Young Professionals Council

Emerging Leaders of Greater Memphis

The vision of the Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Council (YPC) is to equip a new generation of Memphis business leaders with the connections and knowledge they need to rise into leadership roles throughout our community for years to come.

YPC’s quality-over-quantity core programming puts young professionals in conversational settings with top local business leaders, educates members on issues at the forefront of our city’s development, and creates connections among ambitious emerging leaders.

How Can I Get Involved?

All YPC events except our luncheons and mixers each summer and holiday season are exclusive for YPC members. If you are not a member, contact ypc@memphischamber.com for details or fill out this form to apply.

If you are a member, all invitations for these events are delivered via email and will also be posted in the Chamber YPC Facebook group. Contact ypc@memphischamber.com if you are missing those communications and would like to sign up for an upcoming event.

YPC Membership

YPC Membership Fee: $100 per member annually.

Chairman’s Circle Companies: Unlimited complimentary YPC Memberships

Click here to see if your employer is a member of the Chairman’s Circle, the Chamber’s highest investment level.

YPC Benefits

Access to all annual YPC events:
- Corner Office Series
- Impact Series
- Professional Development Workshops
- Membership Luncheons
- Membership Mixers
Invitations to exclusive meetings or events with the business community
Opportunity to hold leadership positions on YPC Board and YPC Ambassadors
Invitation to exclusive YPC groups on Facebook and LinkedIn

Core Programming

Corner Office Series

Intentionally limited to ensure a conversational atmosphere, the Corner Office series brings 20-30 YPC members to the C-suite of a Memphis business to meet successful local leaders and learn more about their rise to the top, including a myriad of industries and companies.

Past Corner Office visits have included Jason Wexler, President of Memphis Grizzlies, Rick Shadyac, CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude, Eric Barnes, Executive Editor & Publisher of digital news outlet The Daily Memphian, and Lyman Aldrich, one of the original founders of the Memphis in May International Festival.

Professional Development Workshops

Throughout the year, we create innovative professional development programming and workshops that support ambitious career trajectories for Greater Memphis region’s top influential young professionals.

Impact Series

The Impact Series convenes an intimate group of young professionals to connect the leaders of organizations that are providing the solutions to some of our region’s challenges. Through the discussions we draw parallels of how emerging leaders can support and get involved.

Memphis Next-Gen Awards

The Memphis Next-Gen Awards honor young professionals in the Memphis area making an impact. Click here to apply.

Membership Luncheons

Spring/Fall

Our biannual membership luncheons engage the entire membership with lunch, connections with peers, and a keynote or panel discussion addressing a prominent topic in the Memphis conversation.

Membership Mixers

YPC invites all members, guests, and prospective members to join us at a great local venue for food, drinks, and connections with the young professional community.

Extras & Opportunities

In addition to the scheduled events listed here, YPC members are often invited to special events, meetings, press conferences and other unique opportunities throughout the year to provide access to the business community.

YPC Leadership
2026 Young Professionals Council Leadership Advisory Committee

Board Chair
Lionel Davis II– Vice President of Business Development, Path Company

Vice Chair
Maria Rios – Vice President of Operations, Supreme Staffing

2026 YPAC Board Slate

Civic Impact & Policy Engagement
Lead: Dr. Karlescia Brookins, Grameen America, Director of Strategic Programs & Initiatives
Co-Lead: Juan Benavidas, Planters Bank, Commercial Relationship Manager

Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lead: Trey Moore, EDGE, Business Specialist for Economic Development
Co-Lead: Jason Kimmet, Allworld Project Management, Project Manager

Professional & Skill Development
Lead: Kristin Rayford, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, Director of Development
Co-Lead: Jeff Haas, AutoZone, Senior Energy Project Manager

Health, Wealth & Wellness
Lead: Lara Payne, Preserver Partners, Director of Operational Risk
Co-Lead: Rebecka Cronin, UT Health Science Center, Associate Director for Development

Service & Nonprofit Engagement
Lead: Kathryn Winsley, Shelby County Division of Community Service, Program Coordinator
Co-Lead: LaResha Denise Gregory, Reaves Law Firm, Litigation Case Manager