Jakob Eliason

TREASURER

A mid-south native, Jakob was raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas before moving to downtown Memphis in early 2017. After earning his degree in Marketing from Arkansas State University, he landed in the world of business development where he spent time in software sales and community banking. Today, Jakob owns and operates Eliason Marketing – his freelance marketing and copywriting business. He believes in effective communication, leading by example and acting with integrity and respect. Jakob and his wife, April, are proud dog parents, advocates for the city of Memphis and fourth-year Grizzlies season ticket holders.

Alex Abdo

SECRETARY

Born and raised in Nashville, Alex moved to Memphis to attend Rhodes College where he graduated with a BS in Computer Science and a BA in Economics. After graduating, he was selected for the IT Leadership Development Program at ServiceMaster. He now works as a Technical Program Manager at Frontdoor, the home services company spun off from ServiceMaster. Alex has lived in Memphis for 8 years and in South Main for four of them. Along with his participation in SMA, he is an alumnus of the New Memphis Embark program and a board member for both the Junior Achievement Young Professionals’ Board and the Red Shoe Society, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis. Alex enjoys mingling all over the neighborhood and makes friends wherever he goes.

Katie Hunt

ARTS DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Memphis, Katie recently returned from Seattle where she received her Masters in Architecture from the University of Washington and practiced for 6 years. After 15 years away she has returned to Memphis be a part of the exciting momentum the city is experiencing. Katie works with LRK where she has been an integral part of designing buildings that are contributing to a lively, sustainable downtown. Katie also serves on the Board of the local American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapter. A self-proclaimed artist, Katie has degrees in Textile Design, French, and Art History as well as Architectural Studies. She believes passionately that a thoughtfully-designed built environment can positively impact the community and is particularly excited about contributing to the South Main neighborhood.

Cori McCleskey

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Cori was born in Memphis and raised just across the Mississippi River, and is known for being a Social Media Queen. She is the founder of Remember Media, a female-led digital marketing agency geared towards helping small businesses grow their brand, audience, and revenue. Cori’s social media portfolio includes the Arkansas Razorbacks, a Tyson Foods National Brand, Turnkey Properties, Memphis River Parks, Protect Our Aquifer, The Rise Apartments, and Mazda of Germantown. She graduated with an International Business Degree from the University of Arkansas and has over eight years of professional media experience. Cori is devoted to working alongside other passionate business owners and helping the economic development of the city of Memphis.

Philip Gattas

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Having grown up in rural Arkansas on his family’s farm, Philip made his way to Memphis by attending Christian Brothers University, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. While attending Christian Brothers University, Philip began working for his uncle at James Gattas Jewelers, where he was employed for 13 years and served as Executive Vice President. It was during this time that Phillip developed an avid interest for civic and philanthropic engagement. Philip is committed to improving his community by volunteering his time and energy to a variety of organizations, with a particular focus in fundraising. He has served as the Chairperson for the St. Jude Courses and Cocktails Event, Committee Member for the St. Jude Garden Harvest Dinner, and Associate Board Member for Make-A-Wish Mid-South. Philip is now the Sales and Events Manager for Shelby Farms Park where he oversees efforts to promote Memphis and the Park to locals and out-of-towners alike. In his free time, Philip enjoys traveling and mingling with neighbors and friends in his South Main neighborhood while frequenting the restaurants, bars and shops.

Robert Montgomery

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

A native Memphian, Robert’s love of Downtown was planted in him as a young child through bicycle adventures along the riverfront, rides on the trolley, and playing in the fountains in Civic Center Plaza. His love of Downtown Memphis continues today where Robert is a Downtown historian, taking over after Jimmy Ogle’s departure to Knoxville. Robert has lived Downtown for four years and worked Downtown for five. In that time, he has become highly involved in the surrounding community. He has been a South Main Association member for 4 years, he regularly volunteers with Memphis River Parks Partnership and can be found most Saturdays helping with the Memphis Farmers Market on South Main. Outside of civic involvement, Robert manages historic Downtown properties through Left Field Properties, LLC. He is always quick with a cheesy joke, appreciates a witty pun, and is excited to serve as Membership Director on the 2021 SMA board.

Jodi Gibbs

RESIDENTS DIRECTOR

Jodi Gibbs moved to Memphis in August 1987. Originally from Illinois, her husband’s job brought them to Memphis and once here she fell in love with the city and the people. It was so unique compared to anywhere she had ever lived. A position in property management came up and she jumped on the opportunity. It gave her the ability to connect with a variety of people, have fun and be home in the evenings. Her former position as a Leasing Manager involved not only training agents, but planning resident events. It was also in this position that she became a huge advocate for the City of Memphis and all it had to offer. The position led to her current career as a realtor - first with Henry Turley Realtors, and currently with 901 Real Estate Services. It was a perfect tie-in to all she had done before. Now, she could continue to work with all types of people, promote Memphis and also to be a part of the search of the perfect home or investment property. She says there is no other joy as great as helping someone realize their dream of home ownership. In her spare time, she enjoys sipping different wines with her son, who is a sommelier and playing with grandchildren.