Notable Memphian and veteran of local sales, marketing, public relations and philanthropy Cynthia Ham was honored with a retirement celebration at BRIDGES USA Wednesday night.

Most recently, Ham served the youth development organization as president and CEO for eight years, following the departure of longtime president Jim Boyd.

With over 300 RSVPs, compiled from colleagues and collaborators representative of Ham’s extensive resume, the event featured an array of guests, many of whom openly shared their reflections of Ham’s influence on Memphis among one another.

“There are all these little mini-reunions going on tonight, which I cherish so much,” Ham said while addressing the crowd.

“With all these people from moments in time and different careers, I’m just lucky for the work that I was able to do, and frankly was paid to do, and hopefully made a better Memphis.”

Ham, who was born in South Carolina but raised in Memphis’ Parkway Village neighborhood, began her career as Libertyland’s first director of sales and guest relations, after graduating from Memphis State University in 1976.

A job with Opryland USA prompted a move to Nashville the following year.

In 1980, Ham would return to Memphis to assist in launching Mud Island River Park as marketing director and later general manager.

In 1984, she’d sign on as vice president of marketing in the effort to redevelop Beale Street Historic District, and from 1987 to 1996 would serve as executive director of Memphis in May International Festival.

Joining marketing firm Archer Malmo in 1997 as president of its public relations division, Ham would become principal of the company in 2001.

She’d remain at the company until 2012, when she stepped into the role of president and CEO of BRIDGES, a departure of sorts from her previous career as a marketer.

“Watching the youth in our city come together across racial, religious, socioeconomic and cultural divides and discover themselves and their voices has been intensely gratifying to see,” Ham said.

“Their transformation to leaders is uplifting, but what I did not anticipate was how this work has brought me closer to my own humanity, to the human condition, and opened my eyes to the everyday challenges all young people face, no matter their walk of life.

“I believe all the capital in the world, won’t replace the investment in human capital.”

Ham said she considers her departure from BRIDGES a semi-retirement, as she looks to continue with creative projects, including embarking on her first book project and working as an interior designer.

Longtime BRIDGES staffer and executive Dana Wilson will succeed her as president and CEO.

“I think it’s really challenging to be the leader of an organization like BRIDGES, because it’s an organization that’s full of leaders. Everyone on staff is very passionate and talented and dedicated to the mission,” Wilson said in a video tribute dedicated to Ham.

“What I love about Cynthia as a leader as she really empowers the people around her and she listens carefully, and she helps us hone in on where opportunities really are and forces us to dream bigger.”