Business Leaders Meet with Mayor Young’s New Executive Team
On Thursday, August 6, the Black Chamber of Memphis welcomed Mayor Paul Young and members of his newly appointed executive leadership team for a Meet & Greet with over 40 BCoM members and local business owners.
Held on Election Night, the conversation offered a timely opportunity for Memphis’ Black business community to hear directly from City leadership about the work ahead—and to share what a stronger, more liveable Memphis requires.
At the center of the conversation was a simple but powerful expectation: deliver on the basics. That means addressing everyday quality-of-life concerns, from infrastructure and potholes to responsive city services, while building and maintaining public trust by doing what the City says it will do.
Mayor Young also spoke to the broader work of rebuilding Memphis’ population and ensuring that young people, families, entrepreneurs, and professionals see a future here. Creating a city where people want to live requires more than jobs alone. It requires safe neighborhoods, diverse housing options, vibrant nightlife, meaningful leisure and entertainment, and spaces where residents can truly live, work, and play.
For BCoM members, the conversation also underscored the importance of creating clear pathways for talent recruitment and retention. Mentorship, internships, job-shadowing opportunities, and stronger connections between employers and emerging professionals are essential to helping young Memphians build their careers—and their lives—here at home.
Public safety remained an important part of the dialogue. While crime trends have shown signs of improvement, attendees emphasized the need to look beyond temporary efforts and continue building long-term strategies that make communities safer, more stable, and more connected.
The evening also introduced BCoM members to key leaders helping move the Mayor’s vision forward:
Chris Winton, Chief Operating Officer brings more than 25 years of human-resources and organizational leadership experience from companies including FedEx, Tesla, and Comcast. His appointment reflects the City’s focus on strengthening operations, people, and the delivery of public services.
Art Davis, Chief Financial Officer brings deep experience in public finance, treasury operations, financial management, and strategic investment. Before joining the City’s executive team, he served in leadership roles with Memphis River Parks Partnership and helped oversee significant capital projects and public-private investments.
Greg Dotson, Interim City Engineer brings more than 27 years of civil-engineering and transportation-infrastructure experience. A licensed professional engineer in six states, he will play a critical role in advancing the infrastructure improvements that residents and businesses expect to see.
The room reflected the depth of Memphis’ Black business community, including Dr. David and Yvonne B. Acey, who are legacy BCoM members and the founders and organizers behind the beloved Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival. Their presence was a reminder that Memphis’ future is strengthened when public leadership, business leaders, and cultural stewards are in conversation with one another.
BCoM is grateful to Mayor Young and his executive team for making space to listen, engage, and share their vision for Memphis. As the City enters this next phase, the Black Chamber of Memphis remains committed to ensuring Black entrepreneurs and business leaders are not only informed—but actively included in shaping the opportunities, investments, and decisions that move Memphis forward.
