The best thing about being a reporter in Chattanooga for the past 15 years has been the people and their stories.

Chloé here and today is my last day with NOOGAtoday. That also means it’s my last day in journalism, which is the only career I’ve ever had.

I’ve heard stories of people’s joy and hope, like when Karol Brigham was preparing to open Food Truck Alley, or when local entrepreneur Kristina Mallo shared about her business in this quick, quirky Q&A.
I’ve seen heartbreak, like when Cheeburger Cheeburger crumbled along with the owners’ 18 years of hard work, or when the tornado leveled East Brainerd last year.
I’ve covered murder trials and learned more about the automotive and logistics industry than I thought possible.

Now, I have a dream opportunity to work with a local nonprofit I’ve covered and admired for years, The Company Lab, and I’m going for it.

So, I just want to say thank you — thank you to every person who tweeted me, spoke to me, or read something I’ve written.

Thank you to the ghosts of startups past for Nooga.com and the priceless life and professional experiences that the company gave me.

Thank you 6AM City for serving as a great last leg for my journalism run.

To Trista, Brianna, Sean, and Adam — who I worked beside in differing capacities with Nooga.com and NOOGAtoday — thank you for teaching me, laughing with me, and supporting me. The term “coworkers” doesn’t even begin to describe our connection, and I’m grateful we get to carry on our friendships outside of work.

This transition is easier than most because I couldn’t leave NOOGAtoday in more fitting hands. Trista and new editor Brianna Williams are some of the finest, most curious, creative, and Chattanooga-loving people I know, and I can’t wait to see the newsletter as a consumer.

I’m grateful to continue serving my city and thrilled to keep hearing and sharing Chattanooga stories, and — who knows — maybe NOOGAtoday will let me send in a Voices piece every now and then?