Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett issued the following statement Thursday morning asking Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation CEO Gloria Ray, as well as the KTSC Board leadership and executive committee, to resign.

“It is now obvious that a serious change is needed in the leadership of the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation.  The KTSC is an organization that receives millions each year in Knox County tax dollars, and I have lost confidence in the organization’s leaders.  Worse, they have lost the public’s trust.  Gloria Ray should resign.  The KTSC Board leadership, as well as the KTSC Executive Committee should do the same.

“Additionally, I am asking the state comptroller to review KTSC’s financial books.  With the amount of taxpayer dollars KTSC receives, and in light of recent revelations, this is the appropriate action.

“Too many times those who cause problems are the ones who are expected to fix them, but that is not how things should work.  The problem must be eliminated, and you have to be willing to clean house, if you truly want to move forward.  We are at that point now, and it is time for these individuals to step down and begin the process of restoring transparency and, ultimately, public trust.

“In order to help move this process in the right direction, I will be appointing Knox County Commission Chairman Mike Hammond and local business woman Susan Rothchild to the KTSC Board to fill two vacant seats.

“There are many good people on the KTSC Board who have been kept in the dark, and they need to be given the chance to do their job.  At the end of the day, though, public confidence must be restored.”

"I appreciate everyone coming because it is easier to answer all of your questions at once than do individual interviews.

The recent revelations about Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation have raised questions about the organization and its role with the City.

Let me start by saying that tourism is an important economic driver for our city and KTSC has been an integral partner in that effort. KTSC has an existing contract with the City under which they have delivered valuable work. I know many of the good people there - both on the board and on staff. They work very hard and are committed to promoting the City and all of its assets. Let's not lose sight of this as we move forward.

However, in focusing on the stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I have many concerns. I have already stated that the pay and compensation package for President and CEO Gloria Ray is excessive.

In light of recent documents, I believe that the compensation is not consistent with what this community expects for an organization heavily-funded by taxpayer dollars.

To restore confidence in this critically-important organization and its mission, I recommend that Gloria Ray resign; and I am asking that the executive committee, who had oversight of Ms. Ray's compensation, also step aside and that the board take appropriate action to review all issues that have been raised."