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Cempa Community Care Welcomes Dr. Brooke Epperson and Dr. Reginald Smith to Its Board of Directors

New and returning members bring deep expertise in healthcare, education, and community leadership to further Cempa’s mission.

Cempa Community Care announced today the appointment of Dr. Brooke Epperson, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, and the return of Dr. Reginald F. Smith II, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing health equity and access across the Chattanooga region.

About Dr. Epperson

Dr. Brooke Epperson currently serves as Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) School of Nursing. With nearly two decades of clinical nursing experience and a decade as a nurse educator, she has worked across diverse healthcare settings, including critical care, emergency nursing, and labor and delivery. Her leadership as Principal Investigator on a federally funded HRSA grant underscores her dedication to preparing future nurses to serve diverse communities.

Beyond her academic and clinical expertise, Dr. Epperson is deeply involved in professional and civic service. She is the current President of the Tennessee Nurses Association District 4 and has long been active in mentoring youth through local recreation programs.

About Dr. Smith

Dr. Reginald Smith is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. A respected nonprofit executive and educator, Dr. Smith has dedicated his career to empowering underserved communities through education, leadership, and advocacy. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director of The Bethlehem Center, where he led a period of transformative growth focused on youth development and family empowerment.

A Chattanooga “20 Under 40” honoree and Leadership Chattanooga graduate, Dr. Smith holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Johnson University. He also serves as an adjunct professor in UTC’s College of Public Service and Political Science, helping to shape the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

“Both Dr. Epperson and Dr. Smith exemplify the kind of leadership that drives Cempa forward,” said Dr. Shannon Burger, CEO of Cempa Community Care. “Their professional accomplishments and commitment to community service perfectly reflect the heart of Cempa’s mission. We are grateful for their expertise and excited to welcome them to our board.”

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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 why—to 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.