resignation.
Avice Reid, a figure with a robust background in community advocacy and communication, steps into the interim leadership role, drawing on her extensive experience. Reid has previously held key positions with the Tennessee Valley Authority as a senior project manager, and at the City of Knoxville, serving as both senior director of community relations and executive director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee. "I am honored to step into this role and continue the important work of the Knoxville Area Urban League," Reid stated in a release quoted by WATE.
Despite these internal changes, KAUL assures that its programs, crucial in providing access to health, housing, education, entrepreneurship, jobs, and justice resources, will continue without interruption. Acknowledging Lomax's dedication, KAUL expressed thanks for his contributions to both the organization and the wider community, as stated by WVLT.
The search for a new permanent CEO is already in motion with the establishment of a search committee by the KAUL board. This initiative, according to a news release, is meant "to ensure the continued success and growth of KAUL," which supports the community through numerous initiatives like the annual Shoes for School event. This past event was markedly successful under Lomax's leadership, doubling the number of shoes provided to local children, a testament to the organization's reach and impact. KAUL also fondly reminisces the tenure of Phyllis Nichols who retired in 2022 after two decades of service. Lomax, who took the reins after Nichols' departure, earlier served as Knoxville's Community Empowerment Director and helped initiate the city's first youth council, according to details provided by WBIR 10News.
