Mayor Indya Kincannon has promoted two members of her staff into new senior roles: Rebekah Jane Justice will serve as Chief of Urban Design and Development, and Cheryl Ball will serve as Chief Policy Officer.
“Cheryl brings to the table 30 years of invaluable experience – about half of that in the private sector, and half in the non-profit community,” Mayor Kincannon said. “Her unique blend of perspectives and her deep knowledge of how Knoxville works will serve Cheryl well as we enact and improve effective, equitable policies for a growing Knoxville.”
Kincannon, meanwhile, said the focus of Justice’s Urban Design and Development team will be expanding economic opportunities, enhancing public spaces, and increasing connectivity.
“We all want Knoxville to grow, but more importantly, we need to do it the right way,” Kincannon said. “With intentionality and vision, everyone can have access to opportunities. We all can share in the prosperity. And all our neighborhoods can enjoy a healthier, more robust quality of life.
“RJ is well-suited to her new role. She has a proven track record of creating great public spaces in Knoxville – and the best is still to come.”
Justice has been involved in the local design and development community for more than 15 years. She started at the City in 2017 as the first Urban Wilderness Coordinator, then transitioned to serve as the Deputy Economic Development Officer in 2020.
“Being a part of Mayor Kincannon’s team in this role is a chance to continue the momentum of so many impactful projects for Knoxville,” Justice said. “We have a great opportunity in our city to embrace the opportunities as well as the challenges of growth through good design, partnerships and utilizing strategic tools and resources.”
Justice graduated with a master’s degree from the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia. She also is an alumni of the University of Tennessee.
Ball has three decades of experience with business operations, strategic planning, marketing communications strategy and stakeholder development. She also has owned and operated her own company.
She joined the City administration in November 2021 as Deputy Economic and Community Development Officer. Ball has worked on economic development, spearheaded policy initiatives that continue to advance City goals, and helped coordinate community outreach with residents, stakeholders, community partners and business leaders.
“I’m excited to be coordinating policy initiatives,” Ball said. “This is a really important, pivotal time in our city. Retaining the special character of Knoxville while also looking forward is critical during the growth we are experiencing.
“Today’s policies can shape the future of our city. If we are intentional and thoughtful, a great city can do many great things, all at the same time.”
Prior to joining the City, Ball led the Community Schools initiative for the Great Schools Partnership and then the Knox Education Foundation.
Ball earned an MBA from the University of Tennessee and has a bachelor’s degree in communications media/public relations with a minor in marketing from Appalachian State University.
