Ted Townsend has worked to build a ‘greater’ Memphis for more than a decade while serving in leadership positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to becoming president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber in 2022, Townsend served as its chief economic development officer (2020-2022), leading the Chamber to its best year ever for economic development in 2021. Previously, Townsend served as the first-ever chief economic development and government relations officer for his alma mater, the University of Memphis (2018-2021); as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (2011-2018); and as co-founder and chief operating officer of Memphis-based arGentis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2005-2011).