David Brace was appointed as the Mayor's Chief of Staff in August 2023.

Brace has an undergraduate degree in human ecology (community health) and a Master’s degree in planning, both from the University of Tennessee. 

Prior to joining the City of Knoxville, he was a firefighter/EMT in Knox County for Rural Metro Corp. and worked as a consultant in the industrial rescue and safety field. 

He has been with the City of Knoxville for 21 years, beginning in the Community Development Department in 2002 before moving to Public Service in 2004. After serving as Public Service Deputy Director, he was appointed Public Service Director by Mayor Madeline Rogero in 2011. 

From 2015-2019, he served as the Senior Director of Public Works managing the Departments of Engineering, Public Service and Codes Enforcement, Building Permits, Inspections and Zoning, and Parks and Recreation.

Starting with Mayor Indya Kincannon's first term (Dec. 2019), he was appointed as Deputy to the Mayor and Chief Operations Officer.

Brace was appointed as Chief of Staff in Mayor Kincannon's second term. 

He is married to Gina Knapp Brace. They have three children and live in the Island Home neighborhood.