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SUPER DISTRICT 8-1

SUPER DISTRICT 8-1

Chairman

JB Smiley, Jr.

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Q

JB Smiley, JR.

A native Memphian, with five siblings, born to a social worker and a Bronze Star army soldier, JB Smiley, Jr., knows the value of hard work and a healthy, supportive community.

After JBā€™s collegiate and semi-professional basketball career, he pursued a legal education, and later, a political career. But his life in serving the most vulnerable started from a young age.

JBā€™s first experience with teamwork and leadership was as a Cub Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. Never afraid of getting his hands dirty, JB has done everything from working as a landfill cleaner to washing dishes.

As his father taught him to ā€œnever forget the bridge that brought you over,ā€ JB decided to stay in the region to attend college and then law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

While in law school, JB served as a member of the Law Review, Moot Court Board, and as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association. JB successfully passed Arkansas and the Tennessee Bar exams, while writing his first book,Ā Born With It: Unleashing YourĀ Greatness.

In 2017, in Memphis, JB started his law practice, Smiley & Associates, PLLC. The following year, JB was named toĀ Memphis Flyerā€™s Top 20,Ā Under 30Ā class. During that same year, JB was appointed policy advisor to the Shelby County Clerk and served in such capacity until his election to the Memphis City Council in October 2019.

As a council member, JB is currently Vice Chair of the City Council and serves as Chair of the Public Works, Solid Waste & General Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Planning & Zoning Committee, and the council liaison for the Urban Art Commission and the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.

In his spare time, JB likes to play basketball, work out, binge watch Netflix shows, and keep his dog, Mighty Mouse, and his nephew, Bryson Maxwell Smiley, smiling!

District 1

District 1

Rhonda Logan

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Q

Rhonda Logan

Councilwoman Rhonda Logan was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 14, 2019. Councilwoman Logan serves as the Director of Operations for Breath of Life Christian Center, where she has also held the position of Community Engagement Officer. Before leading the Breath of Life staff, Logan was the Executive Director of Raleigh Community Development Corporation. During her tenure, she spearheaded innovative solutions by building strong, equitable and sustainable communities through education, engagement, and collaboration.

Councilwoman Logan also serves as the Chairwoman of Raleigh Police Joint Agency, a collaborative partnership between public agencies and concerned residents planning crime prevention and improving community conditions. As the current Board President of Friends of Kennedy Park, she leads an organization of dedicated community leaders in advocating for the restoration and sustainability of a 260-acre greenspace in Memphis. Loganā€™s passion for her community also led to the creation of a local Farmers Market.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis, Logan later received a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Memphis 2021, BLDG Memphisā€™ New City Builders, and an Emerge TN Alum. Councilwoman Logan has the distinguished honor of being recognized in the 2021 Memphis Business Journals Power 100.

With over 25 years of experience in organizational development, strategic planning, project management, employee relations, leadership and community service, Councilwoman Logan has a strong commitment to helping constituents and communities reach their full potential. She is a solution-oriented individual, devoted to advocacy and helping others. She is dedicated to restoring broken or damaged lives, dreams, and paths. Her faith, education, and life lessons fuel her uncanny talent for bringing order and direction to every challenge.

Councilwoman Logan serves as the Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and Vice Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee. She serves as the Council Liaison for the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) and the Memphis Housing Authority Board.

In her private time, Councilwoman Logan enjoys cooking, but her most important and beloved role is being a devoted wife to Calvin Logan and ā€œmomā€ to five awesome children and two grandchildren.

District 2

District 2

Jerri Green

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Q

Jerri Green

Councilwoman Jerri Green, a proud Memphian, was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 16, 2023. Having graduated from White Station High School, she pursued her higher education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her B.A. in English and Political Science. Continuing her academic journey, Jerri obtained her Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University School of Law in Washington, D.C.Ā 

She is a licensed attorney in the state of Tennessee and a member of the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, the Association for Women Attorneys, and the American Inns of Court. She has practiced public interest law in areas ranging from international human rights to criminal defense, in Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Memphis. She also taught criminal law and juvenile justice for almost a decade through the University of Phoenix. She has worked at the University Memphis Law School and was the previous Executive Director of the Community Legal Center where she worked to advance the mission of bridging the justice gap in the Memphis community.Ā 

