Greater Memphis Chamber Names Joshua Gunn CEO

Gunn, a former chamber and city economic development leader, succeeds Ted Townsend, who resigned in April after a leave of absence.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People

Mid-rise brick and glass commercial building in downtown Memphis under flat overcast daylight with a light haze over the street. — The Greater Memphis Chamber named Joshua Gunn its president and chief executive officer, succeeding Ted Townsend, who resigned April 30 after a leave of absence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Greater Memphis Chamber selected Joshua Gunn as president and chief executive officer following a nationwide search. Gunn most recently served as Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development for the City of Durham, North Carolina.

Why it matters

The appointment fills a leadership vacancy at the Memphis business organization after Ted Townsend's departure, with Board Chair Duncan Williams having served as interim leader during the transition. Gunn's prior chamber leadership roles in Arizona and Illinois bring prior experience running regional business organizations to the Memphis post.

The CEO position was vacant for roughly six months, from Ted Townsend's April 30 resignation to Gunn's November 6 selection. Gunn's start date and compensation terms were not disclosed in the available reporting.

The players

Joshua Gunn

Gunn previously led the Glendale Chamber of Commerce in Arizona and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce in Illinois before serving as Durham's economic development director.

Ted Townsend

Townsend led the Greater Memphis Chamber as CEO until his resignation on April 30, 2026.

Duncan Williams

Williams chairs the Greater Memphis Chamber board and served as interim leader during the leadership transition.

The details

Ted Townsend took a leave of absence beginning in mid-March before resigning as CEO on April 30. Board Chair Duncan Williams served as interim leader while the chamber conducted a nationwide search for a successor.

Mid-March 2026: Ted Townsend begins a leave of absence.
April 30, 2026: Ted Townsend resigns as CEO.
November 6, 2026: Greater Memphis Chamber announces Joshua Gunn as CEO.

Market Landscape

The Greater Memphis Chamber is one of the region's principal business organizations, and its CEO selection shapes how it represents local employers. Gunn's background running chambers in Glendale and Peoria, plus Durham's city economic development office, positions him within the municipal and chamber economic development network.

For Memphis businesses that rely on chamber programs, the leadership change may affect member services and advocacy priorities under Gunn. The source does not detail specific programmatic changes.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions at major business organizations can signal shifts in regional economic strategy, so members and observers should watch how Gunn sets priorities after he takes office.