The communications director for Mayor Ron Littlefield, Michelle Michaud, has resigned, saying she wants to spend more time with her family.
The former TV anchor had been in the post two and a half years after being active in the Littlefield campaign.
She plans to work through May 19, when there will be a celebration to reopen City Hall after a major remodeling.
Mayor Littlefield said he has no plans to replace her at this time.
Matt Lea also works as an aide to the mayor.
In a letter to Mayor Littlefield posted Wednesday, Ms. Michaud said, “I am reluctant to leave you at mid-term, but I feel confident that what we have accomplished thus far will continue to flourish. I wish you and your administration nothing but the best for the next two years. Please count me in for any support you may need for your next term as mayor. I sincerely thank you for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of your team—but now, I have another team of which I need to be a member.”
“As you know, my husband is an extremely hard working and talented entrepreneur. During the time I have served your administration, his business has grown and expanded. Thus far, my sweet husband has been incredibly supportive of my work. To accommodate my hectic schedule, Rob has had to take care of the children and run the house. Many nights he sacrifices sleep and time with family to get his business work done. So now it is time for me to take a step back, return the support he has so graciously given me and take care of him, my two small children and elderly mother.”
Ms. Michaud said, “Serving you and the citizens of Chattanooga during the last two and a half years has been amazing. I’ve seen and experienced people and places beyond imagination. I have enjoyed learning about the inner workings of city government and politics. The knowledge I have gained about human nature, political strategy and the meat grinder we call politics has been incalculable. I’m sure I’ll draw upon my newfound wisdom for many years to come.
"I want to thank you for the opportunity to volunteer for you during your campaign for mayor of Chattanooga – that win was one of the highlights of my life. I’d also like to thank you for naming me as the first female to serve as communications director for the city of Chattanooga and for realizing the importance of having a media veteran serving in your cabinet.”
Mayor Littlefield said of Ms. Michaud, “She has been a total professional handling the difficult and demanding job of communication while juggling special assignments. She has been on task 24/7, fielding media inquiries and sending news releases even while on vacation. She will sincerely be missed, but I’m grateful that she will continue as my delegate on the Public Art Committee and as a volunteer on other projects she has time for.”