In her most recent professional role, she served as the Senior Policy Advisor to Mayor Lee Harris where she worked on many issues, from Womenā€™s Health and Public Safety to Refugee Assistance and Blight Remediation. Her accomplishments in this role include leading projects to insure over 70% of the local prison population was vaccinated at the height of COVID, finalizing the last group of Shelby County employees received a living wage, and establishing a first of its kind free gun lock by mail program.Ā 

Councilwoman Green was named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2023 and was selected as a fellow for the Aspen Instituteā€™s Memphis Workforce Leadership Academy. She is the past President of the Democratic Women of Shelby County, a member of the Board of Directors for the Girls, Inc. and the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and was the statewide election lead for the Tennessee Moms Demand Action Chapter.Ā 

Councilwoman Green now serves as the Chairwoman of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Technology Committee and the Vice-Chair of the Libraries and Neighborhood Improvement Committee. Additionally, she serves as the Councilā€™s liaison for MLG&W and the Urban Art Commission. Ā 

Councilwoman Green takes immense pride in her role as a mother and wife. Patrick is her loving husband, and she is blessed to be the mother of Beau, Vivienne, and Wilder.Ā 

District 3

District 3

Pearl Eva Walker

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Q

Pearl Eva Walker

Pearl Eva Walker is a native Memphian and graduated from Fairley High School. She serves as the Vice President of the Fairley High School Alumni Association. She is a mother, advocate, leader, and servant. She is a member of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Earle J. Fisher, PhD, where she serves on Team Informed. As a Co-host of ā€œ901 Voices & Votesā€ podcast and founder of the facebook group ā€œMRYE – Memphis Raise Your Expectations,ā€ she uses her platform to vocalize the

needs of our community while creating solutions to overcome challenges in our city. Walker is the Founder and Executive Director of the ā€œI Love Whitehaven Neighborhood and Business Associationā€ whose mission is to support neighborhoods by supporting small businesses. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis in African American Studies with a concentration in Race Relations and Interracial Communication. Pearl is also a trained Trauma Mitigation Facilitator with Inward Journey, Inc. supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and helps them identify what that looks like. Walker is also a charter member of Memphis Black Healers Collaborative. Bridging the wellness gap for Black and Brown communities in Memphis. Her legislative experience includes serving on the state Cosmetology Board for six years. Pearl has received leadership training from organizations such as Leadership Memphis, EMERGE Tennessee, and LOC – Leaders of Color. Walker is also a member of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Mid-South Kwanzaa (Board Member) Democratic Women of Shelby County, and Shelby County Democratic Party Grassroots Commitee. She is an environmental and energy justice advocate and serves as the Environmental & Climate Justice Chair of the Memphis NAACP. Pearlā€™s knowledge in this area gives her a specialized background that will be helpful to the council to pursue opportunities available from the Inflation Reduction Act.

District 4

District 4

Jana Swearengen-Washington

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Q

Jana Swearengen-Washington

Mrs. Jana Swearengen-Washington, has served in many capacities in education, such as Principal, Assistant Principal, District Curriculum Specialist, and a teacher, Jana offers expertise in organizational planning, teacher coaching, data analysis, grant writing, budget overseeing, school/district partnerships, and community development. Her 30 year educational experience has afforded her opportunities to lead teams for the Forrest City School, Millington School, and Memphis Shelby County School Districts.

As a neighborhood and educational advocate, it has been her personal goal and commitment to invest and ensure that students and families are represented, supported, and have effective leadership. Within the Greater Memphis Community, she serves in many organizations such as: Board Member of W.I.L.L.O.W. (Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom) and Vice-President of the Northeast Ministers Spouses Association with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Jana is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Glenview Neighborhood Association, Magnalia Castalia Neighborhood Association, Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. B. R. Danner (which promotes the cultural arts within urban communities), and Democratic Women of Shelby County. She believes in being an active voice, where she serves her school community, church, people, and advocates for all within the Greater Memphis Community.

