Rory Thomas is the President of MMDC. He leads the team and all functions of the organization. A Memphis native, Rory previously served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center which was housed at Southwest Tennessee Community College and has a background in finance. He has been recognized by the National Black MBA Association, America's SBDC Network and the Memphis Business Journal. He finds inspiration in his faith, family, love for the Memphis community, and work to ensure the Medical District is thriving. When he is not at work, he is spending time with his wife and kids, attending or watching sports events, going to the movies, streaming a good series, or trying new restaurants.

Victoria "Tori" Brinkley is the Director of Marketing and Communications for MMDC. A forever journalist, Tori began her media career as a freelance reporter, but found her passion behind the scenes. As an Emmy-nominated television news producer and communications manager, she has connected with and created content for some of the most well-known figures and initiatives in Memphis and the Mid-South while keeping a keen eye on communicating the needs of the community. She has one daughter, Jordyn, who shares her passion for singing, writing, and advocacy.

Rhonda Brown is the Director of Real Estate and Economic Development for MMDC. She leads business recruitment and retention for the Medical District. Her expertise in corporate America and in City government includes economic and business development, franchising, business lending, government contracting, and being a small business owner. She has a passion for empowering small business owners, and showing her daughter the value that comes in building up the community that you live and work in. When she is not working, Rhonda enjoys traveling, reading biographies, volunteering, mentoring, and spending quality time with her daughter and fur baby, Lola.

Dana plays a vital role in fostering the growth and success of local businesses through our Buy Local program, recruitment initiatives, and business support efforts. A Tennessee State University graduate that brings over 15 years experience in project management, program development, and strategic planning. Beyond her professional achievements, Dana is a passionate advocate for the community as an active volunteer with local organizations. When it's time to unwind, Dana enjoys gardening, traveling, tackling DIY projects at home. Her favorite thing to do is explore local eateries with her husband and son!

Haley Gentner manages MMDC's development, fundraising, and grant writing efforts. Before moving back to her hometown of Memphis in 2020, she worked for River City Company, an economic development nonprofit for Downtown Chattanooga. Haley loves seeing the impact of the organization during her neighborhood walks. When she is not working, she loves yoga, baking, catching up on the newest show or movie, and trivia with friends!

Latasha Harris is MMDC’s Anchor Programs Director. She oversees our Buy Local and Hire Local programs to bring local goods and workforce opportunities to the district. For over 15 years, Latasha has been a passionate leader in the education and workforce development landscape in Memphis, working for organizations such as Porter-Leath and Communities in Schools of Memphis. Her favorite part of the Medical District is the people. She is fascinated by the stories of the residents, business owners, employees and visitors to the district and the potential to help them achieve the life they want. When she is not working, Latasha spends time in her flower and vegetable garden and loves music, especially live concerts, entertaining friends, and kayaking. And if you challenge her in a game of Star Wars trivia, she will win.

Ben Houghtailing is the Operations Manager for MMDC. He leads our ambassador team, setting the ambassadors up for success, and keeping the district looking great. Before his time at MMDC, he worked in the culinary field, leading restaurant teams in Missouri and Vermont. He loves seeing the difference the ambassador team is making. Some of his favorite places in the district are Health Sciences Park and the Edge Triangle dog park. When he is not at work, he is outside fishing, hiking, and working on his goat farm. Even though he no longer does it for a living, he enjoys cooking for others.

Keesa Rayford Mitchell is the Vice President of Operations at MMDC. She is responsible for overseeing the operation activities at the Medical District, which include finance and human resources and she is involved in business development for the organization. She brings over 25 years of experience working at organizations such as Global Impact, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Baptist Memorial Hospital, UT Health Science Center, and Hospital Corporations of America. She loves being a part of a diverse and thriving community like the Medical District. Keesa enjoys traveling, shopping, and trying new restaurants. She is the happiest when she is spending time with her three amazing daughters.

Meredith Taylor serves as the Community Engagement Specialist for Memphis Medical District Collaborative. In her role she leads the charge on various outreach initiatives and events throughout the Medical District. Her previous experience includes positions in Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Development.

A native Memphian as well as a Memphian by choice, Meredith loves nothing more than being a conduit for her community. In addition to being a graduate of NEXUS Leaders, she has also participated in New Memphis' Embark and Fellows programs. Currently, she volunteers through Arise2Read, serves on the Greater Memphis Chamber's Young Professional Advisory Committee, and is a board member of historical preservation organization, Memphis' Heritage.

When not at work or volunteering you can find Meredith cheering on her alma mater's, Colorado State University and Christian Brothers University, or spending time with her fiancee and their two fur babies, Dapper and Darling.

Sandra is the Operations Specialist at MMDC. She has been working in the nonprofit sector for over two years now. A Memphis native and a University of Memphis graduate, she is currently pursuing her MBA. She is passionate about giving back to her community and strives to make a meaningful impact in every endeavor. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and shopping.

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Kirkwood Vangeli is a Program Associate for the Quality Public Realm and Community Engagement teams. Kirkwood first came to Memphis as an undergraduate at Rhodes College where he was a part of the Mellon Innovation Fellowship. After graduation, he won the Louise and Ward Archer Sr. Award for Creativity, which led to an internship at Archer Malmo, a Memphis marketing agency. He also ran his own skateboard company and artist coalition called Fluxus Skateboard Co. Most recently, Kirkwood was a case manager at the Law Office of Russell, Oliver and Stephens. Currently, he supports the strategy and implementation of streetscape improvements and maintenance, public space enhancements and management, and community engagement support. When he is not working, Kirkwood enjoys exercising with his partner, skateboarding, biking around the District, experiencing delicious Memphis cuisine, and traveling. He has a passion for the arts and is driven by positively impacting residents, business owners, anchors, and citizens of Memphis.

James Webb is the Senior Real Estate Coordinator for the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. In this role, he supports businesses with real estate initiatives and urban development strategies within the district.

Jay has written extensively on topics including social governance, agricultural technology, nature-related financial disclosures, and carbon credit markets. Prior to his current work, he built a career as a FINRA-licensed professional and a "banker’s banker," serving as a Financial Advisor, Municipal Securities Principal, and General Sales Supervisor in the fixed-income sector of the securities industry.

In 2019, Jay fully transitioned into his co-career interests. A military brat, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and holds a Master Farm Manager certification from the University of Tennessee.

He and his wife, Jami—who works in the cotton industry—farm and manage natural resource interests. They have two young adult children: one serves in the U.S. military, and the other works in the healthcare industry.

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Arika Williams plays an important role within the Hire Local team. She has been supporting the Hire Local program for over three years, connecting Medical District residents with living wage careers at health and education institutions. She is helping our medical district residents better their careers and thrive. She also loves working and thriving in the district as well, trying new restaurants, supporting new businesses, and meeting new people. When Arika is not working, she loves to workout, find fun outdoor activities, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

Erika Wynn is a native Memphian and seasoned communications professional with a track record of delivering impactful strategies across government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Passionate about serving her community, Erika is dedicated to helping organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences and navigate complex transitions. Currently, she is assisting the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) with social media strategy and supporting the Hire Local program, fostering community engagement and economic growth in the area.

When she's not driving communications strategies, Erika is a true foodie who loves exploring local culinary gems, staying active through exercise and Pilates, traveling to new destinations, and indulging her love for the magical world of Harry Potter. Her dynamic blend of expertise, creativity, and community commitment makes her a trusted partner in advancing meaningful initiatives.

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