After nearly three years serving as the City of Knoxville’s Community Empowerment Director, Charles F. Lomax Jr. is stepping down to become the President and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Charles to continue to use his skill set to make a difference in our city,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “I am so thankful for his commitment to equity, empowerment, and fostering partnerships in Knoxville. I wish him the best of luck and I know we will continue to work together in the future.”

“I will always be grateful for Mayor Kincannon’s faith in me and the opportunity to serve as a part of her administration,” Lomax said. “While I will miss my team at the City, I am excited to embark upon this journey and to serve our community in this new capacity. I look forward to working alongside the staff and board of the Knoxville Area Urban League as we empower communities and change lives.”

During his time with the City, Lomax has championed the Empower Knox initiative, helped launch the City’s first Youth Council, and has been instrumental in the formation and progress of the African American Restoration Equity Task Force.

Prior to joining the Kincannon administration Lomax ran for Knoxville City Council, worked for the Knoxville Leadership Foundation, and he earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Emory University.  

Lomax’s leadership has been recognized across the region as he was recently named the MLK Commission's Diversity Champion Award winner, he is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Knoxville, and he was named to the Knoxville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

His last day with the Kincannon Administration will be Dec. 9, 2022.