Jana is happily married to Dr. Reverend Robert H. Washington, Sr. They have five children within their blended family: VeAndrea Washington, Janeese Martina Swearengen Murphy (John) and James Swearengen Richey (Ebony) Robert Washington Jr., and Ana Washington. They have six grandchildren: Caleb, Durriya, Laila, John Charles III, James Greyson and Arie Jae. They have two beautiful fur babies: Boston and Bella.

District 5

District 5

Philip Spinosa

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Q

Philip Charles Spinosa, Jr

After previously serving on the Memphis City Council from 2015 to 2018, in the Super District 9-2 seat, Councilman Philip Spinosa, Jr. was elected on October 5, 2023, and returned to the Memphis City Council to proudly represent the citizens of District 5.

A proud alumnus of Christian Brothers High School, Councilman Spinosa holds a bachelorā€™s degree in Business Administration and Insurance from the University of Mississippi.

In his previous time on the Council, Councilman Spinosa focused on public safety, economic development, helping the homeless, and he served on various committees to pass critical legislation. His most notable work to help reduce crime was the Neighborhood Sentinel Program, as he worked with neighbors to create and sponsor the resolution. This program has led to hundreds of aerial surveillance cameras being placed all over the City of Memphis that feed into the Memphis Police Departmentā€™s Real Time Crime Center. These cameras would not be there without this legislation. He also spearheaded the LED Streetlight implementation, which ultimately led to the current improvements of LED lighting across our city.

Outside of serving on the Memphis City Council, Councilman Spinosaā€™s professional duties started with a 15+ year career at FedEx. In May of 2018, Councilman Spinosa served as the Senior Vice President of the Chairmanā€™s Circle for the Greater Memphis Chamber. As Senior Vice President of the Chairmanā€™s Circle, he was responsible for leading the Chairmanā€™s Circle, as well as crafting legislation with local, state, and federal government bodies to serve the citizens of Memphis. He also played a key part in leading the effort to improve minority business receipts by launching the ā€œMove Your Money to Memphisā€ campaign.

Winding down his work for the Chamber, Councilman Spinosa started his own business, Prestigious Logistics, in 2019, which is a boutique logistics and freight brokerage firm. His company has been fortunate to experience annual growth every year and will celebrate itā€™s 5-year anniversary in 2024.

Committed to his community, Councilman Spinosa has consistently volunteered his time and served on countless boards over the past 20+ years. He currently serves on the Christian Brothers High School Alumni Board, and most recently finished a 4-year term on the Levitt Shell Board, a 5-year term on the Epicenter Memphis Board, and 5-year term on the Governing Board for St. Francis Hospital/Tenet Healthcare.

Councilman Spinosa now serves as the Chairman of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Committee and the Vice Chair of the Housing & Community Development Committee. He is the Councilā€™s liaison for the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Memphis River Parks Partnership.Ā 

He is the proud husband of Sarah Moon Spinosa, and together they are the parents of their sons, Graham and Bradford. The Spinosa family attends St. Michael Catholic Church on Summer Avenue, where Councilman Spinosa is an active member of the St. Michaelā€™s Catholic Church Menā€™s Club and Knights of Colombus organization.

District 6

District 6

Edmund Ford, Sr.

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Q

Edmund Ford, Sr.

Following a decade of service and commitment to the citizens of District 6 and the entire City of Memphis from October 1999 until 2007, Councilman Edmund H. Ford, Sr. was re-elected to the City Council in October 2019. Ford is grateful that his constituents saw fit to return him to office to continue his service to the people of this community. Born the 15th child of N.J. and Vera Ford, Mr. Ford was raised in the West Junction section of Memphis and graduated from Mitchell Road High School. Mr. Ford received his B.S. degree in Government and Public Affairs from The Tennessee State University and a Mortuary Science degree from John Gupton College in Nashville, Tennessee. Councilman Ford has been a licensed embalmer and funeral director since 1979 and founded the thriving E.H. Ford Mortuary in 1995. Mr. Ford previously worked as a freelance contractor and embalmer all over the Tri-State area.

Councilman Ford is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a proud alumnus of Tennessee State University.

Councilman Ford is the Council liaison of the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) and Minority Business Development Oversight Commission (MBDOC). He serves as Chairman of the Economic Development, Tourism & Technology and Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee.

