A City Shaped by Strong Women

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women past and present. Across the City of Knoxville, women are not only shaping policy and programs but they’re keeping neighborhoods clean, parks vibrant, teams inspired, and community voices heard.

We took the time to  spotlight just a few of the trailblazing women department heads who lead a deep commitment to public service. From overseeing essential city operations to cultivating future talent, these women are proof that when women lead, communities thrive.


Rachel Butzler
Director of Public Service

If there’s something happening in Knoxville from clean streets to large-scale events Public Service is involved. And at the helm is Rachel Butzler, who leads the department with a combination of grit, creativity, and deep care for her team.

“My first job out of college was researching water quality in the Chesapeake Bay,” Rachel says. “I didn’t want to study chicken poop forever, but I learned how fulfilling it is to work in service to the community.”

Rachel’s path in public service has included all kinds of unexpected challenges that some may not realize like disassembling the world’s largest Rubik’s Cube or helping secure the route for the Veterans Day Parade. What ties it all together is her department’s mission to support both internal city departments and the community at large, often stepping in where no one else can.

“When people aren’t sure who to call, they call Public Service.” 

Rachel’s leadership style has deep roots:

“I admire my mother, Margie. She raised six kids, worked full time, and still had dinner on the table every night. She truly ran the ship, and empowered me to do the same.”

For women stepping into leadership, Rachel offers simple but  bold advice:

“Just say yes! You never know what opportunities might arise from taking that one step forward.”

And while her job is demanding, it’s the people who bring her the most joy.

“At the end of the day, if I see our employees smiling because they finished a great project, I smile too.”

Outside of work, Rachel finds peace in Knoxville’s greenways, gardens, and trails. She recharges with a run, some fresh air, and tending to her own flower beds, somewhat fitting for a leader whose work helps the city itself bloom.

“Public service is what makes our community go round,” she says. “ If you enjoy playing in the parks, the convenience of curbside brush and leaf collection, roads that won’t mess up your alignment, attending downtown festivals, or many other amenities you find in Knoxville, there is a good chance that Public Service played a role in making that happen.”


Lakenya Middlebrook
Chief of Community Safety & Empowerment

When your title includes the word “empowerment,” it says a lot about your personal mission and Lakenya Middlebrook is living that out every day. As Chief of Community Safety and Empowerment, she works across City departments, neighborhood groups, and partner agencies to create stronger, more connected communities.

“I’ve always wanted to use my skills in ways that support my community,” Lakenya says. “I know I can’t do everything, but my goal is to do what I can well and in ways that benefit others.”

In her role, Lakenya collaborates with caring, passionate people from City staff to community partners and everyday residents. That shared energy and collective drive keeps her inspired.

“I get to work with people who are all focused on helping others thrive. That motivates me to give my best.”

Her leadership style is grounded in gratitude for the many women both real and fictional who’ve shaped her journey.

“My mom, my sister, my grandmothers—they’ve always inspired and supported me,” she says. “My maternal grandmother pastored a church for more than 50 years, at a time when women in ministry was uncommon. And I have to mention Claire Huxtable. I know she’s fictional, but I really admired her style and strength.”

To young women wanting to make change, Lakenya offers practical encouragement:

“Get involved. Look for opportunities to use your talents/skills to support the causes that are important to you. Practice saying yes to opportunities, even if you’re unsure. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. And always be open to learning, especially from other women.”

Her proudest moments aren’t always the biggest ones, they’re the ones where others succeed.

“I love seeing individuals or groups achieve their goals, especially when they’ve worked hard and stayed committed. And I try to find joy in the small victories too.”

Outside of work, Lakenya finds peace in the familiar:

“I spend time with family and friends, catch live shows, walk outdoors, watch TV—mostly sports or RuPaul’s Drag Race, and nap whenever I can.”

And when asked to define what empowerment really means to her?

“Empowerment is having a sense of possibility and capability.”

It’s a definition she not only believes in but lives out every day.


Dr. Kelly Drummond
Director of Human Resources

Dr. Kelly Drummond didn’t just find her way into human resources, she answered a calling. What began as a summer job with the Urban League in Richmond, Virginia blossomed into a life of service, strategy, and leadership.

“I helped students secure internships and employment, and I fell in love with supporting people’s career paths,” she says.

From that early experience, Kelly was drawn to roles that connect individuals to opportunity. Her professional journey came full circle when she returned to the very office where she got her start, now as the City’s Director of Human Resources.

“My first professional job after college was as an HR Technician in Civil Service at the City of Knoxville. I sat at the front desk, helped people fill out job applications, and answered their questions about employment with the City. I saw firsthand how much it meant for someone to be hired into a stable good paying job and I got to be part of that process. Now, to lead the HR Department in that same space is incredibly meaningful.”

But Kelly’s commitment goes far beyond her day job.

“I’m a true HR enthusiast, even outside of work, I’m studying, reading, and sharpening my skills,” she says. “HR isn’t just compliance, it’s about creating an environment where employees feel fulfilled and engaged.”

At the heart of her leadership are the women who’ve inspired her.

“Dr. Lisa Hurst taught me to keep growing. Dr. Bertice Berry helped me believe in myself. Tammy White showed me the value of servant leadership. Their mentorship has shaped who I am. I am deeply grateful for the impact they have had on my career and development”

When it comes to building a career in government or HR, Kelly encourages women to lead with purpose.

“This work is fundamentally about serving others. Our role is to contribute to building stronger, more vibrant communities, which ultimately benefits future generations. It's essential to approach this work with a servant's heart and a clear sense of purpose, rather than solely for financial gain or power. I find immense fulfillment in my role because I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Government work is about paying it forward and creating lasting change.”

One of Dr. Drummond’s proudest achievements as Human Resources Director has been leading the effort to update the City’s compensation policies and make the workforce more competitive. The changes addressed a long-standing challenge, many employees had gone over a decade without significant pay adjustments.

“I am deeply grateful for the Mayor's commitment to making our city an employer of choice,” Dr. Drummond says. “Her support enabled us to implement crucial changes, including the elimination of the requirement that all new employees start at entry-level pay.”

That policy shift marked a turning point for the City of Knoxville’s hiring efforts.

“This change allows us to attract stronger candidates by offering salaries that are more in line with market standards,” she says.

It’s a milestone that reflects Dr. Drummond’s belief that strategic human resources leadership has the power to shape not only a better workplace, but a stronger city. Her sense of balance comes from a mix of soul-soothing and real-world responsibility.

“My 13-year-old dog, Leo Mufasa, keeps me grounded. He doesn’t care how stressful my day was, he just needs love and attention. I also treat myself to monthly massages and live music. It’s how I reset.”

When asked to define leadership, her answer is clear.

“Leadership is about empowering others to grow and become their best selves.”

And that’s exactly what she does for her team, her colleagues, and the City she proudly serves.

Together, Dr. Drummond, Lakenya Middlebrook, and Rachel Butzler exemplify the strength and compassion that drive Knoxville forward. Their stories reflect the broader impact of women in leadership across the City, who bring insight to every department and initiative. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor not only these three outstanding leaders, but all the women across City government who are shaping policy, improving services, and building a stronger, more inclusive Knoxville for generations to come.