MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) Board of Directors announced in a press release Wednesday that Chandell Ryan will become the commission's next President and chief executive officer, as former President and CEO Paul Young is set to become the new Mayor of Memphis beginning next year.
In 2022, Ryan became Memphis' first female chief operating officer. She has 19 years of experience in city government. Outside of city government, she has worked in areas that include general civil litigation, management and human resources.
“I look forward to working with everyone,” said Ryan shortly after being named the new president.
According to the press release, the unanimous decision came after over 20 candidates were interviewed.
“We reviewed over 20 applicants, both local and out of market, and Chandell was an obvious standout,” said Benjamin Orgel, DMC board president, in the press release. “Her background is perfectly tailored for the role, and her energy, intelligence and heart for Downtown make her the ideal choice.”
Ryan made the following statement in the press release:
“I think my background will help me to hit the ground running, which is important because what happens in downtown pays dividends across our entire region. As a downtowner myself, I can’t wait to be on the team tasked with making our core city as economically strong, vibrant, and welcoming as it can be. This is a dream job, and I am honored to take the lead.”
Among her goals going into the new year, Ryan said she wants to build upon the effort already underway at the DMC, including initiatives to tackle crime, pollution, and blight.
“There are a number of buildings that I think could be great if we activated them,” Ryan said. “There have been a lot of development projects that have been announced in and around Memphis and downtown in particular, and I’m just excited to see what the next few years provide for Memphis.”
Downtown business owner Emma Crystal, who opened her business one month ago with help from the DMC, said she hopes Ryan's effort to revive downtown will be successful.
“Opening a business is so expensive — I found that out the hard way — but I really do appreciate that places like the Downtown Memphis Commission were able to give me a grant to help me get my business up and running," Crystal said. "Pouring more into the businesses will help across the board.”
Ryan will officially start her new role Jan. 22, where she will be the first black female to lead the DMC. Until then, senior management will hold down the fort.
“The Downtown Memphis Commission is in great hands,” said Paul Young. “Thank you all for the honor of a lifetime serving as the president.”