Memphis Land Bank CEO Fired After Misconduct Vote

The board unanimously terminated Michael O. Harris following allegations of unauthorized personal credit card use.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People

Memphis Land Bank CEO Fired After Misconduct Vote

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The Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority Board of Directors voted 7-0 to fire CEO Michael O. Harris. The termination followed an investigation that determined Harris used an agency credit card for personal purchases.

Why it matters

The board took decisive action to address the alleged misuse of organizational funds and restore fiscal integrity. The unanimous vote signals a swift response to the internal discovery of unauthorized spending.

The board voted 7-0 to terminate the CEO's contract after confirming the misuse of organizational credit cards. This outcome marks the removal of the leadership head after a investigation confirmed the unauthorized personal purchases.

The players

Michael O. Harris

He is the former CEO of the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority who served in the position starting in September 2024.

Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority

This is the municipal agency responsible for acquiring and managing vacant and tax-delinquent properties in Memphis, Tennessee.

The details

The board passed a formal resolution to end the employment of Michael O. Harris after confirming he had utilized an MMLBA credit card for personal gain. All seven board members participated in the unanimous vote.

September 1, 2024: Michael O. Harris began his role as CEO.
September 28, 2026: The board voted to terminate his employment.

Market Landscape

The termination follows a pattern of strict enforcement regarding internal fiscal compliance within the Memphis municipal government's oversight of public authorities. This move aligns with a broader industry trend of tightening governance protocols for local development agencies.

The leadership change at the authority may impact the speed of local property development projects in the immediate future. Residents and business owners awaiting land transfers should expect potential delays while the board transitions to new management.

The takeaway

Public agencies face increasing pressure to ensure complete transparency in the use of official financial resources. Organizations often implement new spending audits following high-profile cases of executive credit card misconduct.