Jeff Welch has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Knoxville-Knox County Planning by Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.  

Welch has worked for Knoxville-Knox County Planning and the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) for the past 37 years and has more than 40 total years of experience in the field of planning. 

“Welch has been a leader in this field for nearly 4 decades,” Mayor Kincannon said. “Over the years, he has served as Deputy Director and Interim Director of Planning. He has also overseen several regional mobility plans and transit studies. I am confident he will continue to guide us toward smart growth in Knoxville.” 

“I am excited that Jeff has taken this position,” Mayor Jacobs said. “With his years of service, many in leadership positions, Jeff has the experience and skills to oversee Planning’s day-to-day operations and help ensure the success of long-term projects like Advance Knox.” 

“I am excited to accept this position and to continue working with Knoxville and Knox County in a new but familiar capacity,” Welch said. “I have dedicated my career to these communities, and look forward to coordinating the important work our agency does for each.”   

Welch earned a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Tech, a Master of Science-Engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and a graduate of Leadership Knoxville and East Tennessee Regional Leadership. 

Welch will begin his new role Sept. 6, following the departure of Amy Brooks, who will be the City’s new Chief Housing Officer.