House Joint Resolution 889 confirms the appointment of Dr. Elaine Swafford to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as appointed by Governor Bill Lee. Dr. Swafford, a seasoned educator with over forty years of experience, currently serves as the CEO of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Tennessee's first all-girls public charter STEM school. Her extensive background includes roles as executive principal of the Howard School of Academics and Technology, Area II Superintendent for the Hamilton County Department of Education, and Vice President of Student Affairs at Chattanooga State Community College. She has also been instrumental in founding the Chattanooga Preparatory School and establishing the first public charter Montessori elementary school in the area.

The resolution highlights Dr. Swafford's active involvement in the community, including her leadership roles in various organizations such as Leadership Tennessee and the Chattanooga Downtown Rotary. According to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-9-501, the governor's appointees to the advisory board must be confirmed by the general assembly, which is the purpose of this resolution. Dr. Swafford's term on the advisory board will expire on June 30, 2029.