Get to Know Our People
Our team is here to meet the growth needs of our region and your business.![Team members of the Greater Memphis Chamber standing outside on trolley tracks](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/About-Team-Group-20240417_CHAMBER_Groups_Downtown_0031-Edit-15-1.jpg)
Introducing Our Team
![portrait of professional man](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TedTownsend-600x800.png)
Ted Townsend
![portrait of professional man](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TedTownsend-600x800.png)
Ted Townsend
President & CEOFavorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Zach Randolph (retired)
Favorite thing to do with guests:
Take walks in South Main
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 Ted Townsend 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.
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-Courtney-Blanchard-1-600x800.png)
Courtney Blanchard
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-Courtney-Blanchard-1-600x800.png)
Courtney Blanchard
Chief of StaffFavorite 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 Courtney Blanchard for:
Guidance in Chamber initiatives, strategic planning, and navigating business development and community engagement for success.
![Nancy Coffee](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NancyCoffee-600x800.png)
Nancy Coffee
![Nancy Coffee](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NancyCoffee-600x800.png)
Nancy Coffee
Senior Vice President, Chairman's CircleFavorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Collage Dance Collective
Favorite Memphis redevelopment/re-use:
The Greenline – a former railroad line now cyclists’ paradise
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Central Gardens
Commute-to-work time:
8 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact Nancy Coffee for:
Getting involved in our relentless pursuit of prosperity for all.
![Lisa Lovell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LisaLovell-600x800.png)
Lisa Lovell
![Lisa Lovell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LisaLovell-600x800.png)
Lisa Lovell
Director, Chairman’s Circle EngagementFavorite Memphis restaurant:
The BBQ Shop
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Tie: River Arts Festival and Soul of the City Tour at Elmwood Cemetery
Favorite home-grown business:
Dinstuhl’s Fine Candies
Commute-to-work time:
40 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2020
Contact Lisa Lovell for:
Learning how to engage in the work of the Chairman’s Circle.
![Rob Recker](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RobRecker-600x800.png)
Rob Recker
![Rob Recker](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RobRecker-600x800.png)
Rob Recker
President, Chamber Benefits, Inc.Favorite Memphis restaurant:
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Memphis Opera Company
Favorite place to grab a drink:
The Juice Bar
Commute-to-work time:
I measure my commute in steps
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact Robert Recker for:
Reducing your business’s essential expenses.
![Amy Daniels](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AmyDaniels-600x800.png)
Amy Daniels
![Amy Daniels](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AmyDaniels-600x800.png)
Amy Daniels
Chief Communications OfficerFavorite Memphis restaurant:
Felicia Suzanne’s
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Graceland
Favorite thing to do on your day off:
Love spending time with my family, walking my dog Lucy, and shopping!
Favorite thing to do with out-of-town guests:
Take them to The Peabody Memphis to see the ducks
Year I started at the Chamber:
1996
Contact Amy Daniels for:
Ways you can tell your story
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TerriBosby-1-600x800.png)
Terri Bosby
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TerriBosby-1-600x800.png)
Terri Bosby
Director of Investor EngagementFavorite Memphis song:
“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Memphis Grizzlies
Favorite home-grown business:
Rocking Nutrition
Favorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Desmond Bane
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact Terri Bosby for:
Grand openings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, anniversaries — we do it all!
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TungaLee-600x800.png)
Tunga Lee
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-TungaLee-600x800.png)
Tunga Lee
Director of EventsFavorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Spend quality time with family
Favorite Memphis green space:
Shelby Farms Park
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
1999
Contact Tunga Lee for:
Chamber events or membership.
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-PatriciaMcKinney-600x800.png)
Patricia McKinney
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-PatriciaMcKinney-600x800.png)
Patricia McKinney
Director, Small Business & Member ProgrammingFavorite Memphis neighborhood:
Whitehaven
Favorite Memphis song:
“Green Onions” by Booker T. and the M.G.’s
Favorite Memphis green space:
Shelby Farms Park
Commute-to-work time:
25 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact Patricia McKinney for:
Getting plugged into the Chamber’s Small Business and Women’s Business Councils.
![Diamond Young](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DiamondYoung-600x800.png)
Diamond Young
![Diamond Young](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DiamondYoung-600x800.png)
Diamond Young
Director of MarketingFavorite place to grab a drink:
Inkwell
Favorite Memphis song:
“That’s What’s Up” by Yo Gotti
Favorite Memphis redevelopment or re-use:
Central Station Hotel
Commute-to-work time:
10 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact Diamond Young for:
Marketing partnerships
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GwynFisher-1-600x800.png)
Gwyn Fisher
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GwynFisher-1-600x800.png)
Gwyn Fisher
Chief Economic Development OfficerFavorite Memphis re-use or re-development:
Crosstown Concourse
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Overton Square/Overton Park
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 Gwyn Fisher 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.
