A New Era Begins: Malcom Rawls Appointed Executive Director of RISE Memphis
Memphis, TN — (October 14, 2024) — RISE Memphis is pleased to announce the
appointment of Malcom Rawls as its new Executive Director. Rawls joins RISE Memphis
with more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and a lifelong
dedication to empowering communities through education and support.

An alumnus of the University of Memphis with a degree in Spanish, Rawls went on to
earn his master’s in leadership and public service from Lipscomb University. His
professional journey has been shaped by leadership programs such as Leadership
Memphis and the Nexus Leadership Program, which have deepened his expertise in
community development and strategic leadership. Currently, Rawls is an active member
of the MOSAIC Changemakers cohort of 2024, where he continues to engage in work
that drives positive social change in the Memphis area.

“I am honored to join RISE Memphis and look forward to building on the organization’s
tremendous legacy of service,” said Rawls. “My vision is to ensure that every individual
in Memphis has access to the financial education and resources needed to achieve
economic mobility and build a brighter, more prosperous future for themselves and their
families.”

As Executive Director, Rawls will lead RISE Memphis in advancing its mission of fostering
financial literacy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for all Memphis communities.
Originally founded to assist public housing residents in achieving financial self-sufficiency,
RISE Memphis has since expanded its reach to serve a broader demographic across the
city. With a focus on programs that help individuals budget, save, and accumulate assets,
RISE Memphis has become a vital force in breaking cycles of poverty and enhancing
economic stability throughout Memphis and Shelby County.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for RISE Memphis, and we are truly excited
to welcome Mr. Rawls as our new leader,” says RISE Memphis Board Chairman, Randy
Williams. “With his vision, passion, and commitment to empowering families and
transforming communities, we are confident he will lead RISE to new heights. Mr. Rawls
brings not just experience, but a heart for the people we serve, and I know he will inspire
us all to continue making a lasting impact together.”

Under Rawls’ leadership, RISE Memphis aims to expand its current programs to reach a
wider audience and continue its transformative impact. By fostering a culture of
community engagement and empowerment, Rawls is committed to creating lasting
change that aligns with RISE’s core values and the needs of the Memphis community.

For all media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Chris Caldwell at
chris@phillipsmediaagency.com or (662) 714-6991.

About RISE Memphis:

RISE Memphis (formally RISE Foundation) was founded in 1999 as a joint effort of the
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority, and United
Way of the Mid-South to help break the cycle of poverty and its effects, including
bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment, and crime. RISE stands for Realizing. Income.
Stability and Empowerment. To learn more about RISE Memphis and its programs, visit
https://risememphis.org/.

-END