President and CEO
President and CEO
I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire career. From the private sector where I know what it means to start and grow a business in Memphis, to my years in the public sector, working to grow Memphis’ economy. No one will out-work my passion for my hometown. I expect greatness everyday and that starts with applying my experience, my network and leadership of a committed team with a shared belief system in making Memphis Greater. I will connect you with what makes Memphis special. I will share my vision with you so that you also will become a Memphis advocate and champion. You’ll come away with an understanding and fervor to plug in, be present in our success and articulate our community pride to the world. Unapologetically.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
FedEx
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Play tourist in Memphis
Commute-to-work time:
5 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2020
Contact me for:
If you’re seeking to fill your “Memphis Cup,” reach out and let’s have a conversation that will change the way you view the world through the prism of a region transformed … a Greater Memphis.
Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
"My professional voyage has been a dynamic exploration of politics, education, and community growth, each chapter instilled with a commitment to making a positive impact. It all began when I embarked on my academic journey, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, driven by a deep curiosity about the forces shaping our world. As my academic career at the University of Memphis reached its apex, I was honored to be selected for a pivotal role as a Tennessee State Legislative Intern for the House Education Chairman during my senior year. This experience not only gave me invaluable insights into the inner workings of government but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. Upon graduating, I eagerly jumped into the dynamic world of political campaigns, working tirelessly to support Tennessee House candidates. These campaigns provided me with a ringside view of grassroots democracy and the importance of community engagement. Recognizing the broader role that educational institutions play in community development, I transitioned to the University of Memphis' Economic Development + Government Relations office. Here, I honed my skills in forging partnerships and advocating for initiatives that fostered economic growth and community well-being. In 2021, I took the next exciting step in my professional journey by joining the GREATER team at the Greater Memphis Chamber. It's more than just a job; it's a privilege to promote a Greater Memphis every day. Here, I am part of a dynamic force driving economic development, workforce development, advocating for businesses, and championing the revitalization of our vibrant city. My professional background reflects my unwavering passion for civic engagement, community development, and the belief that each of us can be a catalyst for positive change. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Memphis, a city I am proud to call home."
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Overton Park Shell
Favorite home-grown business:
Wiseacre
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Support my local restaurants and shops
Commute-to-work time:
12 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Guidance Chamber initiatives, strategic planning, and navigating business development and community engagement for success.
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
"Nancy leads the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, a group of 180 corporate executives dedicated to growing economic prosperity in our region. With a strong commitment to civic involvement, Nancy has served on numerous boards, including the Executive Committee of LeMoyne Owen College, Memphis’ HBCU, and the founding board of Memphis Fourth Estate, a non-profit established to create and support the Daily Memphian. Nancy was recruited to the Chamber from New Memphis Institute, where she was president & CEO. While at New Memphis she received the Thomas Briggs Award in recognition of her exceptional initiative to make Memphis attractive to the best and brightest. She was also recognized in the inaugural cohort of Superwomen in Business and is a Top 40 under 40 awardee. She has served as vice president for Arts Memphis and as program officer with the Council on Global Affairs. Her work in international relations landed her on the cover of Newsweek as the face of “Generation Global.” Nancy has degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Chicago and wrote her undergraduate thesis at the London School of Economics. "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Collage Dance Collective
Favorite home-grown business:
FedEx
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Hike in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Commute-to-work time:
8 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact me for:
To be involved in our relentless pursuit of prosperity for all.
Director of Chairman’s Circle Engagement
Director of Chairman’s Circle Engagement
I worked in broadcast news for 28 years as an assignment editor, producer, executive producer, and news director. Started in Upstate NY, worked in Scranton, PA, and was excited to move to Memphis. The part I most enjoyed about covering news in Memphis for 16 years was giving tours of my adopted hometown to producer, reporter and anchor candidates. I love Memphis and I'm so happy to be working every day to help make Memphis greater!
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Tie: Annual RiverArts Fest & Annual Soul of the City Tour at Elmwood
Favorite home-grown business:
Dinstuhl's Fine Candies
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Visit a local festival or brewery
Commute-to-work time:
40 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2020
Contact me for:
Learning how to engage in the work of the Chairman's Circle.
