At the City of Chattanooga, a five-member team of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alumni are working behind the scenes to turn funding opportunities into community impact. Together, they form the Office of Grants and Opportunities, a division created in 2022 to expand grant funding capacity, strengthen compliance and help city departments and nonprofit partners deliver life-changing projects for residents.
Leading the team is Chelsea Sadler (’11, ’14), who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UTC in communication and public administration. She began her city career as an intern in 2014 and later became the City’s first Director of Grants and Opportunities.
“Knowing that this office will outlast me one day and that I helped create something that will outlast me makes me proud,” Sadler said. “Our team was created to increase grant funding and capacity for the City of Chattanooga. We work closely with Mayor Kelly’s team and all City departments to identify opportunities and partners, ensuring projects operate correctly so residents can benefit.”
Chelsea’s leadership has guided the team through complex projects, including managing $38.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Those efforts directed resources to more than 30 local nonprofits addressing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. “We saw affordable housing being built, first responders learn new languages to better serve their communities and mental health services being provided to families for the first time,” Sadler said. “All because we were able to support our external partners.”
That sense of community connection runs deep for every member of the office.
Khadesha Gordon (‘24), Grants Coordinator and Chattanooga native, said her commitment to public service is deeply tied to her upbringing. “As a native, my commitment to public service is rooted in my upbringing here,” she said. “Our team works to support the incredible organizations on the front lines. While we may not always be visible, we take a lot of pride in being an engine that helps power their success.”
Khadesha, who studied Applied Leadership through UTC’s LEAP program for working adults, praised the flexibility that allowed her to balance work, school and parenthood. “It was the perfect practical solution that made pursuing my degree possible,” she said. “My degree in leadership gave me the practical tools to serve teams and guide them toward a common goal.”
Shelby Glover (‘18, ‘24), another Grants Coordinator, echoed that spirit of service. “It’s always a benefit to work with people from Chattanooga who want to see this community grow and be better,” she said. Glover, who earned both her undergraduate and MPA degrees at UTC, has helped lead the City’s implementation of Amplifund grant management software, an effort that earned the team the Innovation Champion Impact Award at Euna Solutions’ 2025 Eunaverse Conference.
Shelby also points to her professors as foundational mentors. “Dr. (Kody) Cooper really challenged me to think outside the box,” she said. “And during my graduate career, Dr. (Chris) Acuff was instrumental. His mentorship helped me become president of the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) student chapter and even secure a scholarship through TCMA (Tennessee City Management Association).”
For Natalie Nichols Schachle (’20), Grants Writer, her connection to civic engagement began early. “I was born and raised in Chattanooga,” she said. “Classes in government and economics helped mold my perspective of civic function and gave me a sense of purpose.”
Natalie has since played key roles in securing major federal and state grants, including funding for community violence prevention, economic revitalization and infrastructure projects. “UTC helps foster a strong sense of community and collaboration,” she said. “Those are legacies we carry into our work as public servants.”
The team’s efforts have brought millions in resources to Chattanooga neighborhoods, nonprofits and residents. Douglas Pennington (‘85), a Grant Accountant, said what motivates him most is seeing that impact firsthand. “Working with grants allows you to see the direct impact of your work on others,” he said. “It’s great working with other UTC alums. I believe we have deeper ties with the community and a greater desire to serve Chattanooga.”
Douglas, who grew up in East Brainerd and studied accounting at UTC, takes pride in the City’s commitment to using ARPA funding to help communities recover from the pandemic. “Under Mayor Kelly’s leadership, that money was given back to the communities to offset the chaos and trauma due to COVID,” he said.
Whether it’s leading a new office, coordinating relief funds or helping local organizations navigate complex grant processes, each team member brings UTC’s spirit of service to city government.
“I spent six years of my young adulthood at UTC,” Chelsea said. “My time there molded me in preparation for doing exactly what I love today. It fills me with pride knowing that the work I do often impacts students, faculty and staff at UTC — whether it’s through grant-funded partnerships on campus or projects happening in their neighborhoods. It feels full circle.”