KNOXVILLE – “It is with mixed emotions, but also with a great sense of pride and
accomplishment, that I announce I have stepped down as president and CEO of the
Knoxville Area Urban League.”
As he leaves to pursue other opportunities, Dr. Charles Lomax will leave a deep
footprint and large shoes to fill as he steps down from his leadership role. In the two
years, under his leadership, the Urban League has seen phenomenal growth and
change in many areas, including the revitalization of the Young Urban League
Professionals. The program is part of the National Urban League’s network of young
professionals who lift up others in the areas of leadership development, economic
empowerment and community volunteerism averaging more than 1,600 community
hours yearly.
Another venture was this year’s 20th annual Shoes for School project; the most
successful to date, drawing more than 6,500 children and family members to a free
resource fair giving away more than 1,750 pairs of shoes and back-to-school needs. A
servant leader, a member of the prestigious class of Leadership Knoxville 2021, and a
master in community empowerment, Lomax also wears another important title; that of
Reverend. He has served for many years as pastor of St. John’s Missionary Baptist
Church in Alcoa. The Urban League will assemble a search team to find a replacement
for the Knoxville native and longtime servant leader. Avice Reid will serve as interim
president during the search.
their leader, the Rev. Dr. Charles Lomax. (Photo submitted)
