KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Area Urban League said its CEO and president has resigned.
Charles Lomax Jr. has served as KAUL's CEO for nearly two years after taking on the role in Dec. 2022. On Wednesday, he told WBIR 10News that he informed the non-profit's board of directors earlier this week about his intent to leave the organization.
KAUL said Lomax resigned to "pursue other opportunities."
"Dr. Lomax has been a dedicated leader, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his service and contributions to both the organization and the greater Knoxville community," KAUL said.
The board accepted his resignation Wednesday and said it appointed Avice Reid as interim president and CEO.
"Reid, a Knoxville native, is a longtime community advocate and expert communicator. Her extensive experience includes leadership roles with the Tennessee Valley Authority as a senior project manager and the City of Knoxville as senior director of community relations and executive director of the Police Advisory and Review Committee," KAUL said.
The board said it will create a search committee to find a new permanent CEO.
Lomax took over KAUL's helm after its longtime CEO and president, Phyllis Nichols, retired in 2022 after leading the organization for two decades. Lomax previously served as Knoxville's Community Empowerment Director, where he helped launch the city's first youth council.
KAUL recently wrapped up its annual Shoes for School event on Saturday. Lomax said the event was a big success after KAUL doubled the amount of shoes it gave out to kids this year compared to 2023.
"Obviously there's a need in our community, but I'm grateful that we're in a position that we're able to help meet that need. And so I'm excited about the growth that we've seen," he said.