CHATTANOOGA — The board of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise accepted CEO Chris Thompson's resignation on July 8, 2026. Thompson will depart the organization in early fall 2026.

Thompson served as CEO for 16 months and is returning to Missouri to be closer to family members with age and health-related matters. "While I will miss my time at CNE and in Chattanooga, I must return home to prioritize my family in their time of need," Thompson said. "It has been a privilege to work in Chattanooga's amazing community and with the exceptional staff at CNE."

Andrew Leffler, board chair of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, said the board is forming a search committee to find the organization's next leader. "We are grateful for Chris Thompson's efforts at CNE," Leffler said. "He leaves our organization better organized and well positioned for success in the many years to come. We wish him and his family the best."

During Thompson's tenure, the organization partnered with a local church to develop approximately 100 units of affordable housing, a new church facility, and a new childcare facility. It also worked with Invest Chattanooga and Greater Tucker Baptist Missionary Church to build a mixed-income, mixed-age community on church property.

Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise created the Tennessee Valley Community Land Trust with other community partners and established Cascade Management Services, a property management company. The organization completed two CNE Homes and 48 units of multi-family housing.