Memphis City Council OKs city COO, CFO appointees, EDGE president

The Memphis City Council took action Tuesday night to make multiple interim administration positions permanent in addition to approving the appointment of a Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board member and the next president of the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County.

Two of the approvals were in the mayor's office executive positions; both the chief operating officer and chief financial officer have been serving at the interim level.

Interim Chief Operating Officer Antonio M. Adams, Sr and interim Chief Financial Officer Walter Person have been working within Mayor Paul Young's administration since Young took office. Tuesday night, the Council voted unanimously to approve both Adams and Person to the positions permanently.

Both Adams and Person previously served under former Mayor Jim Strickland.

The action council was scheduled to take Tuesday would not have fully moved the two interim chiefs to permanent positions, the vote for the final approval would have been during the Aug. 20 meeting. But, the Council decided to move the vote to Tuesday evening.

Council gave Adams a standing ovation after the motion to move the vote to Tuesday was approved.

During the leadership shakeup of Memphis Animal Services , Adams was picked to lead the shelter for a few weeks after MAS Director Ty Coleman was put on leave pending an investigation after a dog died within the shelter's care.

Throughout the morning, council members made comments to Adams saying his interim title would soon be no longer, insinuating the vote for his permanent approval would not be hard fought.

During the discussion for the appointment of Person, he gave a thoughtful and emotional speech about his pride in working for the City of Memphis.

"This has been a wonderful and painful experience, it has been wonderful because I've had the opportunity to work with you, and learn from you, and hopefully help you along the way," Person said, also referencing the death of his father last year. "I've enjoyed every moment of the career here at the city of Memphis."

Councilmembers spoke highly of Person and thanked him for his service to the city. He was also voted on during Tuesday night's meeting and approved unanimously.

EDGE president, land use control board appointments approved

Joann Massey was also appointed president of EDGE during the meeting. Massey has been serving as the vice president of EDGE since 2023.

During committee meetings, Council members also spoke highly of Massey, saying her leadership will facilitate growth and development needed in the city. Randy Richardson, who is the executive director of the Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission, has been serving as the interim president since 2021.

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"A lot of people have, you know, counted Memphis out but as we sit here today, we have the ingredients for an amazing city," Councilwoman Rhonda Logan said during committee. "A lot of people have left, but I appreciate you doing what's necessary to come back and lead not just talk about it or talk about the city but make a change by your leadership."

Massey was formerly the head of the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance for the city but was placed on leave. According to reporting from The Commercial Appeal, multiple employees left while Massey was with the department, with at least one resignation email describing Massey as hostile, vindictive and retaliatory .

Massey was approved by the City Council but now will also have to be approved by the Shelby County Commission.

Council also approved Keith Norman and Michael Winter to the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board. For the land use control board, five members are recommended and appointed by the city governing body and five members are appointed by the county governing body.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis City Council OKs city COO, CFO appointees, EDGE president