Cempa Community Care Invites Community To Take Strides Against HIV And AIDS

Cempa Community Care and the Chattanooga CARES Foundation invite community members to take strides against HIV in the organization’s 26th annual fundraising event, Strides of March.

Cempa encourages participants to take strides wherever they are in the greater Chattanooga area, whether it is downtown, along the Riverwalk, in Hixson, Ooltewah or Brainerd — or even from the couch.

“The Chattanooga CARES Foundation has been fighting HIV and AIDS for more than 30 years, providing care for people living with HIV,” says Cempa CEO Shannon Stephenson.

“Join us throughout the month of March, count your strides and give back.”

Strides of March raises thousands of dollars each year that help provide care for those with HIV, hepatitis C and other STIs in our community. 

Cempa will hold a virtual ceremony at noon on Saturday, March 27, to celebrate the strides made in the treatment and prevention of HIV in the community. 

Participants can make their steps significant, dedicating the first 762 steps for Tennesseans newly diagnosed with HIV, 17,344 steps for people living with HIV in Tennessee today, or 10,580 steps to celebrate the number of people in Tennessee who are virally suppressed.

“We invite people to take their own strides and count steps, whether it’s a 5K, 10K or just walking 10,000 steps in one day,” says Mitzi Ward, development & events coordinator at Cempa. “Since our very first walk 26 years ago, we’ve made incredible strides in care, prevention, and treatment for people living with HIV in this region. We are so thankful for our community and their continued support.”

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Robert Morris

Robert Morris serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Cempa Community Care, where he drives organizational alignment, strategic execution, and a mission-driven culture. Since joining Cempa as a Senior Strategic Advisor in June 2025, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future-ready structure, advancing leadership development, and guiding operational transformation. 

Robert brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across healthcare, aerospace and defense, utilities, and nonprofit sectors. His career includes senior roles at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he served as Senior Strategic Advisor, Director of Communications Operations, and Senior Manager of Nuclear Materials, as well as Vice President of Program Management & Supply Chain at AAR Corporation. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for translating strategy into execution, leading large-scale transformations, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. 

Deeply committed to service, Robert has dedicated his leadership beyond the workplace. He served as Chair of Cempa’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025, and has held leadership positions with the American Red Cross, Thrive Alabama, and the City of Huntsville’s Human Relations Commission. He is also a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and currently serves as President-Elect of the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association. 

Morris earned an Executive Bachelor of Business degree from Faulkner University and has completed executive leadership programs with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. 

Guided by his personal whyto approach each day with empathy, curiosity, and purpose, cultivating a culture where genuine belonging fuels excellence and empowers everyone to thrive—Robert lives out the Cempa values as a compass for every decision, action, and interaction. Compassion means meeting people with empathy, seeing them fully as they are. Empowerment provides patients and staff with the tools to thrive and grow. Excellence pushes the organization to raise the bar every day. Integrity calls leaders to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Unity reminds everyone that Cempa is strongest when it stands together. These values are not slogans—they are lived commitments to the community and to every person Robert encounters.