Five newly elected City Council members were sworn into office Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 in the Main Assembly Room.
First District Councilwoman Stephanie Welch was sworn in by Honorable John R. Rosson, Jr., Municipal Judge of Knoxville. Welch replaces outgoing Councilman Nick Pavlis.
Second District Councilman Andrew Roberto was sworn in by Honorable Sharon G. Lee, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice. Roberto replaces outgoing Councilman Duane Grieve.
Third District Councilwoman Seema Singh-Perez was sworn in by Honorable John R. Rosson, Jr., Municipal Judge of Knoxville. Singh-Perez replaces outgoing Councilwoman Brenda Palmer.
Fourth District Councilwoman Lauren Rider was sworn in by Honorable John R. Rosson, Jr., Municipal Judge of Knoxville. Rider replaces outgoing Councilman Nick Della Volpe.
Sixth District Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie was sworn in by Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, United States District Judge, Eastern District of Tennessee. McKenzie replaces outgoing Councilman & Mayor Daniel T. Brown.
Vice Mayor Duane Grieve was the Master of Ceremonies for the program.
Reverend Dr. William C. Pender of First Presbyterian Church led the invocation.
Councilman Nick Pavlis led the pledge of allegiance while the Knoxville Police Department Honor Guard led the presentation of colors.
Gresham Middle School Girls' Choir sang the National Anthem.
Mayor Madeline Rogero welcomed the new Council members.
Music was provided by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra String Quartet.
After the ceremony, a special called City Council meeting was held to select the new Vice Mayor, Beer Board Chairman and representative to the Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA) Board.
Councilman Finbarr Saunders was selected as the new Vice Mayor of City Council.
Council George Wallace was selected as the Beer Board Chairman.
Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie was selected as the representative to the KTA Board.
Learn more about City Council and its members at
www.knoxvilletn.gov/citycouncil.