Leadership Memphis

What Leadership Memphis does

Leadership Memphis is a non-profit civic leadership development organization headquartered at 456 Tennessee Street, Suite 105, Memphis, Tennessee, operating continuously since its 1979 founding (originally as The Memphis Institute of Public Responsibility). The organization cultivates, curates, and connects civic leaders through three core programs: a nine-month Executive Program for senior leaders that requires 40 hours of community service via a Community Action Project, a ten-week FastTrack Program for emerging and mid-career leaders (19-23 per cohort), and a College Intern Program. Volunteer Memphis, operated as an action arm and affiliate, mobilizes individuals, families, and corporate teams into service opportunities with more than 200 nonprofits and schools across Memphis and Shelby County via the Galaxy Digital platform, with the Alumni Association sustaining a lifelong network of more than 4,500 graduates through GroupApp.

The organization's technology footprint is operational rather than product-driven: it runs leadershipmemphis.org as the marketing and application surface, Galaxy Digital for volunteer matching, GroupApp for alumni networking, Zeffy for donations, and Champion Promotion for merchandise. There is no proprietary platform product or AI/ML technology stack. Revenue is assembled from four streams: annual program participation fees for Executive, FastTrack, and College Intern cohorts; corporate sponsorships and event underwriting from a roster that includes FedEx, Kroger, International Paper, TVA, Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Cigna Healthcare; individual and corporate donations processed via Zeffy; and merchandise sales.

Under President & CEO Dr. Reginald L. Porter Jr. (appointed November 2025), the organization serves the Memphis and Shelby County market with an active alumni cohort, signature events (MLK Days of Service, 9/11 Day of Service, Multicultural Breakfast, Leadership Awards Luncheon), and tactical programming pivots such as the April 2025 AI Civic Innovation Lab and the AI-themed 2025 Multicultural Breakfast.

Name

Leadership Memphis

Legal name

Leadership Memphis

Website

https://leadershipmemphis.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Leadership Memphis is a non-profit civic leadership development organization founded in 1979 that runs the Executive Program, FastTrack, College Intern Program, and Volunteer Memphis, serving senior executives, emerging leaders, college students, and community volunteers across Memphis and Shelby County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Leadership Development

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Other Social Advocacy Organizations (813319), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Civil Society Strengthening & Civic Space (BPADAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Civic Participation & Leadership Development (Voting, Advocacy, Community Leadership) (EDAAADAL), Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI), Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

Keywords

• Civic leadership programs
• Community leadership development
• Volunteer mobilization services
• Nonprofit leadership training
• Alumni network programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Memphis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Fees and Nominations: Revenue generated through participant fees for Executive, FastTrack, and College Intern programs. Programs require nominations and have associated costs for participants.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Major corporate sponsors including FedEx, Kroger, International Paper, TVA, Regional One Health, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Cigna provide funding and in-kind support for programs and events.
3. Donations: Individual and corporate donations accepted through Zeffy platform. Donors can support programs, scholarships, and general operations.
4. Merchandise Sales: Swag store selling Leadership Memphis branded merchandise to alumni and supporters through Champion Promotion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Leadership Memphis cultivates civic leaders through cohort-based programs (Executive Program, FastTrack Program, and College Intern Program) that immerse participants in cross-sector exploration of Memphis's government, economics, education, health equity, community safety, and arts. Volunteer Memphis, the organization's action arm, connects individuals, families, and corporate teams with 200+ nonprofits and schools for year-round service, and the Alumni Association maintains a 4,500+ graduate network for ongoing civic engagement.

Product overview

Leadership Memphis is a community leadership development organization offering a portfolio of programs that cultivate, curate, and connect civic leaders. The core programs include the Executive Program (a nine-month experience for senior leaders), FastTrack Program (a ten-week program for emerging leaders), and College Intern Program. Volunteer Memphis serves as the action-oriented component mobilizing volunteers across 200+ nonprofits, while the Alumni Association provides ongoing network engagement for graduates. Together, these offerings form a comprehensive leadership development ecosystem serving Memphis since 1979.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Executive Program A nine-month intensive leadership development program for senior leaders and executives. Participants engage in immersive sessions covering government, economics, education, health equity, community safety, and arts/culture, culminating in a Community Action Project requiring 40 hours of service. Graduates join the 4,300+ Alumni Association. The 2025 cohort graduated 64 leaders.
• FastTrack Program A ten-week civic leadership program for emerging and mid-career leaders. Participants explore city systems, build cross-sector relationships, and develop leadership skills through immersive learning experiences. Cohorts typically include 19-23 emerging leaders per cycle; FastTrack Spring 2025 graduated 19 participants and FastTrack Fall 2024 graduated 23.
• College Intern Program A leadership program for college students designed to develop future civic leaders through structured learning and community engagement.
• Volunteer Memphis The volunteer mobilization arm of Leadership Memphis that connects individuals, families, corporate teams, and community groups to meaningful service opportunities with more than 200 nonprofits and schools across Memphis and Shelby County. Operates the Galaxy Digital volunteer portal and the Corporate Volunteer Council.
• Alumni Association A lifelong network for graduates of Leadership Memphis programs (Executive, FastTrack, Grassroots, and Juvenile Justice) with more than 4,300 members. Alumni stay connected through ongoing learning, civic engagement, volunteerism, and partnerships that drive collective impact across the Mid-South, supported by the GroupApp alumni portal and directory.

