Retired AllianceBernstein chief operating officer Jim Gingrich announces run for Nashville mayor

Jim Gingrich, the former chief operating officer of investment management firm AllianceBernstein, announced a run for Nashville mayor.

Gingrich is one of the first to announce his campaign after Nashville Mayor John Cooper bowed out of a campaign for a second term leaving the door wide open for the race.

Council members Sharon Hurt and Freddie O'Connell and economic development veteran Matt Wiltshire announced their campaigns prior to Cooper's decision while former educator Natisha Brooks announced her intent but had not yet appointed a treasurer.

Who is running:Nashville mayoral election 2023: With John Cooper out, here's who's running

“I am running for Mayor of Nashville because I love this city and with the right vision and plan, we can take control of the chaotic, unrestrained growth that’s threatening the soul of our community," Gingrich said in a statement.

Gingrich pointed to Nashville's lack of affordable housing, infrastructure, underfunded schools, crime and increased traffic as the largest issues facing the city.

"Unchecked, these issues affect our everyday lives and threaten the soul of our community. But I have a long track record of getting big things done in the face of skepticism," he said in the news release.

Related:Who else could run for Nashville mayor? Let the speculation begin.

In two decades at AllianceBernstein, Gingrich said he managed thousands of people at more than 50 offices and had oversight on a multi-billion dollar budget. He retired from the company in 2020.

"Our campaign will be about bringing forth substantive ideas to make Nashville a stronger place for every family to live and work in," he said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mayor: Jim Gingrich, retired AllianceBernstein chief, to run