Chairman 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.

Chairman Canale serves as Chair of the Executive Session and Vice-Chair of the Personnel, Government Affairs and Annexations Committee. He also serves as the City Council Liaison for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

Chairman J. Ford Canale and his wife Sophie have two children – Joseph Ford Canale, Jr. and Rollins Canale. The Canale family attends St. Michael Catholic Church.

Councilwoman Rhonda Logan was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 14, 2019, and re-elected in 2023. 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 the 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. Logan’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 Memphis’ 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 Housing and Community Development Committee and Vice Chair of the Libraries and Neighborhood Improvement Committee. She serves as Council Liaison for the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (MMLB) 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 “mom” to five awesome children and two grandchildren.

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. 

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. 

Jerri currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. In her most recent professional role, she served as the Senior Policy Advisor to Mayor Lee Harris where she worked on many issues, from Women’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. 

Councilwoman Green was named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2023 and was selected as a fellow for the Aspen Institute’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. 

Councilwoman Green now serves as the Chairwoman of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Technology Committee and the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee. Additionally, she serves as the Council’s liaison for Memphis River Parks Partnership and the Urban Art Commission.  

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. 

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 serves as the Chair of the Planning & Zoning Committee and serves as Vice Chair for the Executive Committee. Additionally, she acts as the Council liaison  to both the Renasant Convention Center and the Film/TV Commission.

Jana is happily married to Reverend Dr. 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 seven grandchildren: Caleb, Durriya, Laila, John Charles III, James Greyson, Arie Jae, and Hailey Janae . 

They have two beautiful fur babies: Boston and Bella.

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 bachelor’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 Department’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 Spinosa’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 Chairman’s Circle for the Greater Memphis Chamber. As Senior Vice President of the Chairman’s Circle, he was responsible for leading the Chairman’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 “Move Your Money to Memphis” 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 it’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 Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. He is the Council’s liaison for the Memphis Light, Gas & Water Board. 

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. Michael’s Catholic Church Men’s Club and Knights of Colombus organization.

Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas is a Memphis native and a visionary leader committed to advancing community, culture, and education. Elected to the Memphis City Council in 2019, she is the Chair of the Personnel, Government Affairs, and Annexations Committee and serves as the Council’s liaison to Shelby County Schools and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau. With a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University and a career spanning teaching, instructional coaching, and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Easter-Thomas prioritizes youth-centered efforts that foster opportunity and equity. She is deeply engaged in community service, holding board membership with organizations such as Girl Scouts Heart of the South and WILLOW Memphis. Dr. Easter-Thomas treasures time with her husband, Darren, and their son, Tripp, often exploring new places together.

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 JB’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.

JB’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 “never forget the bridge that brought you over,” 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, Born With It: Unleashing Your Greatness.

In 2017, in Memphis, JB started his law practice, Smiley & Associates, PLLC. The following year, JB was named to Memphis Flyer’s Top 20 Under 30 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 currently serves as Chair of the Public Works, Solid Waste & General Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Public Services, Arts & Youth Initiatives Committee, and the council liaison for the Downtown Memphis Commission. Councilman Smiley served as Chairman of the Memphis City Council in 2024 and was one of nine delegates selected for the American Council of Young Political Leaders’ Malaysia and Philippines Exchange in December 2024. He was also named One of the People to Watch in Tennessee Politics in 2021 by Tennessee Lookout.

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

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.

Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton serves as the Chair of the Public Services, Arts and Youth Initiatives Committee and the Vice Chair of the Parks & Environment Committee. She also serves as the Council liaison for Memphis in May and Memphis Museum System.

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 – 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

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 Housing and Community Development Committee. He also acts as the Council liaison to the Pension Investment Committee and the Pension Board. Chase has served on the boards of the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and the 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.