![Jeanette Jones](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JeanetteJones-600x800.png)
Jeanette Jones
![Jeanette Jones](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JeanetteJones-600x800.png)
Jeanette Jones
Manufacturing Industry Council Director, Existing Business ConsultantFavorite Memphis barbecue:
Cozy Corner
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Cotton Plant Grove
Favorite thing to do on your day off:
Binge watch Netflix
Tigers football season or Tigers basketball season?
Tigers Basketball
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact Jeanette Jones for:
Contact me if you are looking to grow the footprint of your business in Memphis.
![Susan Maynor](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SusanMaynor-600x800.png)
Susan Hadley Maynor
![Susan Maynor](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SusanMaynor-600x800.png)
Susan Hadley Maynor
Vice President, Economic DevelopmentFavorite Memphis barbecue place:
Rendezvous
Favorite Memphis green space:
Elmwood Cemetery
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Downtown
Commute-to-work time:
3 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2006
Contact Susan Hadley Maynor for:
Looking for industrial sites in the Memphis MSA.
![Troy Parks](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TroyParks-600x800.png)
Troy Parkes
![Troy Parks](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TroyParks-600x800.png)
Troy Parkes
Vice President of Global Business DevelopmentFavorite Memphis restaurant:
Catherine & Mary’s
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Favorite Memphis redevelopment/re-use:
The Arrive Hotel
Commute-to-work time:
35 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact Troy Parkes for:
Site selection, relocation to Memphis, economic development information.
![Ted Ferris](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TedFerris-600x800.png)
Ted Ferris
![Ted Ferris](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TedFerris-600x800.png)
Ted Ferris
Senior Vice President & Chief Administration OfficerFavorite place in Memphis to grab a drink:
The Peabody Memphis lobby bar
Favorite thing to do on your day off:
Ride or run trails
Favorite Memphis greenspace:
Herb Parsons Lake
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Harbor Town
Year I started at the Chamber:
2006
Contact Ted Ferris for:
Help with anything! I can either provide you an answer or point you in the right direction
![Natalie Mitchell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NatalieMitchell-600x800.png)
Natalie Mitchell
![Natalie Mitchell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NatalieMitchell-600x800.png)
Natalie Mitchell
ReceptionistFavorite Memphis barbecue:
A&R BBQ on Elvis Presley Blvd.
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Midtown
Favorite home-grown business:
Jack Pirtle’s Chicken
Commute-to-work time:
12 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2023
Contact Natalie Mitchell for:
Finding anyone at the Chamber. I will surely put your call through!
![Chris Stewart](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ChrisStewart-600x800.png)
Chris Stewart
![Chris Stewart](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ChrisStewart-600x800.png)
Chris Stewart
Vice President of Finance & AdministrationFavorite Memphis barbecue:
Central BBQ
Favorite place in Memphis to grab a drink:
Silly Goose
Memphis tap water or bottled water:
Tap
The one place I take out-of-town guests:
Bass Pro Shops and Central BBQ
Year I started at the Chamber:
2005
Contact Chris Stewart for:
Information about your Chamber membership or becoming a Chamber member!
![Bobby White](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BobbyWhite-600x800.png)
Bobby White
![Bobby White](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BobbyWhite-600x800.png)
Bobby White
Chief Government Affairs OfficerFavorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Live music
Favorite Memphis song:
“Love and Happiness” by Al Green
Favorite thing to do with guests:
Show them Mason Temple and tell them the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering one of the most iconic speeches of all time from the church’s pulpit the night before his assassination
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact Bobby White for:
Helping to solve problems that involve government or the community.
![Tecora Murray](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TecoraMurray-600x800.png)
Tecora Murray
![Tecora Murray](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TecoraMurray-600x800.png)
Tecora Murray
Executive Director, Greater Memphis Economic Research GroupFavorite thing to do with guests:
Take them for barbecue and then downtown for a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. I also take them out to Shelby Farms Park for paddle boarding.
Favorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Mike Conley
Favorite Memphis restaurant:
Loflin Yard
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2022
Contact Tecora Murray for:
Insights, guidance, or solutions in economic development, labor market trends, or strategic planning for business growth and expansion.
![Abby Lature Portrait](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GMC-Team-800x800-Abby-Lature-1-600x800.png)
Abby Lature
![Abby Lature Portrait](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GMC-Team-800x800-Abby-Lature-1-600x800.png)
Abby Lature
Economic Development Research AnalystFavorite place to grab a drink:
Barware
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Yoga classes around the community
Favorite home-grown business:
Silk n Honey Boutique
Commute-to-work time:
10 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2020
Contact Abby Lature for:
Economic development information.
![Vertical Logo with white text](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC_VerticalLogoFullColorReversed-600x800.png)
MacKenzie Stonis
![Vertical Logo with white text](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC_VerticalLogoFullColorReversed-600x800.png)
MacKenzie Stonis
Economic Research AnalystFavorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Indie Memphis Film Fest
Favorite Memphis redevelopment/re-use:
Crosstown Concourse
Favorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Zach Randolph (retired)
Commute-to-work time:
15 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact MacKenzie Stonis for:
Data on all the things! Industry information, workforce data benchmarking, economic impact studies – no inquiry is too big or too small.
