Public Policy Advisor at Adams & Reese LLP. Founder and CEO of Averi, LLC. Memphian with opinions that are my own.
Memphis, TN
Joined November 2012
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Next chapter loading…. and I could not be more excited about what is ahead.
Last week I officially joined @adamsandreese as Public Policy Advisor, working at the intersection of business and government across the Southeast.
What began as trusted counsel this past spring grew into something more. Through that work, we came to know one another, saw the same path forward, and the chance to build together followed.
That alignment is the work I love. Years in economic development have taught me how much depends on getting public and private interests moving in the same direction, especially as energy capacity, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and the broader digital economy reshape what Southern cities and states can become. The runway ahead is wide open, and the chance to shape it alongside Adams & Reese's clients is one I do not take for granted.
Every meaningful endeavor of my career has been built on relationships. The trust that comes with them is what makes the work actionable. This chapter will be no different.
adamsandreese.com/newsroom/a…
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Leading the Greater Memphis Chamber has been one of the great experiences of my life. I am proud of what our team accomplished during this time. We have brought many wins to Memphis, including landing the largest economic development win in Memphis history, developing the Digital Delta initiative that has positioned Memphis as a global tech leader, securing $400M for America's River Crossing, and being named 2025 Chamber of the Year.
None of that is one person's work. It is the work of an exceptional team, a committed board, and a community of investors that kept showing up. I am grateful to all of them.
The Chamber will keep doing what it does best: fighting for Memphis and the business community. I look forward to watching everything that comes next.
Ted Townsend retweeted
🎨 Memphis is having a cultural moment.
The Memphis Art Museum (@MemphisBrooks) is named one of the most anticipated museum openings of 2026 by @artnet. Riverfront, world-class design by @HerzogdeMeuron and @archimania.
news.artnet.com/art-world/mu…
Ted Townsend retweeted
@TedTownsend901 of @MemphisChamber explains how listening to business leaders helped launch billion-dollar projects like America’s River Crossing & the Digital Delta initiative.
Listen here: chamberchatpodcast.com/episo…
@ACCEHQ Chamber of the Year Winner
Ted Townsend retweeted
Thrilled to witness the remarkable collaboration between @xAI & @Dell on Colossus 2! We welcome Dell to the Digital Delta and eagerly anticipate its continued growth, driving innovation & opportunity in our city. This powerful partnership marks an exciting milestone for Memphis!
Greater way to end an amazing week with yet another win. As @JaMorant would say….. “There’s a parade inside my city, yeah!” #ChamberoftheYear2025 @MemphisChamber @memphismoves
📢 Silver Hills Bakery is acquiring the former Kellogg facility in Rossville, TN, investing $48.5M and creating 394 new jobs. This marks one of the largest economic wins in the city’s history and a major boost for the region’s future. 🍞🏭 Read more: memphischamber.com/blog/pres…
Hi! I'm attending ACCE 2025 Annual Convention #ACCE25. Let's start connecting with each other now. @ACCEHQ - via Whova event app whova.com/whova-event-app/
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Ted Townsend retweeted
"It's moving in the right direction, but it's still recognized as one of the worst cities in America. To the point where the head of the FBI has called it 'the murder capital of this country' per capita. That's on the record." - Stephen A. Smith discussing Memphis on First Take
Maybe someone could also share this with Stephen A. Smith. One of six in the nation is special. WE are special. Hard earned and a credit to @uofmemphis and @uthsc for their amazing research. We use this as a recruiting tool to continue to bring in more and more advanced industry companies to our economy. Thank you @TNECD for promoting this accolade.
Did you know Memphis is one of just six U.S. cities with two R1 research universities?
This prestigious designation recognizes institutions with the highest levels of research activity and academic excellence. 👏
With both the @uofmemphis and @uthsc driving groundbreaking discoveries, Memphis is helping power Tennessee’s reputation as a hub for innovation and forward-thinking solutions. #TNTuesday
Ted Townsend retweeted
When Memphis shows up, we show out.
From the boardroom to the bluff, we’re repping the M loud and proud.
Shoutout to the @memgrizz for giving our business community another reason to rally.
We’re all in — FOR THE M.
Ted Townsend retweeted
Professor says xAI turbines don't affect air quality if company's claims are true dailymemphian.com/subscriber…
Ted Townsend retweeted
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, acquires 1 million-square-foot property in Memphis tcrn.ch/3DANWC2
Ted Townsend retweeted
xAI has purchased a 1 million-square-foot property in #Memphis, #Tennessee.
This investment builds on xAI’s June 2024 decision to locate its “Colossus” #supercomputer #facility in the #DigitalDelta region.
bit.ly/4hiIhhQ
A year after this journey began with @xai we are so proud and thankful they’ve chosen #Memphis again for this historic expansion. The #DigitalDelta is a force redefining our region’s economy and will continue to lead the global AI race. @MemphisChamber
xAI Expands in Memphis with a Focus on Sustainability 💡🌎
xAI has purchased a 1M sq. ft. facility in Southwest Memphis, strengthening its Digital Delta presence and commitment to innovation. This expansion builds on the growth of the Colossus supercomputer and a groundbreaking $80M Colossus Water Recycling Plant, home to the world’s largest ceramic bioreactor, which protects 4.75B gallons of Memphis Aquifer water annually! 💦
xAI is also deploying the world’s largest Tesla Megapack to ensure zero grid impact during peak demand, prioritizing energy for Memphis residents. Tech meets sustainability right here in Memphis! 🔋
#DigitalDelta #AI #Memphis #Grok3 #Colossus
memphischamber.com/blog/gene…
Memphis is shaping the future as the “Digital Delta”—a powerhouse of tech innovation and economic growth. This isn’t business as usual; it’s about pushing forward, creating jobs, and transforming lives. It’s about saying “yes” to progress and never looking back.
Ted Townsend retweeted
Thanks @BrentM_SpaceX and the xAI team for hosting us at Memphis. We are super excited about taking this great partnership with @xai to the next level! Coming in hot and quick!
Ted Townsend retweeted
Thank you @BrentM_SpaceX It was an honor meeting with you, @charlesliang & the @Supermicro_SMCI team @xai Memphis
It’s fun to be the first to do things, it’s even “FUNNER (yes I know it’s not a word) when your partners are first with you.
Coming in hot!
@Supermicro_SMCI @MemphisChamber @xai @charlesliang @elonmusk
PS - Was an absolute pleasure having the SMC team here in Colossus.
Ted Townsend retweeted
The NCAA or NAIA football team with the best record in each state this season:
Every business deserves a seat at the table—this is your chance to claim yours! The x.AI Supplier Information Portal is now live, making it easy to share your expertise and align your services with exciting new opportunities.
It’s quick (just 10-15 minutes!) and gives you the chance to showcase your business with a company presentation upload. Let the world see what makes your business great.
Start today and take the next step toward growth: memphischamber.com/blog/pres….
#ChamberFamily
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