Jordan Spuryer — Executive Coordinator
Jordan Spuryer
Jordan joined the team in May 2026.
What I do for city Leadership
As Executive Coordinator at City Leadership, I work closely with Executive Director John Carroll to help keep the organization operating smoothly and efficiently. My role includes streamlining projects, managing partnerships and community engagement efforts, overseeing daily operations, coordinating merchandise and organizational systems, and supporting executive communications and scheduling.
CONNECT WITH ME
why memphis?
I was born and raised right here in Memphis, Tennessee, and I have always been proud to call this city home. Growing up in Memphis, I became deeply connected to its vibrant culture, resilient communities, incredible food, and the creativity that makes this city unique. Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to watch Memphis grow while growing alongside it myself. That connection is what continues to inspire me to invest my time and energy into creating a stronger and more equitable city for everyone.
I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University of Memphis, where I developed my passion for research, community engagement, and designing equitable systems that directly impact people’s everyday lives.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Throughout my training as an anthropologist, I had the opportunity to work on several research-based projects both locally and abroad. My experiences included environmental impact studies in Honduras and public housing initiatives in Italy, which taught me how deeply community, infrastructure, and access shape people’s opportunities and well-being.
I brought those experiences back to Memphis through my graduate fellowship with Innovate Memphis, where I worked alongside community organizations and local leaders on projects aimed at improving quality of life for Memphians. This work included helping develop a rideshare initiative for South Memphis residents to improve food access, supporting work connected to the Memphis Food Council, and contributing to the development of Data Midsouth, an equitable data hub for Shelby County.
WHAT VALUES DRIVE YOUR WORK?
At the center of my work is the belief that communities thrive when people feel seen, heard, and included in the systems that affect their lives. I care deeply about collaboration, accessibility, and creating opportunities that allow communities to shape their own futures. Anthropology taught me the importance of listening first, understanding different perspectives, and approaching challenges with empathy and curiosity.
These values strongly align with City Leadership’s mission to invest in people, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change across Memphis.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT JOINING CITY LEADERSHIP?
I’m excited to continue learning from the people and communities that make Memphis special while contributing my own experiences and perspective to City Leadership’s work. Memphis is a city full of potential, creativity, and resilience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside others who are committed to helping our city grow and thrive.