Cameron Mann

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a native Memphian and director of the Memphis Music Resource Center, a program of the Memphis Music Foundation, a nonprofit that works with musicians and local businesses to grow our music industry in Memphis. I have previously worked at a recording studio and production company called Young Avenue Sound. I am also a performance artist of sorts.

How long have you been a Memphian?
I have lived in Memphis most of my life other than four years of college in New Orleans and a year working in London for Worldcom. 

Why did you join GiVE 365?

I was excited to hear about Give 365 from Kerry and Sutton Hayes and Doug Carpenter for two reasons. First, it’s important that a new generation of Memphians take seriously our civic responsibility to make this city what we want it to be and keep it on the path of progress. Second, GiVE 365 is an innovative approach to choosing how and where charitable gifts are used in the nonprofit community. I feel more personally involved and empowered in making my city a better place. I also think that those of us in the nonprofit community must lead by example in this effort. 

What's your favorite place to have lunch?

During the week when time is short, I like to go to the Little Tea Room – great service and incredible food. On the weekend when I can be more leisurely, I like the Beauty shop for brunch or Deli Mexicana Las Tortugas for tacos carne asada. 

Who do you think is doing exceptional work in Memphis?

LivefromMemphis has been chronicling the heart and soul of our arts community for more than 10 years now and doing a great job of it as well as offering online and production resources to artists and businesses. I think Mayor Wharton is a courageous and forward thinking leader for the city. I’m also really impressed with Gwin Scott at EmergeMemphis and Eric Matthews at Launch Memphis; those guys are doing great work. Judy Peiser at Center for Southern Folklore is doing great work on with the Heritage Festival and all of her archival work. I am also a big ballet fan and love the work of both Ballet Memphis and the New Ballet Ensemble. Ekundayo Bandele from Hatiloo Theatre has created something really amazing over there, and it's not simply community theater – his vision is much wider. Cindy Cogbill has been an incredibly innovative leader and friend to many musicians at the Folk Alliance Festival. Jon Hornyak of NARAS has spent the greater part of his life helping many Memphis musicians and businesses connect to opportunities. Of course, Fred Smith, Pitt Hyde, and Rudi Scheidt are amazing philanthropists and business leaders. I don’t know…I could go on and on…there is so much to celebrate in Memphis.

Favorite superhero?

Batman