December 22, 2006 - Today, Mayor Bill Haslam announced that Madeline Rogero will join his administration as Director of Community Development. "I'm thrilled that Madeline is joining our team, she brings great strengths to this job" said Mayor Haslam. "Madeline knows the issues well and she is sensitive to the needs of our community."

Haslam added, "Madeline will be able to step into an important piece of city government and can immediately help us determine how we best use our federal dollars to benefit our community."

"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve the city and Mayor Haslam in the area of community development," said Rogero. "I believe that strong neighborhoods are the backbone of strong cities. I look forward to working together, seeking input and putting a plan into action."

Rogero is a strong neighborhood activist. She served two terms on County Commission and has remained active in the community, serving on various boards including the city's Knoxville Transportation Authority and the South Waterfront Oversight Committee.

Most recently Rogero has worked as a consultant for corporate, nonprofit and government clients. She provided services that include program and policy development, facilitation, government and community relations, strategic planning, community collaborations and leadership development. Previously Rogero served as Executive Director of several nonprofits including Knoxville's Promise, the Dollywood Foundation and the Community Partnership Center.

Rogero has extensive experience in community economic development and a Master's Degree in planning. All of these experiences make her uniquely qualified to do this job.

The Community Development Department will remain under the leadership of Larry Martin, Deputy to the Mayor and Finance Director.

"I appreciate Madeline's willingness to take on the challenge of leading the Community Development department at this time," said Martin. "She is committed to the Mayor's agenda of strengthening our neighborhoods and making sure all funds available, whether it's city, state or federal dollars are used in the best way possible to enhance our city."

Mayor Haslam is personally committed to making sure that we are strategic and wise in the use of all public monies, and that dollars targeted for low to moderate income neighborhoods help the most people in the best way.