Mr. Ford is married to Myrna O. Ford and has four children: Former City Councilman and current County Commissioner Edmund Ford, Jr., Christopher, James, and William.

Councilman Ford and his family are active members of Ford Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

District 7

District 7

Michalyn Easter-Thomas

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Q

Michalyn Easter-Thomas

Michalyn Easter-Thomas was elected to the Memphis City Council District 7 seat in November 2019.

Michalyn C.S. Easter-Thomas is a native North Memphian. She is the daughter of Cassondra Love-White and the late William Michael Easter (2014). After matriculating through the Memphis City School system, Michalyn took her educational quest to a new level at Christian Brothers University, graduating Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with minors in Political Science and Peace Studies in May of 2013. Yet, this proved to be a mere stepping stone for Michalyn, as she took her educational pursuit to the next level as she received her Master of Arts in Teaching from the Columbia University of New York. Michalyn took a step further and received her Education Specialist degree in Principalship from Arkansas State University. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas is currently a Doctoral student at Vanderbilt University.

Aside from public education, Councilwoman Easter-Thomas discovered another calling on her life: to partner with residents in the transformation of the North Memphis community. With this in mind, she founded Our Grass Our Roots Nonprofit Organization(OGOR), a grassroots movement centered around the North Memphis community, informing the community of resources, resisting gentrification and advancing the community and individuals of the community.

Her commitment to community is evident through her service with other organizations. She serves on boards and leadership teams for various organizations and non-profits in the Memphis area.

In her private time, Michalyn enjoys visiting Memphis museums and parks with her younger sibling. Michalyn has been joined in happy and holy matrimony to Darren L. Thomas II since September 2017.

Michalyn serves as the Chair for Personnel and Government Affairs committee. She also serves as the Vice Chair of Housing and Community Development committee.

SUPER DISTRICT 8-2

SUPER DISTRICT 8-2

Janika White

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Q

Janika White

Janika White, a proud Memphian, is fueled by a deep commitment to serve the community she holds dear. With a distinguished career as a skilled litigator handling high-profile cases, she is dedicated to guiding clients through legal intricacies, offering patient guidance and informed decision-making. After graduating from Central High School, Janika White pursued her academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Business Administration, and later obtaining her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Janika White’s legal journey includes serving as a judicial clerk to Chancellor Kenny Armstrong and the Honorable Bernice Bouie Donald at the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Currently, she owns and practices at Janika White Law, PLLC, specializing in personal injury, business law, and federal criminal defense. For nearly a decade, she collaborated with the legendary Walter Bailey at Bailey, Bailey, & White PLLC.

Her roots in service run deep, inspired by her parents, John and Anita White, who both were dedicated educators in Memphis City Schools. This upbringing instilled in Janika White a lifelong desire to contribute to her community, evident in her pro bono work and mentoring with Street Ministries.

Janika White is actively engaged in various professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association, Leo Bearman Inn of Courts, Tennessee Trial Lawyers, and the Memphis Bar Association, where she also holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Additionally, she chairs the Bloomfield Urban Ministries and is a dedicated member of the Board for Economic Opportunities of Memphis.

Recently elected as City Councilwoman for Super District 8, representing over 300,000 Memphians, Janika White brings a wealth of experience and a passion for transformative change. Her approach to civic leadership emphasizes attentive listening, thorough research, and collaborative efforts to implement initiatives that positively impact the community. In her role, Janika White is poised to be a catalyst for positive change, ensuring the welfare and progress of the diverse and vibrant city she calls home.

Super District 8-3

Super District 8-3

Yolanda Cooper-Sutton

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Q

Yolanda Cooper-Sutton

Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton is a proud Memphis resident of 26 years, having dedicated herself to the betterment of our community. Married for 28 years, she brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her role as a public servant.

Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton holds a University of Pennsylvania Professional Development Certificate in Health Care Innovation and has received her education from Riley Business College in Dothan, Alabama. She is a certified Health Care Advocate and serves as a State of Tennessee Notary Public.

Her active involvement in various community organizations showcases her dedication to making a positive impact. Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton is associated with Respect The Haven Community Development Corporation and the Westwood Neighborhood Association, Inc. Professionally, she is employed in community healthcare, bringing her expertise to address the health needs of our residents.