President, Chamber Benefits, Inc.
President, Chamber Benefits, Inc.
I've had the pleasure of working with thousands of small business owners and middle market executives at metro chambers around the country during my 35-year chamber career. No matter the city, all business owners and executives have the same issues-reducing expenses, attracting and retaining skilled talent, growing market share, and solving regulatory issues affecting their business. If your business is having a challenge in any of these areas, or something else, my colleagues and I can provide you with the resources to solve the problems that get in the way of the growth of your enterprise.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Memphis Opera Company
Favorite home-grown business:
Stock & Belle
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Photography
Commute-to-work time:
I measure my commute in steps
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Reducing your business’s essential expenses.
Chief Communications Officer
Chief Communications Officer
As an Italian, Amy Daniels knows a thing or two about being loyal, perhaps that is why she is celebrating her 27th year at the Greater Memphis Chamber. Being loud about it and the city she and her family now call home, well, that comes naturally, too. Born in El Paso, Texas, and as most good Texans are, she was raised to be proud of where you come from. As Chief Communications Officer for the Chamber, Amy has the privilege of overseeing a range of responsibilities related to corporate communications, media relations, social media, public relations, investor relations, programming/events, and crisis communications. Throughout her tenure at the Chamber, Amy has had the honor of working with some of the best Memphis business leaders, movers & shakers, and on occasion a superhero or two. Amy is married to Doug Daniels, is mom to Cate Daniels, and is all things to her pup, Lucy Daniels.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Graceland
Favorite home-grown business:
Bella Vita
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Love spending time with my family, walking my dog, Lucy, and shopping!
Commute-to-work time:
22 Minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
1996
Contact me for:
Ways in how you can tell your story
Project Manager, Stakeholder Relations
Project Manager, Stakeholder Relations
I am what you call the "Chamber Cheerleader" I love people and I love my job. Greater Memphis Chamber is a key peace to this City. We are here to serve and help Small or Big Businesses. I bring my heart to the table every day at the Chamber rain, snow, or sleet we are always ready to help.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Memphis Grizzlies
Favorite home-grown business:
Rocking Nutrition
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Go to Marshalls
Commute-to-work time:
30 Minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact me for:
Grand openings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversaries — we do it all!
Director of Events
Director of Events
Planning and execution of events for Chamber or with partnering organizations
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Spend quality time with family
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
1999
Contact me for:
Chamber events or membership.
Project Manager, Member Programming
Project Manager, Member Programming
I marry the critical thinking of a media buyer to the consultative style of a business development professional, and I top it off with a drive to help position small businesses for success.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Collage Dance
Favorite home-grown business:
Independent Bank
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Reflect
Commute-to-work time:
25 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact me for:
Getting plugged into the Chamber's Small Business and Women's Business Councils.
Director of Marketing
Director of Marketing
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship
Favorite home-grown business:
FedEx
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Go Thrifting
Commute-to-work time:
12 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact me for:
All things marketing
Chief Economic Development Officer
Chief Economic Development Officer
"Gwyn Fisher, a native Memphian who has played a pivotal role in bringing jobs and investment to West Tennessee for more than a decade, became the chief economic development officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber in December 2022. In her role, she oversees economic development for the Chamber, which is the primary economic development organization for the Greater Memphis region. Fisher joins the Chamber at an exciting time for Greater Memphis, which had its best year ever for economic development in 2021, with more than 9,300 new jobs announced. A signature project – and one that Fisher worked on closely with the Chamber team – was Ford’s BlueOval City electric vehicle manufacturing campus, the single largest private investment in Tennessee history and in Ford’s history. Before joining the Chamber, Gwyn served as the Greater Memphis Regional Director of Economic and Community Development for the State of Tennessee from 2013-2022, with a four-county area that included Memphis. In that role, she focused on helping make Tennessee the No. 1 state in the Southeast for high-quality jobs and brought more than 23,600 jobs and $7 billion to the region. Prior to joining the state, Fisher was the founder and CEO of Revolution Strategy (2011-2013), helping government and community leaders form public-private partnerships, while also working for FedEx Express (2012-2013). Fisher previously served as the executive director of MPACT Memphis (2008-2011), which she built into one of the nation’s largest independent organizations for young professionals. She also developed and executed one of the nation’s largest grassroots surveys of young professionals, The Voice of MPACT, which was published and distributed by Contemporary Media. A graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and of Scripps College, Fisher has a long history of community involvement and currently serves on the following boards: River City Capital (chairwoman), Memphis Museum of Science & History (formerly Pink Palace), and the Delta Leadership Network’s Regional Advisory Council. Gwyn is also a graduate of Complete Tennessee Leadership Institute, Commissioner’s Leadership Academy, LEAD Tennessee, and Leadership Memphis, and is a member of the American Friends of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the West Tennessee District Export Council. "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
All our amazing festivals!
