Kingsport Fills Two Key Positions
The City of Kingsport has filled the Economic Development Director and Assistant to the City Manager positions.
As Economic Development Director, Jason Hudson supports City Manager Chris McCartt and works closely with the city’s Development Coordinator, Nathan Woods, to advance Kingsport’s economic development efforts.
Originally from Kingsport, Hudson joins the city after more than 23 years in the Navy and 18 years of human resources leadership experience. He retired as a commander in 2016 and continued his career in human resources as a Regional HR Director for a Tier I/II automotive company and as an HR consultant. He brings an emphasis on strategic planning, recruiting, training, and workforce development to his position as Economic Development Director.
“It is an exciting time to join the Kingsport team,” Hudson said. “Our city has a storied history, and I look forward to helping our local talent start and grow their initiatives while attracting new businesses, jobs and residents to share in our outstanding quality of life.”
Hudson has a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt, as well as three master’s degrees: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Christopher Newport University); National Security and Strategic Studies (Naval War College); and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship/Innovation (University of Tennessee).
New Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Harmon acts as a proxy and assists McCartt across many arenas.
Harmon has served as a planner for the City of Kingsport since May of 2016, and previously served both Johnson City’s and Bristol’s planning departments. Her time as Senior Planner and later as Principal Planner has included work across a number of city boards and commissions, as well as assisting citizens and revising regulations to make them user-friendly and modern.
“Working for the community that raised me has been such an honor,” Harmon said. “I want to grow with the city, both professionally and personally.”
Harmon holds a bachelor’s degree from UT in political science and a Masters of Public Administration from East Tennessee State University. She is also a recent graduate of the Leadership Kingsport program and currently serves as Chair for the Youth Leadership Program with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.
“These two roles are an integral part of my vision for Kingsport since I stepped into the city manager job in July,” McCartt said. “We’re looking forward and stand ready to push our city into a great next year.”