Beyond her professional commitments, Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton is a passionate community activist and volunteer. She has contributed her time and energy to organizations such as the Union Mission Homeless Shelter and the After School Program for Tillman Community Center.

Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton is an active member of the Church of God in Christ ā€“ Messiah Fellowship, where she finds inspiration and strength for her community work. Her commitment to education and literacy is evident through her membership in the Junior League of Memphis and Friends of the Memphis Public Library.

With her family by her side, Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton is dedicated to serving the people of Memphis and contributing to the city’s continued growth and prosperity

SUPER DISTRICT 9-1

SUPER DISTRICT 9-1

Chase Carlisle

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Q

Chase Carlisle

Councilman Chase Carlisle was elected to the Memphis City Council to serve Super District 9, Position 1. Chase is a senior advisor of the leadership group at Carlisle where he is tasked with growing its local presence and focuses on consulting, asset management, and development.

Previously, Chase served as Director of Real Estate and Development for Carlisle and served as the Executive Vice President of Avison Young.

Councilman Carlisle serves as the Chair of the Budget Committee and Vice Chair of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Technology Committee.Ā  Chase has served on the boards of the Memphis Rock ā€˜n Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and Memphis River Parks Partnership.

He and his wife Elizabeth, along with his three children, Miles, Tully, and Hall, are avid supporters of all things Memphis.

SUPER DISTRICT 9-2

SUPER DISTRICT 9-2

Vice Chairman

J. Ford Canale

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Q

J. Ford Canale

Councilman J. Ford Canale was sworn in to serve the citizens of Memphis on May 22, 2018. As the
representative of Super District 9, Position 2, Councilman Canale has the privilege of serving more than
300,000 Memphians. A graduate of Christian Brothers High School, the Councilman brings his
experience from a small family business and his steadfast commitment to his hometown to this position.
His experience in service and leadership are an asset to this Council and to our city. Councilman Canale
earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama. He is a funeral
director at Canale Funeral Directors. He is also a Licensed Insurance Producer and a member of the
Boards of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and Convergence Memphis, Inc.
Councilman Canale was elected Vice Chairman of the Council by his fellow members in December 2023.
He serves as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee and Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee. He
also serves as the City Council Liaison for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and the
Chickasaw Basin Authority.
Councilman J. Ford Canale and his wife Sophie have two children ā€“ Joseph Ford Canale, Jr. and Rollins
Canale. The Canale family attends St. Michael Catholic Church.

SUPER DISTRICT 9-3

SUPER DISTRICT 9-3

Dr. Jeff Warren

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Q

Dr. Jeff Warren

Dr. Jeff Warren was elected to the Memphis City Council in November 2019. He currently serves as Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee, Vice-Chair of Public Services, Art, Youth Initiatives, Libraries & Neighborhoods, and Council Liaison for the Healthcare Oversight Commission and Zoo. Since its inception, Dr. Warren has been a part of Mayor Jim Stricklandā€™s COVID-19 Task Force.

Jeff is a native of North Carolina, graduate of Yale University and Duke Medical School, who moved to Memphis in 1989. He is a Family Medicine Physician at Memphis Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Medical Director for Trezevant Terrace Assisted Living Facility, Allen Morgan Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Harbor View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He previously served as a member of the University of Memphis Biomedical Engineering Advisory Board and is affiliated with University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Before his election to the Memphis City Council, Jeff served two terms on the Memphis City School Board and the Community Pre-K Advisory Council. He was instrumental in initiating a policy-based form of government through his training as a Broad Institute Fellow. He achieved the Master School Board Award from the State of Tennessee for his additional training and work on effective school board activities.

As a community member, Jeff served two terms on the Memphis Medical Society Board, where he also served as Vice-President of the board. He is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church.Ā  Ā He previously coached church league soccer for 17 years. Jeff is also a Soup Kitchen Volunteer Coordinator for First Presbyterian Churchā€™s Mission Outreach Program.

Jeff and his wife, KC, have lived in Super District 9 for over 30 years and have raised three sons, all proud Snowden and Central graduates.

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