DMC president Oswalt to leave at end of year
Downtown Memphis Commission president Jennifer Oswalt will be leaving the organization at the end of the year, the commission said Monday morning. Former Design Review Board chair Ray Brown will lead the commission during the search for a new president.
Oswalt is leaving the commission to become chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the newly formed family investment office for the Haslam family. The position is based in Knoxville. She has served as Downtown Memphis Commission president since November 2017. She said she was confident the commission’s staff would continue to work to better Downtown Memphis after she leaves.
“Downtown Memphis is in a special place with eager and dedicated developers, supportive city and county government, and the opportunity for an influx of new residents and Downtown
ers of all types,” Oswalt said in a statement.
Brown will serve as interim president while a search is conducted for Oswalt’s replacement. In addition to his previous role as Design Review Board chair, Brown previously served as the commission’s vice president of Planning and Development and is the current treasurer of the Center City Development Corporation.
“I believe in Downtown Memphis as the heart of our city. In various roles over two decades, I have been privileged to help Downtown grow towards its full potential,” he said.
Downtown Memphis Commission board chair Deni Reilly said Brown was the right choice for the interim role.
“Ray not only has a long and dedicated history working with the organization, but has earned the respect and admiration from the DMC staff, city and county leaders, and his peers in the Urban Planning and Architecture community, as well as his fellow Board members, including myself,” Reilly said.