Favorite home-grown business:
I can't decide!
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Enjoy a beautiful Memphis sunset on the river
Commute-to-work time:
8 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact me for:
Anything related to doing business in the Digital Delta or throughout the Memphis region, and to learn about our shovel-ready sites or take a community tour.
Manufacturing Industry Council Director, Existing Business Consultant
Manufacturing Industry Council Director, Existing Business Consultant
I consider myself as the ultimate business professional. I sold television advertising and radio to businesses in Memphis for 27 years before I came to the Chamber in 2019. My role at the Chamber is to make sure that businesses have what they need to stay and grow in Memphis as a Manufacturing Industry Council Director and an Existing Business Consultant. This role gives me the opportunity to offer businesses resources without a financial ask. In addition, this role gives me the opportunity to connect companies with other local entities that will help them to build a strong talent pipeline for sustainability.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Southern Heritage Classic
Favorite home-grown business:
Curry and Jerk Jamaican Restaurant
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Binge watch Netflix
Commute-to-work time:
25-30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact me for:
Contact me if you are looking to grow the footprint of your business in Memphis.
Vice President, Economic Development
Vice President, Economic Development
Working in Economic Development for over 20 years and 17 of them at the Greater Memphis Chamber is the best job ever! It is very rewarding when you help a local company grow and thrive in Memphis and when you recruit a great company to call Memphis home. You know that, doing your job, you make a difference in the lives of Memphians. Also it is rewarding to work in the Greater Memphis MSA. I love getting to know the towns and, especially the people in our own backyard.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Memphis Zoo
Favorite home-grown business:
Feeling Memphis
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
NOTHING
Commute-to-work time:
3 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2006
Contact me for:
Looking for industrial sites in the Memphis MSA.
Vice President of Global Business Development
Vice President of Global Business Development
"As a seasoned Economic Development Professional, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Greater Memphis Chamber community. Over the course of my dynamic career, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the Memphis region. One of my most notable achievements has been the creation of a vibrant research and technology park within a prestigious local university. This endeavor was marked by a strategic vision to bridge academia and industry, cultivating an ecosystem where groundbreaking research could seamlessly translate into tangible, high-impact solutions. By fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and industry leaders, I successfully transformed this park into a thriving hub of innovation, propelling Memphis to the forefront of cutting-edge technology and research. My dedication to Memphis's economic advancement is deeply rooted in a passion for realizing its full potential. I firmly believe that our city possesses the infrastructure, human capital and advanced industries to become a prominent force in the global economic landscape. It is this belief that fuels my commitment to facilitating strategic growth initiatives and fostering an environment where innovation thrives. As a member of the Greater Memphis Chamber team, I look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals, businesses, and organizations to continue propelling our city toward a prosperous future. Together, we can harness the power of the Digital Delta to cement Memphis's position as a vibrant economic force. "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
Gibson Donuts
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Hang with my wife and kids
Commute-to-work time:
35 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact me for:
Site selection, relocation to Memphis, economic development information.
