Celebrating 186 Years of Growth and Prosperity — December 4, 2024

The Greater Memphis Chamber is excited to announce the young professionals selected for the Young Memphis Class of 2020.

Now in its tenth year, the Young Memphis awards recognize the next generation of business leaders who make a difference not only in their day jobs, but also have an impact on their community.

In a year like no other, one thing has remained the same, Memphis is rich with talented young people. In fact, this year we received more nominations than ever before for this prestigious honor, leading us to select twelve honorees.

“The energy and tenacity of the young professionals in Memphis vividly reflects the much needed progress we’ve made in our city,” said Beverly Robertson President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “The Chamber is very proud to honor 12 young professionals that lead and push innovative ideas that help grow and sustain our economy, especially during a year where we’ve witnessed this demographic stepping up the most.”

Nominees for the Young Memphis Awards have demonstrated excellence in their professional fields and civic engagement in the Greater Memphis community. Despite the public health crisis, A record number of nominations were received this year.

Here are this year’s honorees:

• Jonathan Aur | Commercial Sales and Leasing, Boyle Investment Company

• Chessie Biggam | Director of Development, Meritan Inc

• Jeremy Calhoun | IT Project Manager, International Paper

• Marcus Cox | Director of Community Relations, Playhouse on the Square

• Karlisa Cryer | UX Digital Content Strategist, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC

• Kelsey B. Duckett | Attorney at Law, Harris Shelton

• Casey Flannery | Senior Associate, Commercial Advisors

• Ali Jaffery | Associate Manager, Grants and Innovation at Memphis Education Fund 

• Sarah Jemison | Project Manager, Development & Finance, ALCO 

• Sebastiaan de Kok | Vice President, US Operations, HealthLink

• Derravia Rich | K-12 Digital Agronomy Coordinator, Tennessee College of Applied Technology

• Alex Stringfellow | VP, Colliers International

The new Young Memphis class were featured on an episode of Memphians on the Move, the Chamber’s weekly broadcast program on Channel 24. Check back to watch the recording. 

Want to expand your network and get more involved as a Young Professional in Memphis? Get connected here.