Meet the 2026 Officer Candidates

Pictured above (from left to right, top to bottom): Jason Liggins, Latisha Simmons, Ginny Bumpus, Mike Murphy, Mandee Keith, Tripp McCallie, Emily Brewer, and Steve Smalling

President: Jason Liggins

I joined the Chattanooga Track Club in 2009 and have served the organization in nearly every corner of leadership, including Director, Secretary, Vice President of Membership, and President in 2020. Returning to the role again in 2025, I bring a deep love for the club and the Scenic City’s running community, always focused on strengthening connections and elevating every runner’s experience. I also have the pleasure of serving as Race Director for the historic Chickamauga Chase. During the race season, you will find me cheering, volunteering, or running at local events.

President elect: latisha simmons

My name is Dr. Latisha Simmons, and I am a Chattanooga native. I started running in 2015 to lose weight. I started slowly by using the Couch25K app. I eventually worked my way up to running 3 miles without stopping. My employer was a sponsor of the inaugural Chattanooga Marathon, and I ended up training and running my first half marathon in 2016. I really enjoy running and it is an important part of my life. Running provides many physical, mental and social benefits. However, as a licensed clinical social worker, I understand the importance of mental wellness and consider running a part of my personal mental health care routine. I was a prior CTC board member and secretary but had to step away for a few years while I was in graduate school to obtain my doctorate degree. After earning my degree, I returned to the board in 2025. I am ready to return in 2026 continuing the great work the CTC does in the running community and beyond! 

VP of communications: Ginny Bumpus

I have been running for over 20 years since joining my high school track team and have never looked back. I first found out about the track club when I moved to Chattanooga and was looking for running groups in the area. Over the years I have run several CTC sponsored races and met some wonderful members. I like enjoying my runs, and will take pictures, joke with the volunteers, and cheer on the competitive runners while I’m running. I have been on the Board of Directors for two years and have been managing the Club’s social media since April of ’24. I look forward to taking on this new role and continuing to serve our amazing running community.

VP of Development: Mike Murphy

Although I had run several races before, I didn’t really fall in love with running until 2020 when I started focusing on my health. I began training for some Fall ’21 half marathons, and joined the CTC. Since then, I have lost over 100 lbs. and raced 2 marathons, 10 half marathons, and was even featured in Runner’s World. Running has completely changed my life over the last few years, and the greatest benefit has been the community. I have served on the board of directors for two years, and I aim to help grow the community, and give back to the sport that has given me so much.

VP of Membership: Mandee Keith

I started running with my dad at 11 and haven’t stopped chasing miles since (well… except for a little break called “life”). What started as a way to get active again turned into a journey of better health, amazing friends, and countless finish lines—from 5Ks to 50-milers! Running gives me clarity, community, and plenty of reasons to smile. I first joined this club as a kid and came back as an adult—so thankful for the friendships, motivation, and shared miles it’s brought me. Excited to keep welcoming new members and spreading the joy of running together!

VP of Races: Tripp McCallie

Tripp McCallie serves as the Chattanooga Track Club’s Vice President of Races and is a dedicated Race Team Captain. A longtime CTC member and former Runner of the Year, Tripp brings unmatched experience, steady leadership, and genuine passion for the sport to every event he touches. His commitment to excellence and love for the Scenic City running community make him an invaluable part of the club.

Secretary: Emily Brewer

I began my running journey in 2013, starting with a few color run 5k races. Before I knew it, I was moving up distances as a way to challenge myself. I was training for my second marathon in 2017 when I discovered the Chattanooga Track Club and Saturday group long runs. I found unmatched community in those long runs, proving over and over again that runners are simply the best. I would be thrilled at the opportunity to continuing serving this running community as Secretary and do my part to continue pushing forward the mission of the Chattanooga Track Club. 

Treasurer: Steve Smalling

Steve Smalling is the Chattanooga Track Club’s current Treasurer and a former Race Director of the Raccoon Mountain Road Race. A steady and dependable presence within the club, Steve is also a frequent volunteer who can always be counted on to step in where needed. His experience, reliability, and commitment to service make him an essential part of the CTC leadership team.