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
The Peabody Memphis lobby bar
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Ride or run trails
Commute-to-work time:
Year I started at the Chamber:
2006
Contact me for:
Help with anything! I can either provide you an answer or point you in the right direction
Staff Accountant & Grant Administrator
Staff Accountant & Grant Administrator
Finance and Operations
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Southern Heritage Classic
Favorite home-grown business:
Bubble Bistro
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Commute-to-work time:
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact me for:
((N/A))
Receptionist
Receptionist
I have years of experience working in an Administration capacity as well as the Education field. I was a 1st grade teacher with Memphis-Shelby County Schools prior to joining the Greater Memphis Chamber. Though I love and miss my babies, I do not regret my decision to change careers. I count it a privilege to witness the inner workings of the Chamber with how it creates and supports economic growth in Memphis. I enjoy my team, and look forward to work every day. We truly make Memphis GREATER!
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Cultural Attraction: National Civil Rights Museum...Cultural Activity: Memphis In May
Favorite home-grown business:
Jack Pirtle's Chicken!!
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
I love to spend time terrorizing my two kiddos, or hiding from them when they return the favor!
Commute-to-work time:
12 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2023
Contact me for:
Finding anyone at the Chamber. I will surely put your call through!
VP of Finance & Administration
VP of Finance & Administration
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Bass Pro Shops and Central BBQ
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Commute-to-work time:
Year I started at the Chamber:
2005
Contact me for:
Information about your Chamber membership or becoming a Chamber member!
Chief Government Relations Officer
Chief Government Relations Officer
Before beginning at the Chamber, I served in leadership for nearly 20 years on the public sector side for a Member of the U.S. Congress, the Shelby County Mayor, the Tennessee Department of Education, and the Memphis Mayor. My career inspiration in working with elected and public officials was inspired by my working directly with Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson during my time at Morehouse College.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Live music
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Bury my phone in a hole
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact me for:
Helping to solve problems that involve government or the community.
Executive Director, Greater Memphis Economic Research Group
Executive Director, Greater Memphis Economic Research Group
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Loflin Yard
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact me for:
Insights, guidance, or solutions in economic development, labor market trends, or strategic planning for business growth and expansion.
Economic Development Research Analyst
Economic Development Research Analyst
With a unique blend of psychology, public administration, and economic research expertise, Abby Latture is a professional dedicated to shaping policies and strategies at the intersection of human behavior and economic dynamics. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2021, Abby laid the foundation for her deep understanding of human behavior, and effective communication strategies. This academic journey sparked her passion for the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. Furthering her education, Abby is pursuing a Master's in Public Administration, equipping her with the necessary tools for effective policy analysis, organizational management, and program implementation. Abby’s focus areas are policy analysis & development, economic development research, and best practices in data management.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
Silk n Honey
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Yoga classes around the community
Commute-to-work time:
10 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2020
Contact me for:
Economic development information
Economic Research Analyst
Economic Research Analyst
Following more than a decade of high velocity professional growth in the food manufacturing and distribution industries, I finally made good on my threat to return to school for a Master's Degree in Economics - a topic I've been passionate about since high school. Now, with all my new economic analysis party tricks, I have the incredible responsibility of using data to help Memphis build an economy that provides opportunities for all residents to seek and FIND generation changing success.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Indie Memphis Film Fest
Favorite home-grown business:
So-Giv
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Have a beer and a sandwich on a patio somewhere while reading a good book.
Commute-to-work time:
15 Minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021 as a Research Fellow, 2022 "Officially"
Contact me for:
Data on all the things! Industry information, workforce data benchmarking, economic impact studies - no inquiry is too big or too small. And the occasional Dad joke - I can help you with that too.
Director of Economic Development
Director of Economic Development
Donnell is a native Memphian and joined the Chamber in 2016, eventually becoming Director of Economic Development in 2021. As Director of Economic Development, he manages requests for information from firms seeking to locate in the Memphis area. He earned a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of West Georgia.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Favorite home-grown business:
Memphis Record Pressing (One of the largest producers of vinyl records in the U.S.)
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Visit Shelby Farms Park!
Commute-to-work time:
30 Minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact me for:
Contact me if you are seeking information to locate your business to Memphis.
