A native Memphian, with five siblings, born to a social worker and a Bronze Star army soldier, JB Smiley, Jr., knows the value of hard work and a healthy, supportive community.

After JB’s collegiate and semi-professional basketball career, he pursued a legal education, and later, a political career. But his life in serving the most vulnerable started from a young age.

JB’s first experience with teamwork and leadership was as a Cub Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. Never afraid of getting his hands dirty, JB has done everything from working as a landfill cleaner to washing dishes.

As his father taught him to “never forget the bridge that brought you over,” JB decided to stay in the region to attend college and then law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

While in law school, JB served as a member of the Law Review, Moot Court Board, and as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association. JB successfully passed Arkansas and the Tennessee Bar exams, while writing his first book, Born With It: Unleashing Your Greatness.

In 2017, in Memphis, JB started his law practice, Smiley & Associates, PLLC. The following year, JB was named to Memphis Flyer’s Top 20, Under 30 class. During that same year, JB was appointed policy advisor to the Shelby County Clerk and served in such capacity until his election to the Memphis City Council in October 2019.

As a council member, JB is currently Vice Chair of the City Council and serves as Chair of the Public Works, Solid Waste & General Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Planning & Zoning Committee, and the council liaison for the Urban Art Commission and the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.

In his spare time, JB likes to play basketball, work out, binge watch Netflix shows, and keep his dog, Mighty Mouse, and his nephew, Bryson Maxwell Smiley, smiling!

Councilwoman Rhonda Logan was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 14, 2019. Councilwoman Logan serves as the Director of Operations for Breath of Life Christian Center, where she has also held the position of Community Engagement Officer. Before leading the Breath of Life staff, Logan was the Executive Director of Raleigh Community Development Corporation. During her tenure, she spearheaded innovative solutions by building strong, equitable and sustainable communities through education, engagement, and collaboration.

Councilwoman Logan also serves as the Chairwoman of Raleigh Police Joint Agency, a collaborative partnership between public agencies and concerned residents planning crime prevention and improving community conditions. As the current Board President of Friends of Kennedy Park, she leads an organization of dedicated community leaders in advocating for the restoration and sustainability of a 260-acre greenspace in Memphis. Logan’s passion for her community also led to the creation of a local Farmers Market.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis, Logan later received a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Memphis 2021, BLDG Memphis’ New City Builders, and an Emerge TN Alum. Councilwoman Logan has the distinguished honor of being recognized in the 2021 Memphis Business Journals Power 100.

With over 25 years of experience in organizational development, strategic planning, project management, employee relations, leadership and community service, Councilwoman Logan has a strong commitment to helping constituents and communities reach their full potential. She is a solution-oriented individual, devoted to advocacy and helping others. She is dedicated to restoring broken or damaged lives, dreams, and paths. Her faith, education, and life lessons fuel her uncanny talent for bringing order and direction to every challenge.

Councilwoman Logan serves as the Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and Vice Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee. She serves as the Council Liaison for the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) and the Memphis Housing Authority Board.

In her private time, Councilwoman Logan enjoys cooking, but her most important and beloved role is being a devoted wife to Calvin Logan and “mom” to five awesome children and two grandchildren.

Councilwoman Jerri Green, a proud Memphian, was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 16, 2023. Having graduated from White Station High School, she pursued her higher education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her B.A. in English and Political Science. Continuing her academic journey, Jerri obtained her Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University School of Law in Washington, D.C. 

She is a licensed attorney in the state of Tennessee and a member of the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, the Association for Women Attorneys, and the American Inns of Court. She has practiced public interest law in areas ranging from international human rights to criminal defense, in Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Memphis. She also taught criminal law and juvenile justice for almost a decade through the University of Phoenix. She has worked at the University Memphis Law School and was the previous Executive Director of the Community Legal Center where she worked to advance the mission of bridging the justice gap in the Memphis community. 

In her most recent professional role, she served as the Senior Policy Advisor to Mayor Lee Harris where she worked on many issues, from Women’s Health and Public Safety to Refugee Assistance and Blight Remediation. Her accomplishments in this role include leading projects to insure over 70% of the local prison population was vaccinated at the height of COVID, finalizing the last group of Shelby County employees received a living wage, and establishing a first of its kind free gun lock by mail program. 

Councilwoman Green was named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2023 and was selected as a fellow for the Aspen Institute’s Memphis Workforce Leadership Academy. She is the past President of the Democratic Women of Shelby County, a member of the Board of Directors for the Girls, Inc. and the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and was the statewide election lead for the Tennessee Moms Demand Action Chapter. 

Councilwoman Green now serves as the Chairwoman of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Technology Committee and the Vice-Chair of the Libraries and Neighborhood Improvement Committee. Additionally, she serves as the Council’s liaison for MLG&W and the Urban Art Commission.  

Councilwoman Green takes immense pride in her role as a mother and wife. Patrick is her loving husband, and she is blessed to be the mother of Beau, Vivienne, and Wilder. 

Mrs. Jana Swearengen-Washington, has served in many capacities in education, such as Principal, Assistant Principal, District Curriculum Specialist, and a teacher, Jana offers expertise in organizational planning, teacher coaching, data analysis, grant writing, budget overseeing, school/district partnerships, and community development. Her 30 year educational experience has afforded her opportunities to lead teams for the Forrest City School, Millington School, and Memphis Shelby County School Districts.

