The Memphis Area Transit Authority’s new board is expected to reopen the search for a CEO before the end of the year, Memphis Mayor Paul Young said in an interview with MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. The board, which may select a new CEO as soon as this year, will not be able to exercise its other regular powers until the new head of MATA is in place, he said.
Until then, MATA will remain in a trusteeship led by Trustee Rodrick Holmes. Holmes was appointed in 2025 after the city halted the previous board’s CEO search. A majority of the board resigned in response, saying they had been undermined by the city. That board had been appointed by Young in October 2024.
When asked how he’ll prevent this board from quitting, the mayor said, “All I can tell you is that our goal is to make sure that we have a strong working relationship as we look to make transit better in our city and our region.”
Things like route changes and budget decisions will be made by Holmes, the City Council and Young’s administration until there is a new CEO, Young said.
Then, “The MATA Board along with the CEO and the administration of MATA will make those decisions,” he said. The new board has not yet scheduled its first meeting, according to MATA.
MATA’s new board has two holdovers from the previous group. Brandon Arrindell’s term had expired, but he was reappointed by the mayor. He is a managing partner and portfolio manager at Greenwood Pine Partners and a senior analyst and principal at Southeastern Asset Management, both investment firms. Maya Siggers also remains on the board since her term ends in June 2027. Siggers is associate general counsel at investment firm Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
Young chose not to reappoint Cynthia Bailey, whom he appointed in 2024. Bailey, whose term expired in January 2025, remained on after the mass resignation of other members. The Memphis Bus Riders Union and Citizens for Better Service expressed “deep disappointment” in the mayor’s decision. Bailey is co-chair of the Memphis Bus Riders Union and a prominent transit user and advocate.
“Removing the only everyday transit rider from executive decision-making during a period of severe agency instability, ongoing route cuts, and diminished service reliability is a disgrace,” the two organizations wrote in a news release.
Young said that when a term ends, new board members may be brought in to “bring in new energy,” in a response to MLK50’s question about his decision to replace Bailey.
“We definitely appreciate Cynthia,” Young said. “Cynthia is sharp and a really dedicated advocate for transit, and I’m sure that she will continue to be a strong advocate.”
The board’s new members include an independent living specialist who uses MATA’s disability rideshare service, top leaders at NIKE and the International Paper Company and people involved in human resources, community development and education.
The most prominent figure on the new board is likely Willie Gregory, director of Global Community Investment at NIKE. Gregory was formerly the chairman of the board of the Greater Memphis Chamber.
Below, read about each new board member, their backgrounds, and how they answered the question, “Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?” Biographical details and answers are pulled from documentation submitted to the City Council with the nominations.
New MATA board members
Antwoine Clark, director of impact at the Binghampton Development Corporation
“I am interested in serving because I believe strong communities are built when people have access to opportunity and a voice in the systems that impact their everyday lives. Throughout my career in workforce development, community development, and youth development. have worked alongside individuals and families who are working hard to improve their circumstances but often face barriers beyond their control. One of the barriers I see consistently is transportation. Access to a job means very little if a person cannot reliably get to work. The same is true for education, healthcare, and other resources that contribute to a family’s stability and quality of life. Serving on the Memphis Area Transit Authority Board would allow me to bring the perspective of the residents, employees, employers, and community partners I work alongside every day. I would also bring a willingness to listen, learn, ask thoughtful questions, and work collaboratively with others. I see board service as an opportunity to help strengthen a system that is essential to Memphis’ economic mobility and future while ensuring that the needs and experiences of the people who depend on public transportation remain part of the conversation.”
Allison Donald, independent living specialist and community organizer at Disability Connection Mid-South
“I am interested in serving on the MATA Board because I want to bring the perspective of transit riders, particularly people with disabilities and others who rely on public transportation. I believe my experience in advocacy, community organizing, and independent living services would allow me to contribute to thoughtful decision-making and help strengthen transit services for the Memphis community.”
Gwen Sutton, president of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Memphis
“I was honored to be asked to consider serving, and I view the opportunity as another way to contribute to the Memphis community. Throughout my career, I have seen how access to reliable transportation directly impacts education, employment, workforce participation, and economic mobility. Serving on the MATA Board would allow me to bring my experience in executive leadership, workforce development, education, strategic planning, and community partnerships to an area that directly affects the quality of life and economic vitality of our community. I am particularly interested in contributing a workforce and education perspective to the Board while working collaboratively with other members and community stakeholders to support effective, sustainable transportation solutions for Memphis.”
Sharon Devine Harris, vice president of human resources at AnovoRx Group, LLC
“To better serve the citizens of the Memphis community.”
Tate Wilson, CEO of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
“My career has centered on bringing together leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to solve complex community challenges. As CEO of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, I have worked extensively to improve access to opportunity for Memphis families, and 1 understand that reliable transportation is fundamental to employment, education, healthcare, and economic mobility. I would bring a collaborative, strategic, and community-centered perspective to the MATA Board, with experience in governance, long-term planning, and building partnerships that drive measurable results. I am committed to helping strengthen Memphis’s public transit system as an essential piece of the city’s economic growth and quality of life.”
W. Neely Mallory IV, director of Global Real Estate Services at International Paper Company
“I want to do my part to strengthen this city and believe my work ethic and past experiences make me well-suited to do so.”
Willie Gregory, director of Global Community Investment at NIKE
“To be a part of the Memphis team that continues to make our city better.”
Katherine Burgess is the government accountability reporter for MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. Contact her at katherine.burgess@mlk50.com
This story is brought to you by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, a nonprofit newsroom focused on poverty, power and policy in Memphis. Support independent journalism by making a tax-deductible donation today. MLK50 is also supported by these generous donors.