By Camm Ashford
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announced last week that longtime radio personality and media expert Eric Foster has been named the new Public Information Officer (PIO) for the city’s Department of Public Works.
“Eric has already spent decades serving our community on our airwaves, and his media background, dynamic personality, and marketing and promotion skills will complement the Department of Public Works well,” said Mayor Kelly.
“The fact is that most Chattanoogans’ experience with city government–from fixing a water main, to paving a street and picking up garbage, are with Public Works, yet the hard work of our crews is not often visible. Eric’s extensive knowledge of Chattanooga and his great communications skills will help spread awareness of all the great things Public Works is accomplishing.”
Before joining the city, Foster served for over 25 years as the program director and on-air personality at Brewer Media. He built a reputation not only for entertaining, but also for informing and empowering the Chattanooga community through his work in radio.
“In the media, it was my intention to not only entertain, but to inform and empower our community,” said Foster. “Now, I have a great and exciting opportunity to serve my city in a different capacity, and I’m extremely enthusiastic about this next chapter.”
Foster is a Chattanooga native, having graduated from Brainerd High School and continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Beyond his work in radio, Foster has made a lasting impact on the community, mentoring aspiring radio professionals and serving on numerous local boards, including the Board of Governors for Parkridge Medical Center.
Throughout his career, Foster has been recognized for his contributions to radio, including a nomination for the prestigious Marconi Award. These awards, presented annually by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), recognize outstanding achievement in the radio industry. Named after Guglielmo Marconi, the pioneer of wireless telegraphy, the Marconis are considered the highest honors in the field.
Foster has also worked in the Atlanta market, collaborating with notable figures such as Ludacris and Lil Jon, further enhancing his media expertise.