The Memphis Urban League (MUL) has announced Gale Jones Carson as their new interim President and CEO, following the retirement of former leader Tonja Y. Sesley. This significant appointment marks a new chapter for the organization, known for its commitment to empowering African Americans and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Carson, with a distinguished career in management and leadership, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She recently completed a 17-year tenure at Memphis Light, Gas & Water as Vice President of Community & External Affairs. Her responsibilities at the nation’s largest three-service municipal utility included a wide range of areas such as economic and community development, local government relations, and crisis communications.
Prior to this, Carson served as the Executive Assistant and Chief Spokesperson for Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton. Her extensive career also includes a 16-year stint in Corporate Communications at FedEx and an earlier period working in public relations for MLGW.
Felecia Beans-Barnes, MUL Board Chair, praised Carson’s appointment, highlighting her management skills, leadership qualities, and a deep-rooted passion for helping students, seniors, and those in underserved areas.
“Ms. Carson has a great deal of management and leadership experience as well as a strong passion to help students, seniors and those in underserved areas to become economically advantaged,” Beans-Barnes stated. “We look forward to her leadership and her passion to take the MUL to the next level of excellence.”
The MUL, with its mission to assist African Americans, the underserved, and economically disadvantaged in expanding economic opportunities and securing equality, power, and civil rights, sees Carson’s appointment as a promising step towards furthering its goals.
Sesley, Carson’s predecessor, had been with the MUL since 2005 and was instrumental in supporting Workforce and Economic Development initiatives, later becoming President and CEO in 2014. Her legacy sets a high bar for Carson, who is poised to drive the organization towards new heights of success.
