October 30, 2026—The City of Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is excited to announce that Chermella Dandridge has been hired as the Director of Operations. She has more than 25 years of experience in managing operations, compliance, grants, and initiatives for some of Memphis’ most impactful organizations. Mrs. Dandridge’s experience will support the CRA’s mission of restoring neighborhoods and providing affordable housing throughout Memphis and Shelby County.

Mrs. Dandridge is first to hold the newly created position of Director of Operations for the joint City-County organization, dedicated to community-based redevelopment activities.

“Chermella is a trusted veteran in the community development space,” said Andrew Murray, President of the CRA. “She brings a wealth of practical experience and a passion for the transformational work we do. As our agency expands its reach through programs like the Brownfield Coalition and the Essential Housing Program, Chermella will enable us to deliver on the bold goals we have, including Mayor Young’s 10,000 housing units by 2030.”

A Memphis native, Chermella holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Christian Brothers University and a recently completed Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employee Relations from Penn State University. Her educational and nonprofit background reflects a strong foundation in strategic management, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence.

The CRA has also expanded its team by adding Jackson Lyles as Community Development Associate. Jackson recently earned his Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis, and supports the organization with mapping, data analysis, and community engagement. He previously served as the Housing and Community Development Fellow at the Binghampton Development Corporation.

About the CRA

The CRA was established to be a catalyst for the restoration of communities through removing blight and providing affordable housing. Our approach focuses on sustained improvement through the preservation and creation of generational wealth. The CRA serves as a joint agency of Shelby County and the City of Memphis. Our community-based approach to the redevelopment of neighborhoods needing reinvestment leverages Tax Increment Financing (TIF), grants, and partnerships, as important and strategic tools for implementing the goals of the agency. We envision every neighborhood in the City of Memphis and Shelby County providing its residents with a healthy and safe environment, economic opportunity, affordable housing, and excellent quality of life.