Alumni

Master of City & Regional Planning Graduates are making an impact – and making better places.

PAUL YOUNG (2004)

making a difference in community development

After 5 years at the helm of Memphis’ Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), PAUL YOUNG (2005) was appointed CEO and President of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Young was instrumental in driving many high profile projects while leading HCD, including renovations to the Historic Melrose High School, and the redevelopment of Tillman Cove and the Fairgrounds.

ASHLEY CASH (2011)

ASHLEY CASH was selected as Paul Young’s (above) predecessor as Director of Housing and Community Development. Cash previously played a lead role in the development of the award-winning Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan as Administrator of the Office of Comprehensive Planning.

AMY COLLIER (2014)

The National Recreation and Park Association included Amy Collier (2014) in their “Amy Collier featured in 30 under 30” list of your professionals to watch in 2021. Collier is a Grants Administration Specialist with the City of Memphis Department of Parks and Neighborhoods.

SUTTON MORA (2005)

Sutton Mora (2005), Executive Vice President and COO of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, was highlighted in the Memphis Business Journal’s “Super Women 2020” series.

KYLE WAGENSCHUTZ (2010)

making a difference on the roadways

Kyle was the City of Memphis' first Bikeway/Pedestrian Coordinator. He has been recognized by the White House as part of the Champions of Change program and was named by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) as the 2013 Young Professional of the Year. Kyle oversaw the city's first bike lanes, expanded bike to work day efforts and ushered in high profile projects including plans for 15 miles of protected bike lanes. He recently launched a non-profit consulting firm, City Thread. City Thread’s mission is to build, boost, and resource local coalitions around a shared vision for accelerating mobility and place-based projects. Official details included in the attached press release and on our website. 

JOHN ZEANAH (2005)

John is Director of Planning and Development for Memphis and Shelby County. He previously worked as the Administrator of the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Sustainability. John coordinated the development of the APA Burnham Award-winning Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan. He also led the development of the Mid-South Regional Greenprint plan, which was awarded the 2015 Excellence in Sustainability Award by the American Planning Association.