Haley Simmons was appointed Chief of Policy and Programs in January 2024. Haley’s experience in public affairs spans national, international, state, and local levels of government, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer in Washington, D.C, representing the U.S. as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Moldova, and working for Mayors Wharton and Strickland as a special assistant.

Before joining the City of Memphis Haley served as the Director of Public Policy for the Greater Memphis Chamber, where he advocated on behalf of the business community before the Memphis City Council, Shelby County Commission and members of the Tennessee General Assembly. Most recently, he has served as the Chief Public Policy Officer for Seeding Success, where he was one of the legislative architects and advocates for the city and county’s joint Pre-k ordinance and successful passage of the Opportunity Act that unlocked $754 million in unspent Temporary Assistance for Family funding allotted to Tennessee. As Chief Policy Officer, Haley played a key role in a public-private partnership that developed a strategic plan, known as More For Memphis, to address the most important factors impacting social and economic mobility in Memphis and Shelby County.

Haley received a B.S. in political science from the University of Tennessee at Martin, a Master of Public Policy degree from The American University, and a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law. Haley resides in Midtown with his wife, Olivia, and their children, Thomas, Amelia, and Oliver.