Proven reputation for Return on Investment (ROI) with expertise in development and execution of inclusive economic development strategies and process improvement, Joann Massey is the Vice President of Operations for the Memphis & Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE). She previously serviced as Senior Vice President for Operation Hope’s national initiative 1 Million Black Businesses. Joann also is the Founder & Principal of Lewis Massey Associates, LLC a boutique consulting firm.

Joann has a history of public service having served most recently as the City of Memphis’ Director of Business Diversity & Compliance. 

She was the first Project Manager and Compliance Officer for the Memphis/Shelby County Office of Economic Development establishing the compliance procedures for the payment in-lieu of taxes program and collaborating with community partners such as the Greater Memphis Chamber and MLGW to secure projects like the Nike expansion in Frayser among other high-profile projects.

Joann left that position to join TN Governor Bill Haslam’s Administration to serve as a Lead Business Development Consultant for the TN Dept. of Economic & Community Development Greater Memphis team, covering Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Fayette counties. During her ti​me with the State of TN, Joann successfully participated on a team of professionals who were able to secure over 300 million dollars in investment for West TN counties through new business and expansions.

Joann’s experience in both public and private sector organizations includes financial services, banking, real estate, marketing and local and state government. 

Joann has a Certification in Economic Development from Harvard University, Executive Education Program. She has a certification in Managing Economic Development Organizations from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). She has her Certified Compliance Administrator certification from Morgan State University.  She is also a graduate of Benedictine University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) concentration in Finance. She holds a dual Bachelor of Business Administration and Finance degree from LeMoyne Owen College.

She is a recognized community leader with accolades such as Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40, Leadership Memphis Executive Class 2014 and Top Performer Shelby County Government. She received the 2019 Blaze Award for Economic Justice and the 2021 Memphis Power 30. She was also recognized by the Tri-State Defender as a 2017 Woman of Excellence, a 3V Leading Lady of Shelby County and was also awarded the 2017 Partnership Award by WBEC. She is a 2017 Rose Center Fellow for Equitable Economic Development.

Joann has been featured in national publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, multiply times in Black Enterprise and Governing Magazines. She has been a guest panelist for several prestigious national conferences such as City Summit by National League of Cities, The Funders Network (TFN) Annie Casey Foundation, Results for America as well as guest speaker for The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  Her speaking engagements have been based on her expertise in economic, workforce and community development, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Joann has also served as a guest speaker, columnist, volunteer and mentor for many non-profit organizations in Memphis. Joann is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter, River City (TN) Chapter of The Links Incorporated and the Junior League of Memphis. She serves on the Board of Directors for New Ballet Ensemble. Her passion is assisting underprivileged girls by helping to improve their self-esteem through mentorship and exposure to cultural activities.

Coming soon.

Trey McKnight has extensive sales and marketing experience in both the public and private sectors, having worked with an international pharmaceuticals company along with the City of Memphis and State of Tennessee. At EDGE, Mr. McKnight is responsible for managing business relationships with companies looking to expand or relocate to Memphis and Shelby County. One of Mr. McKnight’s main responsibilities is managing the EDGE Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.

Mr. McKnight earned a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in Management & Marketing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Allyra Williams has a multifaceted financial management background with experience in sales and human resources. She currently serves EDGE in an all-encompassing role that supports the Vice President of Operations, as well as the entire team. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., who has obtained a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mississippi State University, with a concentration in Pre-law.

Amber Shepheard is a skilled office manager, bringing over a decade of administrative expertise in corporate and governmental relations to her role at the Memphis and Shelby County Port Commission. With a successful six-year tenure in this position, she has consistently demonstrated her capabilities in streamlining operations, optimizing workflow efficiency, and fostering harmonious working environments. Ms. Shepheard’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Memphis, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of human dynamics and organizational behavior.

Mr. Richardson has over 30 years of experience in industrial, economic, and environmental development within the realm of the International Port of Memphis. In his capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of port activities, encompassing the management and preservation of the McKellar Lake/Presidents Island Complex, Pidgeon Industrial Harbor, and Pidgeon Industrial Park.

Mr. Richardson’s contributions extend beyond his operational role, as he holds key positions on various civic and community boards, including the National Waterways Conference, the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C., the Memphis Plywood Company, and the Board of Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals (former Board Chair). Notably, he serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Area Maritime Security Committee – Memphis and assumes the role of Basin Chairman for the Lower Mississippi River. Additionally, he is a member of the Presidents Island Industrial Association.

Educationally, Mr. Richardson is armed with a Master of Arts in City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Larry Baker serves as the Operations Manager, collaborating closely with the Executive Director. He directs, coordinates, and holds functional authority for projects within the Memphis and Shelby County Port Commission’s jurisdiction, including Presidents Island, Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park, and the Defense Depot.

Larry holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Mississippi State University (2018). Before becoming the Operations Manager, he gained valuable experience in the power industry, working with natural gas power plants. This background equips him with technical insights crucial for effective management.

In his role, Larry skillfully blends his academic knowledge and industry experience. His leadership ensures smooth teamwork and efficient project management, contributing to the success of the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission.

William Morris is a crew member who works under the guidance of the Port of Memphis Crew Chief and alongside a dedicated team. Together, they ensure the upkeep of properties within the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission’s jurisdiction. Their combined efforts encompass diligent cleaning and orderly maintenance, playing a pivotal role in advancing the operational excellence of the Commission.

Mr. Hall is a crew member who works under the guidance of the Port of Memphis Crew Chief and alongside a dedicated team. Together, they ensure the upkeep of properties within the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission’s jurisdiction. Their combined efforts encompass diligent cleaning and orderly maintenance, playing a pivotal role in advancing the operational excellence of the Commission.

Mark Summerford is an accomplished Crew Chief with over 14 years of experience, operating in tandem with the Operations Manager and Executive Director. His leadership drives a committed crew, entrusted with the upkeep of properties overseen by the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission. With expertise spanning carpentry, mechanics, and grounds maintenance, Mark plays a pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s standards of operational excellence.

Chris Ervin is a crew member who works under the guidance of the Port of Memphis Crew Chief and alongside a dedicated team. Together, they ensure the upkeep of properties within the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission’s jurisdiction. Their combined efforts encompass diligent cleaning and orderly maintenance, playing a pivotal role in advancing the operational excellence of the Commission.

Adrienne Johnson manages data intelligence identifying economic trends to assist with policy making and support business recruitment. Prior to joining EDGE, she served as Vice President of Research for the Greater Memphis Chamber and a part-time economic research instructor for the Council for Council for Community and Economic Research. Ms. Johnson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Tennessee Tech University as well as a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis.