For Joann Massey, supporting small businesses makes a big difference
Joann Massey, the vice president of operations for the Econmic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County, is expected to become EDGE’s new CEO after a Shelby County Board of Commissioners vote Monday, Sept. 9. (Sophia Surrett/The Daily Memphian file)
After a two-year leadership vacuum, the Economic Development Growth Engine will soon have its second-ever CEO, pending the Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ expected approval on Monday, Sept. 9.
Joann Massey, hired in February 2023 as EDGE vice president of operations, will succeed Reid Dulberger, the first EDGE president, who retired in 2021.
She was jointly nominated by Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris at the end of July. She was approved by the City Council at the beginning of August.
City Council approves Joann Massey for EDGE president
“Not only am I merely qualified, I’m very qualified to do this work,” Massey told the City Council in August.
If approved, Massey will lead the economic development efforts for Memphis and Shelby County, spearheading efforts to attract investments, create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, assist small businesses and strengthen the Port of Memphis.
The role is not much different than what she has unofficially assumed since being hired, which was initially to only oversee EDGE’s internal and external affairs and lead community engagement and legislative matters as vice president of operations.
As vice president, Massey worked with interim EDGE President Randy Richardson, vice president for port and industrial properties with the Memphis & Shelby County Port Authority.
Massey’s role as vice president has enabled her to help lead the organization without having the CEO title, something she noted in recent public appearances.
Massey’s tenure as vice president
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Sophia Surrett
Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.
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