Memphis Embraces New Beginnings with Bobby White Leading Leadership Memphis

Memphis Welcomes New Leadership with Bobby White at the Helm

The heart of Memphis is stirring with excitement as Bobby White, Ed.D., steps into the role of president and CEO of Leadership Memphis. Known for his catchy mantra, “Be legendary,” White has lofty ambitions to tackle the problem of poverty head-on. His vision is not just about improving lives but transforming communities through the work of Leadership Memphis and its sister organization, Volunteer Memphis.

A Dream Fueled by Legendary Inspiration

Inspired by icons like Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, and Michael Jackson, White believes that true greatness comes from hard work. “These legends didn’t just wake up one day and decide they were the best; they put in the homework to get there,” he explains. His approach is less about competing with others and more about striving to be the best version of oneself. It’s a refreshing philosophy that sets a positive tone for his vision in Memphis.

Experience in Education and Beyond

White’s journey began in the world of education. After serving with the federal government, he pursued his passion for teaching and coaching. His knack for leadership became evident when he was appointed as the interim assistant principal at Cypress Middle School after just three months of teaching. From there, he became principal at Westside Middle School, where he gained national attention for his innovative approach to school dress codes, particularly with his humorous solution to sagging pants. Through creative ideas and community engagement, White’s career continued to flourish.

From Schools to Community Leadership

His path eventually led him to the Achievement School District (ASD) and later to founding the Frayser Community Schools. These experiences gave him a front-row seat to the challenges various neighborhoods face, particularly regarding poverty. In 2014, White participated in the Leadership Memphis Executive Program, which opened his eyes to the subtleties within different communities across the Memphis landscape.

“It was a game-changer for me,” he recalls. “I learned that if we can fix issues in Frayser, we can positively impact places like Hickory Hill too.” This revelation only fueled his determination further, as he began to think about interconnected solutions to systemic issues.

A Commitment to Community Change

At the core of White’s mission is a desire to make a lasting impact on poverty. He believes in the power of community engagement and bridging gaps through conversation and understanding. “Everyone who is someone in this city is going to walk through our doors,” he stated confidently. “Our challenge is preparing them to face the challenges that our community holds.”

Shining a Light on Leadership Memphis

While Leadership Memphis has been somewhat under the radar lately, White wants to change that. His goal is to raise the organization’s profile and remind locals of the influential alumni it has produced—including notable figures like Mayor Lee Harris and former Mayor Jim Strickland. He envisions a future where the experience of being part of Leadership Memphis motivates executives to leverage their positions for good and inspire community change.

“My role now is to ensure that those involved with Leadership Memphis feel empowered and inspired to impact the world,” he says. “If they aren’t having that experience, we need to change that.”

A New Chapter for Memphis

Bobby White’s enthusiasm for leadership and community service marks an exciting chapter for Memphis. With his vision firmly rooted in hard work, collaboration, and understanding, the future looks bright. Whether you’re a longtime resident of Memphis or just passing through, it’s clear that big changes are brewing, and Bobby White is at the forefront of this movement.

As the walls of Leadership Memphis continue to echo with stories of personal growth and community success, one thing is certain: Memphis is on the verge of something legendary!