Membership Sales Manager
Membership Sales Manager
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Bain Barbeque
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Anything DIY
Commute-to-work time:
35 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Chamber membership.
Senior Membership Account Executive
Senior Membership Account Executive
"I worked in the marketing and advertising space for nearly 20 years before joining the Greater Memphis Chamber. With a focus on digital marketing, my goal was to help businesses (large and small) thrive in the Memphis market while improving their brand image in markets nationwide and internationally. My past experiences lend themselves perfectly to my current role at the Greater Memphis Chamber. I'm able to help businesses connect and take advantage of resources designed and created with their success in mind. Simply put, I get to make the city I love ""Greater"" everyday! "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
The Memphis Zoo and Redbirds Baseball
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Spend time with my family
Commute-to-work time:
40 Minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Chamber membership.
Membership Account Executive
Membership Account Executive
As a Native Memphian, I have worked in the city my entire professional career. My passion for people led me down the path of social work for 15 years. Working closely with troubled teens for ten of those years showed me multiple sides of the community, our city, and our non-profits. Transitioning into the for-profit world and specifically sales, I have been able to use my knowledge of Memphis to gain a better understanding of our community, local pride, and small businesses. Both Social Work and Sales are about relationships. My talents are relationship building and connecting businesses with strong referral partners. Having been a member of other area chambers, I know what being a member of the Greater Memphis Chamber can do for businesses and individuals. I look forward to showing others what it can do for them.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
Mo's Bows
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Spending time with my kids.
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2024
Contact me for:
Chamber Membership
Membership Account Executive
Membership Account Executive
16 Years as a Sales Leadership expert with a passion for cultivating and exceptional customer experience while driving revenue growth. Someone who is skilled at leading cross-functional teams leveraging data-driven insights to develop and implement innovative strengths. A graduate of University of Memphis, (formally Memphis State) with a Bachelor of Arts in Logistics Management concentrated in Organizational Leadership.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Beale Street/Mudd Island
Favorite home-grown business:
Gus Chicken
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Travel
Commute-to-work time:
37 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2024
Contact me for:
Entertainment and Events
Membership Account Executive
Membership Account Executive
Experienced in outside B2B sales ranking in top 5%. I am self-motivated and work successfully independently or as a team member. Strong presentation and communications skills that cultivate relationships and establish client trust. Pacesetter award for Outstanding Sales and Services, consecutively achieved and President's Circle Award for Outstanding Sales and Services. I love people and I never meet a stranger.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
The Mississippi River
Favorite home-grown business:
Memphis Botanic Gardens
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Fitness and relaxation
Commute-to-work time:
20 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Chamber membership
Membership Account Executive
Membership Account Executive
Thirty years of sales and management experience. With a strong focus on service, team and relationships building.
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Blues Music
Favorite home-grown business:
Peabody Memphis
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Attend a sports event
Commute-to-work time:
20 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2024
Contact me for:
All of the above
Chief Innovation Officer & SVP of Workforce Development
Chief Innovation Officer & SVP of Workforce Development
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Commute-to-work time:
4 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact me for:
Workforce, workforce, workforce! And if you want to hear what it's like to work and play in Memphis, I’ll coach you in!
Director of Workforce Development
Director of Workforce Development
"Amber Covington, Director of Workforce Development for the Greater Memphis Chamber is a native Memphian, Vanderbilt University graduate with 16+ years of workforce and economic development previously serving as Project Director at the American Job Center for WIOA programs. Amber is Vice President of the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Memphis. She is an active member of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church. She is a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc (professional business organization), where she serves as Journalist. In 2022, Amber was featured in Memphis Voyager and Canvas Rebel for her contributions in workforce development. In May 2022, Amber was recognized as a S.H.E. (Strong, Hands-On, and Elegant) Legend for Business and Corporate due to her contributions in the workforce development space. In December 2022, Amber received the Workforce Mid-South President’s Award. Currently, she is participating as a fellow in the workforce leadership academy through the Aspen Institute. Workforce development is Amber's passion as she wants all to thrive and achieve economic mobility. "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Stax Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
The Peanut Shoppe
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Relax and listen to music.
