Who We Are  ))  Our History

The Leadership Academy Timeline

  • 1979-1980: Memphis Jobs Conference called by Governor Lamar Alexander to develop a plan to bring better jobs to the Memphis area. Resulting projects included Beale Street Renovation, Convention Center Hotel, Mid-South Agricenter, Orpheum Theatre Restoration and Uniport.
  • 1986: Goals for Memphis (GFM) is the new name of organization.
  • 1988: Literacy Foundation launched by GFM.
  • 1989: Annual Urban Education Series began by GFM in partnership with Memphis State University and Time Warner Cable. Continues for 8 years.
  • 1989: Mid-South Minority Purchasing Council (now known as the Mid-South Minority Business Council) formed by GFM.
  • 1990: Memphis vs. Drugs – GFM documents the nature and extent of substance abuse for Shelby County and partners with Memphis Drug Czar to implement strategies.
  • 1991: Destination Memphis – GFM partners with the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau on a local tourism conference, bringing Charleston Mayor Joe Riley to Memphis.
  • 1991: Unity Begins With U – GFM convenes Memphis City School children to participate in the opening of the National Civil Rights Museum.
  • 1993: Partners In Public Education launched by GFM as part of Memphis 2000, a community-wide educational effort.
  • 1993:  Memphis Diversity Institute – GFM raises $1 million and launches the Institute to enhance race relations in the business community through training and education.
  • 1994:  Plan for Downtown Development designed by GFM, at the request of Mayor Willie Herenton; results in the revitalization of the Center City Commission and a Downtown Leadership Council.
  • 1997: Leadership Summit convened by GFM. Participants include Governor Don Sundquist, Mayors Willie Herenton and Jim Rout, Jack Belz, Greg Duckett, Bill Dunavant, Barbara and Pitt Hyde, Mike Rose and Fred Smith.
  • 1997: GFM launches a new executive leadership training program in partnership with the internationally known Center for Creative Leadership; marks the beginning of GFM focus on leadership.
  • 2004: Goals for Memphis becomes The Leadership Academy, a one-stop-shop for comprehensive leadership development.  
  • 2004: The Leadership Academy launches the Academy Fellows program for high-potential, emerging leaders.
  • 2006: The Academy is nationally recognized by the Center for Creative Leadership for the Fellows program’s unique community action component.
  • 2007: The Academy celebrates 10 years of leadership development training with an event featuring world-renowned author and speaker Marcus Buckingham.  
  • 2007: The Academy launches MemphisConnect, a powerhouse talent retention program for our city’s knowledge workers.