As Teach For America Memphis celebrates 15 years of impact in the city, we are excited to announce five new members of our advisory board. Coming from a variety of fields and backgrounds, each individual’s dedication to ensuring all students in Memphis have access to an equitable education will help us take the steps toward our organization’s 2030 goal.

Erika Conley | Manager for Culture, Inclusion & Citizenship (CIC), FedEx Freight

Erika Madlock Conley has worked tirelessly to help organizations hone in on their story and their people in the nonprofit, education and now, as a diversity, equity and inclusion leader shaping workplace culture. She currently serves as the Manager for Culture, Inclusion & Citizenship (CIC) at FedEx Freight in Memphis, TN. She and the CIC team lead a robust collection of programs that connect core elements of the FedEx Freight culture and promote an environment where all team members feel respected, empowered and valued.

Before joining FedEx, Erika served as director of community engagement at Teach For America (TFA) where she exceeded community engagement and fundraising goals. She also elevated DEI as a core consideration in training, events and procurement. Erika is an experienced facilitator in group and organizational dynamics, organizational communications and has developed customized learning modules for universities.

A native Memphian, Erika earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville and Master of Science degree in Mass Communication from Arkansas State University. She is married to Damon and they have three children – Daniel (11), Dylan (8), and Evie (4). She enjoys cheering on the Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies, serving her local community and is the Chief Community Officer for Wundher – a digital media, experiential production, and membership community designed to reconnect women and mothers to their joy. She also serves on the boards of Presbyterian Day School and Public Relations Society of America – Memphis.

Henry Guy | Chief Investment Officer, Pittco Management LLC

Henry Guy is currently the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for Pittco Management LLC, the single family office of AutoZone founder, Pitt Hyde.  As CIO, Mr. Guy is responsible for oversight of Pittco’s entire investment portfolio to including sourcing, evaluating and monitoring investments.  Prior to joining Pittco, Mr. Guy was the President & CEO of Modern Holdings, Incorporated, a diversified holding company with assets primarily in the United States & Sweden.  Mr. Guy began his professional career as an officer in the United States Navy.

Mr. Guy’s public director experience includes serving on the boards of Evermore Global Advisors, Pergo AB, Metro International S.A., Scribona AB, & Miltope Corporation.  He also served on the nominating committee of Swedish public company, Investment AB Kinnevik.

Mr. Guy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and a Masters of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Mary C. McDonald | President/CEO, MCD Partners

Dr. Mary McDonald is the Founder and President of MCD Partners, a national consulting firm that provides a broad range of educational and business consulting services including, strategic planning, leadership mentoring, and executive search.  Dr. McDonald has received national acclaim as an innovative educator, published author, and public speaker.  She has been a professional educator for forty years as a teacher, principal, and most recently, as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis for fourteen years. She retired from that position in June 2012, in order to start MCD Partners Consulting and to serve the Memphis community with her experience and expertise on several non-profit Boards and community organizations.

As Superintendent of Catholic Schools in West Tennessee, Dr. McDonald led the system to its greatest period of resurgence, innovation, and growth.  She is a strong catalyst for positive change in education reform both locally, and nationally, including creating the Jubilee Schools Model which reversed the trend of failing schools in the inner cities. In 2014, her firm expanded, and a business division was added to assist businesses in strategic planning, and leadership coaching.  During the past eight years, MCD Partners has had a presence in thirty-five states, assisting others to address the educational needs of inner-city children, ensuring a quality education that provides an educated workforce and future leaders.

Amy Shelton Little | Human Resources Director, Industrial Packaging and Diversity and Inclusion, International Paper

Amy Shelton Little is currently Human Resources Director, Industrial Packaging and Diversity and Inclusion, at International Paper. She began her career with IP after graduating from the University of Memphis with degrees in communications and Spanish. Amy and has held both field and corporate human resources roles across the United States and in Brazil.

In 2010 she was named Business Human Resources Manager for the Shorewood division of International Paper and in 2012 when the business was divested was named Vice-President Human Resources of the newly formed company, AGI-Shorewood. In 2013 she returned to International Paper. Amy lives in Memphis with her husband and two children.

Chuck Thomas III | Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T

Since October 20, 2008 Charlie E. "Chuck" Thomas III has served as the Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs for Greater Memphis and 14 Counties in West Tenn.

Thomas serves as liaison between AT&T, elected officials, legislators, and community and business leaders in West Tenn.

Before his appointment as E&LA Director, Thomas was a National Account Executive within AT&T's Signature & Premier Client Group organization for 10 years. Thomas has worked in the Telecommunications industry since 1983. He’s served in capacity as a National Account Manager, providing solutions in network design as well as managing large customer networks which includes global infrastructure. Chuck has managed major and national accounts using innovative telecommunications solutions for a broad range of businesses, from financial services, transportation, education, municipalities as well as professional services organizations.

A native Memphian, Chuck grew up in Orange Mound and attended Melrose High School, Mississippi Valley State University and the Memphis State University where he studied Criminal Justice and Political Science. Chuck and his wife Sherri reside in Collierville, Tenn. and are the proud parents of three adult children and five grandchildren.