Tena King — business owner/coach and educator — joins new Gadsden mayor's team
Tena King — no stranger to the people of Gadsden — has been named director of city services for Mayor Craig Ford's administration.
King brings with her an extensive knowledge of nonprofit management and small business ownership, as well as grant writing, coaching, and training skills, according to the mayor.
"Tena is going to be an asset and complement to the mayor's office," said Ford. "She is great at working with people, policy, and procedures. Her strategic perspective will help us enhance city services and operate more efficiently."
King is the owner of King's Olive Oil Company, located downtown. Prior to being a small business owner, she worked in higher education at the University of Alabama’s Gadsden Center. She previously was the executive director of Anniston Community Education Foundation. She also worked for Project GRAD LA, the Los Angeles Educational Partnership, the C.I.T.Y Program of Etowah County, and Coosa Valley Youth Services.
“I am elated to be joining this team as I am a strong believer in the quote, ‘You can be part of the problem or part of the solution,’ which is why I am eager to begin work,” said King. “I am ready to do my part in helping Gadsden reach its fullest potential and being the best it can be. I am ready to be part of the solution or at least do my part in finding those solutions.
"Moreover, I have a passion for people and love to help communities improve one person, one business, or one group at a time," she said. "This opportunity allows me to carry forward that passion.”
King holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in political science, and a master’s degree in agency counseling, all from Jacksonville State University. She completed coursework for a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, which included a conflict resolution certification and management certificate.
King is a trainer for Jon Schallert’s Destination Creation Course, which allows her the opportunity to train business leaders in the process of turning a business, downtown or small town into a destination location. She is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership coach and speaker, seeking to motivate people to reach their full potential.
In 2014, King’s business was named Small Business of the Year by The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. In 2017, she won the United Way Excellence in Small Business Award, and in 2022, she won the Silver Award for Alabama Retailer of the Year.
She was also awarded the Heart of an Eagle award by the Boy Scouts of America in 2018.
King credits her ability to tell her story in business as the reason for her success and said she wants to apply the same concepts to the City of Gadsden.
In the community, she is active with United Way, where she served as president of the Board of Directors in 2019 and 2020. She is also active with The Chamber, where she served as president of the Board of Directors in 2019 and serves as co-leader of the Education Task Force.
She is the past president of the Etowah C.A.R.E.S. organization and currently, she serves on the board of directors for Downtown Gadsden Inc. She is a member of the advisory board for S.P.A.N., is active with the Rotary Club of Gadsdenwhere she serves on the executive committee and is a member of the Gadsden State Community College Margin of Excellence Committee.
Her hobbies include spending time with her husband, TC Morgan, and their Golden Doodle, Minkah. She also loves to read, travel, work out and watch Alabama football and basketball.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Small business owner appointed to new mayor's staff
