Blair Taylor is the president of Memphis Tomorrow, an association of CEOs of Memphis’ largest businesses which partners with government and civic leadership to advance prosperity and quality of life in the Memphis community. As President and one of only two staff, she shapes, directs and is deeply involved in the implementation of all of the work of the organization.
Blair was the organization’s first staff member in 2002, and has led it ever since. Given the broad scope of the organization, her work has included initiating and leading public-private partnerships, program and policy development, strategic planning and advising, marketing and public relations, fundraising and grants management, issue campaign management, lobbying and advocacy, nonprofit start-up and management and collective impact development and leadership. Her major topics of engagement have included cradle-to-career education and workforce development, public safety, economic development, health and wellness, government efficiency and performance management.
In addition, and as part of her work with Memphis Tomorrow, she has founded several nonprofit organizations and a university institute. Those include Tennesseans for Quality Early Education for which she is also the CEO; PeopleFirst Partnership, now Seeding Success, for which she currently serves as a member of the board of directors; the Memphis Brand Initiative for which she now serves on the executive committee of the board; and the Public Safety Institute at University of Memphis. She also rebuilt the leadership and oversaw a turnaround of Safeways, Inc for which she currently serves on the board of directors. She also currently serves on the board of The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and on the board and executive committee for the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
Prior to working with Memphis Tomorrow, she was the founder and president of The Work Place, a not-for-profit workforce development organization which trained and placed low and semi-skilled people into employment and supported them along career pathways.
She holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, and a bachelor of arts degree in Political and Social Theory from Connecticut College.
