The City of Chattanooga officially recognized the dedication and significant contributions of Anthony O. Sammons, with Mayor Tim Kelly presenting a proclamation on June 17, declaring it “Anthony O. Sammons Day” in Chattanooga. The honor celebrates Sammons’ distinguished career in public service, which spans nearly two decades with the City of Chattanooga, culminating in his role as the Chief Equity Officer.
Mayor Kelly lauded Sammons’ impact, stating, “Tony Sammons is a truly great public servant who has served the City of Chattanooga with unwavering dedication since June 2006. He began his distinguished career as the Deputy Administrator of Neighborhood Services and Community Development in 2006, and completed his service under my administration as the Chief Equity Officer. His steadfast commitment to our city and its residents has left a lasting mark.”
The Mayor further expressed gratitude for Sammons’ investment in the growth and development of multiple City departments and countless City partnerships, which have significantly contributed to Chattanooga’s success.
“We are incredibly grateful for his years of service and the profound positive impact he has had on our community,” he said. “Thank you, Tony, for everything.”
Born and raised on Chattanooga’s Westside, Sammons returned to his hometown after a period away to begin his dedicated service to the city. He officially joined the City of Chattanooga in June 2006 as the deputy administrator of Neighborhood Services and Community Development, a position he held until March 2013. He continued to serve as administrator of the Department of Community Development before stepping into his most recent and impactful role.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the Chattanooga City Council approved Sammons’ appointment as Chief Equity Officer, Supplier Diversity for the City of Chattanooga. He succeeded Tamara Steward, the inaugural holder of the Chief Equity Officer title, a position established under Mayor Kelly’s administration to address socioeconomic disparities across the city.
Bringing over two decades of experience in government administration and community development to the Chief Equity Officer role, Sammons demonstrated a strong background in policy analysis, organizational development and public relations. His expertise in economic development, grant writing, volunteer management, strategic planning and event management proved crucial in his efforts to enhance community welfare, Mayor Kelly said.
Sammons is an alumnus of Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1980. During his time at TSU, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and famously served as the Head Drum Major for “The Aristocrat of Bands.”
He fondly recalls becoming a member of the band and fraternity, and graduating, but most of all “establishing new friendships that have grown over the years. Friends that have become family.”
Outside of his professional life, Sammons is a longtime member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, and remains passionate about fostering community engagement and collaboration, reflecting his deep-seated dedication to improving the lives of citizens in Chattanooga.