Commute-to-work time:
15 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2023
Contact me for:
Workforce development information.
Vice President, Talent Innovation
Vice President, Talent Innovation
"Sondra Howell, Vice President of Talent Innovation and Community Development for the Greater Memphis Chamber, is an experienced workforce development, human resource and community advocate with over twenty-five years of combined experience. Her passion for supporting individuals and families reach their personal self-sufficiency goals is evidenced by her success in leading diverse teams of professionals and managing robust portfolios of workforce, economic development and social service programs. Howell considers herself a life-long learner and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Master’s in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She has also served as a Talent and Education Fellow with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a Talent Pipeline Management Fellow with the US Chamber Foundation and a Workforce Fellow with Results for America. Additionally, she currently serves on the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering Board of Directors and the TN Department of Education Business Engagement Council. "
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
The Civil Rights Museum
Favorite home-grown business:
Kenetix Performance and Fitness
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Attend a local festival or farmer’s market
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2018
Contact me for:
Workforce support and community partnerships.
Director of Community Development
Director of Community Development
"Jessica presents over 10 years of experience in business and community development, marketing and communications, and data management combined with skills in collaborating and executing diverse projects and large-scale events. She earned a Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from The University of Memphis and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Louisiana State University. During her graduate studies, she gained international experience in community development in Sicily, Italy as a part of a collaborative research team. As Director of Community Development at the Greater Memphis Chamber, Jessica contributes to the Chamber’s efforts of strengthening local communities to build a more inclusive economy in Memphis. She works with diverse businesses and community organizations to implement strategies to address neighborhood-level economic needs and improve access to business growth opportunities. In 2023, Jessica was recognized by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders Shaping the Chamber Industry. Prior to joining the Chamber, Jessica worked with Self+Tucker Architects as Planning & Marketing Coordinator where she was heavily involved with the Memphis 3.0 - City of Memphis Comprehensive Plan as a consultant. She has worked with a wide range of community organizations, public officials and business owners to help create strategic plans for their neighborhood. Her work included leading focus group discussions and community meetings, analyzing demographic data, and creating presentations and reports based on research and findings. Jessica has dedicated countless hours to various organizations across the city including: Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Council, City of Memphis Multicultural Advisory Board, Memphis Urban League Young Professionals, Collage Dance Collective, New Memphis Institute, Junior Achievement of Memphis & the Mid-South, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In her spare time, she loves practicing and teaching yoga as well as taking long walks with her husband Jonathan and their fur babies Eli and Sunny."
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Favorite home-grown business:
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Engage in local arts scene
Commute-to-work time:
15 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact me for:
Community partnerships.
Senior Director of Sponsorships
Senior Director of Sponsorships
"I stimulate partnerships in business by working closely with executives or teams to ensure maximum use of resources for share increases and elevated market positions; foster and extend client relationships through consistent service and unique solutions; create and execute memorable market- exclusive initiatives; and implement hands-on problem solving techniques to build and sustain client trust and business growth. My work is results. As a leader with a robust passion for sales and client results, I enjoy blending with the climates of companies and teams as well as departments and community facets necessary to secure turn key partnerships. My strategy includes creating, launching, monitoring, maintaining, and delivering tailored sponsorships, campaigns and projects that exceed expectation! Modestly, I consider myself a self-driven and focused professional with a passion to lead, motivate, cultivate, and triumph. I am eager to bring a high level of integrity to every conversation."
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Favorite home-grown business:
The Reaves Law Firm
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Listen to music and have wine on the back patio
Commute-to-work time:
5 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2018
Contact me for:
Winning strategies and solutions that align with your company's mission, vision and goals while elevating your brand and increasing market position.
Director, US Commercial Service Memphis
Director, US Commercial Service Memphis
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Peabody Hotel
Favorite home-grown business:
Buff City Soap
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Spend the day at Shelby Farms Park
Commute-to-work time:
25 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
U.S. Commercial Service is a partner of the Chamber. 2020
Contact me for:
Export assistance