Chattanooga Native Named Executive Director of The Bethlehem Center
Chattanooga TN (WDEF)The Bethlehem Center, known locally as The Beth, has named Dr. Gerald Ware as its new executive director.
A Chattanooga native and former recipient of The Beth’s services, Ware brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, ministry, and coaching. For him, this role represents both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming.
“It is completely honest when I say, I am honored to be a part of The Beth’s history,” Ware said. “Having once been a recipient of the services just makes it all the more meaningful for me.”
A U.S. Navy veteran and Ph.D. graduate, Ware believes the center is more than just a building—it’s a place where lives are transformed one family at a time.
“To actually have a job at The Bethlehem Center and be the executive director, and to get to lead the next phase—the next chapter of The Beth’s journey—it’s more than I can put into words,” he said.
As he steps into his new role, Ware is focused on a vision that looks at the whole person—meeting material, spiritual, and economic needs while helping families build self-sustaining lives.
“A couple things are really important to me—helping people become self-sustaining in their life and their endeavors, not just materially but spiritually as well. We’re going to look at different ways to do that and add to what The Beth is already doing,” Ware explained.
With his passion, lived experience, and deep community ties, Dr. Ware is ready to guide The Bethlehem Center into a new chapter of hope, opportunity, and lasting impact for Chattanooga families.