Quantifiable outcome

• 64 leaders graduated from Executive Program 2025, each completing 40 hours of community service
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• FedExmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate sponsor for Leadership Memphis programs including Executive Program and FastTrack. FedEx employees participate in leadership development and volunteer programs. FedEx is a founding-level corporate partner supporting civic leadership in Memphis.
• KrogermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Executive Program and FastTrack programs. Kroger supports community leadership development and volunteer initiatives in Memphis.
• International PapermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost and sponsor for Executive Program sessions including Economics Session. International Paper provides venue, catering support, and program sponsorship for civic leadership development.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for FastTrack and Executive programs. TVA supports leadership development and community engagement initiatives in the Memphis region.
• Regional One HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost for Executive Program Health Equity session and major program sponsor. Regional One Health CEO Dr. Reginald Coopwood (EP2012) participates as speaker and host for healthcare-focused program sessions.
• Baptist Memorial HospitalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost sponsor for FastTrack programs (opening sessions and graduation) and major program sponsor. Baptist Memorial East hosted FastTrack Fall 2025 graduation.
• Cigna HealthcaremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for 17th Annual Multicultural Breakfast: Bridging the Gap - AI and Health Equity. Cigna supports healthcare equity and leadership initiatives.
• Baptist Memorial Health CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for MLK Days of Service Volunteer-A-Thon 2026, providing support for the impactful day of service organized by Volunteer Memphis.
• Greater Memphis ChambercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for Executive Program economic development sessions. Chamber President & CEO Ted Townsend (EP2019) serves as speaker and collaborator on civic leadership initiatives.
• Memphis Minority Business Continuum (MMBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Executive Program sessions on minority entrepreneurship and economic development. CEO Jozelle Booker (EP2017) participates as speaker on economic growth topics.
• EDGE MemphiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for economic development education. CEO Dr. Joann Massey (EP2014) participates as speaker on economic growth and development topics.
• BRIDGEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Executive Program Opening Retreat. BRIDGES provides space and partnership for leadership development activities. Team BRIDGES supports program facilitation.
• Memphis-Shelby County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost for Executive Program Education Session. Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond (EP2025) and other MSCS leaders participate as speakers on education systems and policy.
• Junior League of MemphiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Project partner for Executive Program 2026. Co-host of MLK Days of Service Kickoff Reception with Cigna. Junior League supports women-led community development.
• Girls Inc. of MemphiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Project partner for Executive Program 2026. Girls Inc. provides service opportunities for emerging leaders focused on empowering girls.
• Peer Power FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Project partner for Executive Program 2026. Peer Power Foundation provides tutoring and mentorship opportunities for leaders.
• Libertas SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Project partner for Executive Program 2026. Libertas School provides education-focused service opportunities for emerging leaders.
• Collage Dance CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Executive Program 2025 Envisioning Memphis final session focused on arts and culture leadership.
• National Civil Rights MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for 901 Day Unite Memphis Race and civic engagement events. National Civil Rights Museum collaborates on community events celebrating Memphis heritage.
• Memphis Botanic GardenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent venue host for Volunteer Memphis Awards and Alumni Holiday Party. Memphis Botanic Garden provides beautiful space for community events.
• Memphis Fire DepartmentcoreOthersRecipient of 820 meals during 9/11 Day of Service. Memphis Fire Department benefits from Volunteer Memphis appreciation initiatives for first responders.
• Memphis Police DepartmentcoreOthersExecutive Program Community Safety session featured Police Chief CJ Davis as speaker. Police Department collaborates on community safety education for emerging leaders.
• Guest House at GracelandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent venue host for 2025 Alumni Holiday Party. Guest House at Graceland provides hospitality venue for community celebration events.
• Memphis Public LibrariesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue host for MLK Days of Service Volunteer-A-Thon 2026. Memphis Public Libraries supports community service events and literacy initiatives.
• City of MemphiscoreOthersHost for Government Session at Memphis City Hall. Mayor Paul Young (EP2018), City Councilman JB Smiley (FTS2019), and other city leaders participate in civic education sessions.
• First South FinancialminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Make A Difference Week financial literacy programming. Led On Your Own demonstrations at Wooddale High School teaching students real-world financial decision-making.
• RISE MemphisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Make A Difference Week financial literacy workshops. Facilitated Budgeting Basics and Creating a Spending Plan workshop at Power Center Academy.
• Hands-On NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer Memphis is an affiliate of the Hands-On Network, an association of 250 volunteer service organizations across 16 countries and an action initiative of Leadership Memphis. Provides network and resources for volunteer programming.
• Memphis Education FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director Terence Patterson (EP2021) participated in Executive Program Education Session, providing insights on education policy and advocacy.
• Whole Child StrategiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director Natalie McKinney (EP2019) participated in Executive Program Education Session. Board Chair for Memphis-Shelby County Schools focusing on whole-child education strategies.
• Indian Community Fund for Greater MemphisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance supporting meal delivery to 820 Memphis firefighters.
• ALSAC St. JudeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for 9/11 Day of Service. ALSAC is the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• Morris Media GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor for Executive Program 2026, supporting program communications and visibility.
• V2 MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor for Executive Program 2026 and 2024 Alumni Holiday Party, providing promotional support.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Points of Light: National umbrella organization that convenes the Hands-On Network (which Volunteer Memphis belongs to) and operates the broader civic engagement and volunteer-mobilization ecosystem. Broad incumbent governing comparable volunteer infrastructure.