As a neighborhood and educational advocate, it has been her personal goal and commitment to invest and ensure that students and families are represented, supported, and have effective leadership. Within the Greater Memphis Community, she serves in many organizations such as: Board Member of W.I.L.L.O.W. (Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom) and Vice-President of the Northeast Ministers Spouses Association with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Jana is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Glenview Neighborhood Association, Magnalia Castalia Neighborhood Association, Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. B. R. Danner (which promotes the cultural arts within urban communities), and Democratic Women of Shelby County. She believes in being an active voice, where she serves her school community, church, people, and advocates for all within the Greater Memphis Community.

Jana serves as the Chair of the Public Works, Solid Waste, and General Services Committee and serves as Vice Chair for the Parks and Environment Committee. Additionally, she acts as the Council liaison to both the Convention Center and the Film/TV Commission.

Jana is happily married to Dr. Reverend Robert H. Washington, Sr. They have five children within their blended family: VeAndrea Washington, Janeese Martina Swearengen Murphy (John) and James Swearengen Richey (Ebony) Robert Washington Jr., and Ana Washington. They have six grandchildren: Caleb, Durriya, Laila, John Charles III, James Greyson and Arie Jae. They have two beautiful fur babies: Boston and Bella.

Dr. Michalyn Easter-Thomas is a native of Memphis, TN and is a visionary cultivator of community, culture, and education in her hometown. As a lifelong educator, Michalyn found her inspiration to run successfully for public office and was elected in November 2019 to the Memphis City Council. In her intertwining experience of public education and public service, she takes pride in prioritizing efforts that center the youth and promote increased opportunities for them and their families.

Dr. Easter-Thomas holds a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University, and has had education positions in teaching, instructional coaching, and leading nonprofits towards envisioning their youth-centered work. Michalyn takes pride in centering the community in all of her efforts. Her commitment to community is also evident through her service on various leadership teams and boards of nonprofits, such as: Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom (WILLOW), Christian Brothers University Black Alumni Association, New Leaders Council of Nashville, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated . These organizations highlight Michalyn’s advocacy for youth, arts and culture, women leadership, equity, and community voice. Michalyn is a dedicated public servant, and always seeks collaborative opportunities to make Memphis better, together.

In her private time, Michalyn enjoys exploring and traveling with her family. Michalyn has been married to Darren Thomas II since 2017, and they have one handsome son Darren “Tripp” Thomas III.

Janika White, a proud Memphian, is fueled by a deep commitment to serve the community she holds dear. With a distinguished career as a skilled litigator handling high-profile cases, she is dedicated to guiding clients through legal intricacies, offering patient guidance and informed decision-making. After graduating from Central High School, Janika White pursued her academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Business Administration, and later obtaining her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Janika White’s legal journey includes serving as a judicial clerk to Chancellor Kenny Armstrong and the Honorable Bernice Bouie Donald at the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Currently, she owns and practices at Janika White Law, PLLC, specializing in personal injury, business law, and federal criminal defense. For nearly a decade, she collaborated with the legendary Walter Bailey at Bailey, Bailey, & White PLLC.

Her roots in service run deep, inspired by her parents, John and Anita White, who both were dedicated educators in Memphis City Schools. This upbringing instilled in Janika White a lifelong desire to contribute to her community, evident in her pro bono work and mentoring with Street Ministries.

Janika White is actively engaged in various professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association, Leo Bearman Inn of Courts, Tennessee Trial Lawyers, and the Memphis Bar Association, where she also holds a seat on the Board of Directors. Additionally, she chairs the Bloomfield Urban Ministries and is a dedicated member of the Board for Economic Opportunities of Memphis.

Recently elected as City Councilwoman for Super District 8, representing over 300,000 Memphians, Janika White brings a wealth of experience and a passion for transformative change. Her approach to civic leadership emphasizes attentive listening, thorough research, and collaborative efforts to implement initiatives that positively impact the community. In her role, Janika White is poised to be a catalyst for positive change, ensuring the welfare and progress of the diverse and vibrant city she calls home.

Councilman Chase Carlisle was elected to the Memphis City Council to serve Super District 9, Position 1. Chase is a senior advisor of the leadership group at Carlisle where he is tasked with growing its local presence and focuses on consulting, asset management, and development.

Previously, Chase served as Director of Real Estate and Development for Carlisle and served as the Executive Vice President of Avison Young.

Councilman Carlisle serves as the Chair of the Budget Committee and Vice Chair of the Economic Development, Tourism, & Technology Committee.  Chase has served on the boards of the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and Memphis River Parks Partnership.

He and his wife Elizabeth, along with his three children, Miles, Tully, and Hall, are avid supporters of all things Memphis.

Councilman J. Ford Canale was sworn in to serve the citizens of Memphis on May 22, 2018. As the
representative of Super District 9, Position 2, Councilman Canale has the privilege of serving more than
300,000 Memphians. A graduate of Christian Brothers High School, the Councilman brings his
experience from a small family business and his steadfast commitment to his hometown to this position.
His experience in service and leadership are an asset to this Council and to our city. Councilman Canale
earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama. He is a funeral
director at Canale Funeral Directors. He is also a Licensed Insurance Producer and a member of the
Boards of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and Convergence Memphis, Inc.
Councilman Canale was elected Vice Chairman of the Council by his fellow members in December 2023.
He serves as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee and Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee. He
also serves as the City Council Liaison for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and the
Chickasaw Basin Authority.
Councilman J. Ford Canale and his wife Sophie have two children – Joseph Ford Canale, Jr. and Rollins
Canale. The Canale family attends St. Michael Catholic Church.