Ernest Strickland

Board MEmber

Ernest D. Strickland, President and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis, holds an MBA from Bethel University and a Bachelor of Professional Studies from the University of Memphis. Strickland has led a multitude of successful economic and workforce development projects throughout his career. He recently served as an architect of Memphis’ community-wide workforce development initiative, Upskill 901 – a program aimed at upskilling 10,000 individuals over a three-year timeframe.

Prior to joining the BBA, Strickland held multiple roles at the Greater Memphis Chamber. At the Chamber, including Senior Vice President of Workforce & Talent Development, Vice President of International, Director of Workforce Development and Public Policy, Existing Business Consultant, and Business Development Associate.

A native Memphian, Ernest is passionate about growing the city and enjoys investing in his community through civic duties. He is former Chairman of the W.E.B. DuBois Charter School Consortium, Board Member of the Memphis Kings Youth Organization, Board member of The Consortium MMT, and New Memphis Institute Board of Trustee. Strickland was recently appointed to serve as a Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Board of Directors. Also, he is the Past Chairman of the Downtown Memphis Commission, former board member of Memphis World Trade Club, and Leadership Memphis.