MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Carol Coletta is leaving the Memphis River Parks Partnership.
Coletta announced Monday, Aug. 26 that she would be leaving the partnership that she has served as CEO and president since 2018.
Memphis River Parks Partnership manages six miles of riverfront and 26 properties along the Mississippi River.
"We have done amazing work together," Coletta said in a statement. "It has been the greatest honor of my life to work with you, our fantastic team and our generous donors to begin the work of making a riverfront worthy of our magnificent river. We’ve completed four major projects on budget and on time. We did it in only six years."
“There is exciting work ahead, and the Partnership is well-positioned and committed to getting it do. To maximize the value of our riverfront, it must be better connected to downtown and nearby neighborhoods. We also have a big opportunity to activate our harbor, and Mud Island needs a successful, sustainable future."
Coletta ranks number 12 among women on Planetizen’s list of Most Influential Urbanists.
MRPP leadership announced that they would begin a search for her successor immediately.
Coletta oversaw several major projects during her tenure as head of the MRPP, including the $61 million overhaul of Tom Lee Park.
"“The next seven years of work will be just as tough as the last seven," Coletta's statement continued. "But the results will have as much impact – maybe more – than anything we’ve done to date.
"This is an intense and rewarding job for someone who will start and finish this work and who will own it all the way to completion. I’m here to support the Partnership in any way I am needed until the board finds the right leader. We have a great team, and the next leader will be lucky to work alongside this dedicated board and staff.”
