Jordan McKenzie

Director of Community Building and Economic Opportunity

As an experienced public servant, Jordan thrives on being a committed and innovative changemaker. He is a native of Memphis and the West Tennessee area (Bells) and has rooted his passion and career in creating healthy, vibrant, and equitable communities for everyone. As the Director of Community Building and Economic Opportunity, Jordan leads the community engagement and community impact efforts. By managing projects and initiatives that focus on block wellness, community partner collaboration, and neighborhood curb appeal, Jordan helps fulfill the CRA mission of blight remediation and attainable housing. He also leads economic opportunity efforts by providing business entrepreneurial mentorship and fostering partnerships between local businesses and CRA programs.

When not on the front lines of community advocacy, he enjoys reading, music, basketball, and volunteering in his local ministry.

Jordan has an extensive academic background. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a dual major in Political Science and History, a Master of Public Administration in Planning and Economic Development from Georgia State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science from the University of Memphis. He has achieved a litany of professional certificates and certifications, including being a certified urban planner (AICP) and becoming a Certified Tennessee Economic Developer (TCEcD). Additionally, Jordan will begin pursuit of his doctorate degree in Urban Planning in Fall 2024 at Jackson State University with a concentration in Housing and Community Development.

jordan.mckenzie@cramemphis.org