Direct peers

• Leadership Philadelphia: Civic leadership development non-profit in Philadelphia running signature and emerging-leader programs with corporate sponsor support and an active alumni network. Same structure and value proposition as Leadership Memphis, including the nomination-driven model.
• Leadership Nashville: Leadership Nashville is the most direct peer: a civic leadership development non-profit operating the same program model (Executive Program, emerging-leader track, alumni network) for a different major Tennessee/Southeast metro. Same mission, same sponsor-driven, nomination-based structure, same alumni-network value proposition — differs only in geography.
• HandsOn Nashville: HandsOn Nashville is the Volunteer Memphis analog in another Tennessee region — part of the same Hands-On Network as Volunteer Memphis — operating a volunteer-mobilization platform connecting individuals and corporate teams with 200+ nonprofits. Directly comparable volunteer infrastructure and business model.
• Leadership Atlanta: Regional civic leadership non-profit serving the Atlanta metro with a multi-program leadership pipeline (Executive Program, emerging leaders, alumni network) and corporate sponsorship base. Operates an almost identical model to Leadership Memphis and is one of the oldest such programs in the U.S.
• Junior League of Memphis: Junior League of Memphis is an active partner of Leadership Memphis (co-hosts MLK Days of Service Kickoff, Community Action Project partner) and shares the women-focused civic leadership development and volunteer mobilization model nationally replicated across the Junior League system.
• Leadership Louisville: Regional civic leadership organization serving the Louisville metro with multi-program offerings (Leadership Louisville, Focus Louisville, Ignite Louisville for younger leaders) and an alumni network. Strong comparable for the same program layering and corporate sponsorship model.

Regional players

• Charlotte Center for Civic Engagement: Regional civic engagement organization in Charlotte comparable in mission (developing civic leaders for the Charlotte metro) though operating with somewhat different program scope and host-institution structure. Relevant for understanding comparable peer-city models.
• Memphis Community Foundation: Regional grantmaking and community foundation operating in the same Memphis market with overlapping civic engagement mission, donor base, and nonprofit partners. Provides comparable donor infrastructure and community-impact benchmarking.

Emerging players

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Memphis: Memphis youth-development nonprofit with similar community leadership pipeline mission and overlapping corporate sponsors (FedEx, TVA, Kroger). Relevant comparable for the youth-development/program-pipeline angle of Leadership Memphis's College Intern Program.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/leadershipmemphis
• Instagraminstagram.com/leadershipmemphis
• Xx.com/LeadershipMphs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leadership-memphis

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leadership Memphis