NEWS from the Shelby County Mayor’s Office
Lee Harris, Mayor
Vasco A. Smith, Jr., Administration Building
11th Floor, 160 North Main, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2019
Lauren Lee
Public Information Officer
Office: 901.222.2322
Mobile: 901.481.3422
MAYOR HARRIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DR. MICHAEL C. ELLIS, SR. AS VETERANS AFFAIRS COORDINATOR
Dr. Ellis joins Shelby County Government after a long career in the Navy and in ministry.
Memphis, TN - Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has appointed Dr. Michael C. Ellis, Sr. to the role of Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Dr. Ellis’ appointment is effective immediately.
“Veterans Affairs Coordinator is one of the most important appointments in Shelby County Government. It is essential that those who have served this country feel supported in their civilian life,” says Mayor Harris. “Dr. Ellis is a veteran and a pastor. He has an extensive background in service and I am excited about the expertise and energy he will bring to the role.”
"I am humbled and grateful to Mayor Harris for the opportunity to serve the veterans of Shelby County,” says Dr. Ellis. “Veterans have faithfully served our country, and I am looking forward to serving them with a spirit of excellence."
Dr. Ellis enrolled in the Navy just two weeks after graduating high school. He was stationed everywhere from Millington, to San Diego, to Italy during his career, eventually settling in the Memphis area in 1997 with his wife and six children. Dr. Ellis rose through the ranks to eventually achieve the rank of Chief. He was named Shore Sailor of the Year and San Diego Sea Serviceman of the Year. While on active duty, Dr. Ellis earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Theology. After retiring from the Navy in 2000, Dr. Ellis earned a Ph. D in Christian Counseling.
Dr. Ellis’ second career was in the ministry. He was the first African American President of the Tennessee Southern Baptist Convention in its 145 years in existence. Ellis was also on the staff of Bellevue Baptist Church as lead pastor of the Bellevue Frayser location, known as Impact Baptist Church and Ministries.
“Dr. Michael Ellis is a man of integrity and a hard worker,” says Steve Gaines, Senior Pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church. “His warm and genuine demeanor really connects with people. I have no doubt he will serve Shelby County well in this role.”
Dr. Ellis replaces Mr. Joseph Kyles who retired last month after 16 years with Shelby County Government.
(end of release)