![Donnell Word](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DonnellWord-600x800.png)
Donnell Word
![Donnell Word](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DonnellWord-600x800.png)
Donnell Word
Director of Economic DevelopmentFavorite Memphis restaurant:
Coletta’s Italian Restaurants
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Favorite home-grown business:
Memphis Record Pressing
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2016
Contact Donnell Word for:
Information about locating your business in Memphis.
![Blake Payne](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BlakePayne-600x800.png)
Blake Payne
![Blake Payne](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BlakePayne-600x800.png)
Blake Payne
Membership Sales ManagerFavorite Memphis barbecue place:
Bain Barbeque
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Cooper-Young
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Anything DIY
Commute-to-work time:
35 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact Blake Payne for:
Chamber membership.
![LeLand Burress](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Leland-Burress_20231102_Memphis_Chamber_01448-Edit-600x800.png)
Leland Burress III
![LeLand Burress](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Leland-Burress_20231102_Memphis_Chamber_01448-Edit-600x800.png)
Leland Burress III
Senior Membership Account ExecutiveFavorite place to grab a drink:
South of Beale (SOB)
Favorite Memphis restaurant:
Sage
Favorite Memphis neighborhood:
Frayser
Commute-to-work time:
40 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact Leland Buress III for:
Chamber membership.
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BrandonSmith-600x800.png)
Brandon Smith
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BrandonSmith-600x800.png)
Brandon Smith
Membership Account ExecutiveFavorite Memphis Cultural attraction or activity:
Beale Street & Mudd Island
Favorite home-grown business:
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Travel
Commute-to-work time:
37 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2024
Contact Brandon Smith for:
Entertainment and Events
![Vera Terrell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/VeraETerrell-1-600x800.png)
Vera Terrell
![Vera Terrell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/VeraETerrell-1-600x800.png)
Vera Terrell
Membership Account ExecutiveFavorite Memphis green space:
Shelby Farms Park
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
The Mississippi River
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 Vera E. Terrell for:
Chamber membership.
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EldridgeThompson-600x800.png)
Eldridge Thompson
![](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EldridgeThompson-600x800.png)
Eldridge Thompson
Membership Account ExecutiveFavorite 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 Eldridge Thompson for:
All of the above
![Amity Schuyler](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AmitySchuyler-600x800.png)
Amity Schuyler
![Amity Schuyler](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AmitySchuyler-600x800.png)
Amity Schuyler
Chief Innovation Officer & SVP of Workforce DevelopmentFavorite Memphis barbecue:
It’s not that simple! Loflin Yard for brisket, Rendezvous for ribs, Central BBQ for pork and the banana pudding.
Favorite Memphis green space:
Tom Lee Park
Favorite Memphis cultural attraction or activity:
National Civil Rights Museum
Commute-to-work time:
4 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2021
Contact Amity Schuyler 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!
![Sondra Howell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SondraHowell-600x800.png)
Sondra Howell
![Sondra Howell](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SondraHowell-600x800.png)
Sondra Howell
Executive Vice President, Workforce DevelopmentFavorite thing to do with guests:
Live music and good food places
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
Attend a local festival or farmer’s market
Favorite place to grab a drink:
Lafayette’s
Commute-to-work time:
30 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2018
Contact Sondra Howell for:
Workforce support and community partnerships.
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-JessicaMosley-1-600x800.png)
Jessica Mosley
![portrait of professional woman](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GMC-Team-800x800-JessicaMosley-1-600x800.png)
Jessica Mosley
Director of Community DevelopmentFavorite Memphis redevelopment/re-use:
Old fire station in Orange Mound turned into Harriet Performing Arts Center
Favorite Memphis song:
“Poppin’ My Collar” by Three 6 Mafia
Favorite Memphis Grizzlies player:
Ja Morant
Commute-to-work time:
15 minutes
Year I started at the Chamber:
2019
Contact Jessica Mosley for:
Community partnerships.
![DeQuanda Smith](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DeQuandaSmith-600x800.png)
DeQuanda Smith
![DeQuanda Smith](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DeQuandaSmith-600x800.png)
DeQuanda Smith
Senior Director of SponsorshipsFavorite place in Memphis to grab a drink:
Coastal Fish Co.
Favorite Memphis restaurant:
Soul Fish
Favorite home-grown Memphis business:
The Reaves Law Firm
Favorite thing to do on your day off:
Listen to music and have wine on the back patio
Year I started at the Chamber:
2018
Contact DeQuanda Smith for:
Winning strategies and solutions that align with your company’s mission, vision, and goals while elevating your brand and increasing market position.
![Lilliam Baez](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LilliamBaez-600x800.png)
Lilliam Baez
![Lilliam Baez](https://memphischamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LilliamBaez-600x800.png)
Lilliam Baez
Director, US Commercial Service MemphisFavorite 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:
2020
Contact Lilliam Baez for:
Export assistance