High School Faculty
STEVE LEWIS
Principal
Since 2005, Steve Lewis has served in various roles at Chattanooga Central High School, including Assistant Principal, CTE Lead Administrator, Athletic Director, Lead School Counselor and more. He has been appointed by the Hamilton County Department of Education to the Truancy Task Force, Leadership Fellows 13, and PLA 7. His leadership has enhanced student engagement and success, fostered collaboration among team members, and created an overall supportive learning environment. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, including roles in framing, plumbing, heavy equipment operator, superintendent over multiple government projects and ownership of his own construction business, Lewis brings real-world knowledge to the Construction Career Center.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in School Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision, Lewis is committed to aligning the center’s curriculum with local workforce needs, expanding career opportunities in construction, and fostering partnerships. His vision for the Construction Career Center includes a continued focus on career readiness, industry connections, and a positive school climate supporting academic and personal growth.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a team dedicated to shaping our students’ futures by equipping them for successful careers. I firmly believe that our efforts will not only transform their lives today but will also create lasting opportunities for their future families,” Lewis said.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart shared, “We are excited to welcome Mr. Lewis into this position. His leadership and industry experience will help drive the success of our CTE programs, and I’m confident he will have a positive impact on our students and the Construction Career Center.”
JOHN YOUNGBERG
CTE Instructor
Mr. Youngberg comes from a teaching and construction industry background.
In High School, he attended vocational high school and he was involved in building 5 houses. By the time he graduated high school he could do concrete work, lay block, frame, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, trim carpentry, and operate heavy equipment.
He started his career building 160 houses for hurricane victims in the Dominican Republic at the age of 20. On returning to the States, he was hired by a commercial company, Hensel Construction, as an assistant superintendent and worked his way up to superintendent building upscale nursing homes. He then started his own company doing residential remodeling. This included working in Washington DC on historic renovation projects. At the age of 36, he went to graduate school to get a master’s degree in education. His first teaching job was with Dayton Public Schools (Ohio) as a teacher in their new Dayton Construction Academy. He worked with the district’s most challenging students to remodel a city block of houses from the rental slum to a beautiful residential community. Mr. Youngberg went on to teach in Chicago Public Schools in the inner city. He became a principal of two schools (remodeling both).
He left management to teach Construction Management courses at Southern Adventist University for 12 years. Now at the end of his career, he has returned to his original passion of working with students, helping them launch into exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in Construction.
He He holds a degree in Construction Management from Andrews University and an M.Ed. from Wright State University.
BRAD LAXTON
CTE Instructor
Mr. Brad Laxton graduated from Athens State University in Alabama and began his career in construction before transitioning into education. He joined Hamilton County Schools in 2009 at East Hamilton, where he taught History and served as an assistant wrestling coach. He then spent three years at East Ridge teaching Government and leading as Head Wrestling Coach, followed by ten years at Soddy Daisy teaching History and serving in both assistant and head wrestling coach roles.
A three-time high school wrestling state champion, he went on to wrestle at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Outside the classroom and the wrestling mat, he enjoys whitewater rafting, hunting, camping, fishing, and watching his kids play sports. He also has a fondness for good company, good beer, and the small circle of people he keeps close.
JACK NOBLIT
CTE Instructor
Mr. Jack Noblit was born and raised in the beautiful city of Chattanooga TN. He was a proud graduate of Red Bank High School in 2000 and went on to acquire his Bachelor Degree in Sociology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. During which, he began his career in the building industry. In 2016, he joined the staff at East Ridge High School, where he taught building trade courses and helped coach the wrestling team for the last 9 years. He is proud to be a new member of the wonderful staff at the Construction Career Center and contribute to the education of the next generation of builders in the Tennessee Valley.
ADRIENNE WHATLEY
Office Administrator
Adrienne Whatley has been with Hamilton County Schools since 2021, following a career in corporate America. She began her journey in the school system at Tyner Academy, where she served as the Family Partnership Specialist. A proud Tyner alumna, Adrienne had long volunteered at the school before officially joining the staff, making the transition a natural fit.
Adrienne became part of the Construction Career Center at its launch in 2022 and has served there since as Secretary. Working in a non-traditional school setting, her duties often go beyond standard expectations, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to supporting both students and staff.
Outside of her professional role, Adrienne is a proud mother of three daughters—ages 21, 20, and 20 (twins!)—all currently pursuing their college education. She and her husband also own and operate a family business, spending much of their time baking, catering, and decorating for parties and special events.