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Debbie Sowell - President

Debbie, her husband Chris McHaney and son Owen, have had roots in the CY Community for some time. Chris grew up in CY from a young boy and they are now working on their 3rd home in Cooper Young. Debbie has a degree in Interior Design and is a local real estate agent. She first became involved with CYCA at a Mulch to Members Giveaway and has been rolling up her sleeves ever since. "This neighborhood is my home", Debbie says "and I will always have an active role in making it better".

John Kinsey - Membership Chair/Ad Hoc Committee Chair

John moved to Memphis and to Cooper-Young in January 2006. The friendliness of the residents and the neighborhood's small town feel won him over when he was house hunting. He graduated from Ole Miss with a Bachelor's and a Master's in Accountancy with Tax Emphasis. As a sales engineer for CORPTAX, LLC, a corporate tax software company - John demonstrates the company's products via web demos from his CY home. John was born in Trenton, TN and grew up in Tupelo, MS. He holds a CPA in GA, TN and TX and is an Eagle Scout. In addition to the CY Board, he is a Block Captain and led his street to their First Place win in the 2007 Light the Way Race Competition, and serves on the board of directors for Playhouse on the Square.

Jason Word - Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

Jason has been apart of the CY community since 1997. Jason has volunteered in a number of special projects including the Festival, Festival 4-Miler, Home Tour, Members Count Campaign, Art for Arts Sake, and Community Clean-ups. Jason is a project engineer for Federal Express. He is a graduated of the University of Memphis. Jason's broad experience as a volunteer will bring both knowledge and perspective to upcoming projects.Jason says "My goal is to continue to encourage community involvement and pride in Cooper-Young".

Andy Ashby - Secretary

Andy, a reporter for the Memphis Business Journal, moved to the area in 2004 because he liked the idea of an interesting mix of restaurants and retail within walking distance of his front porch. He sees active participation by residents as a primary way to improve Cooper-Young. He has volunteered at CYCA events and delivered the LampLighter and is now serving the community on the CYCA Board.

Emily Bishop - Communications Committee Chair

Emily Bishop put down roots in Cooper-Young in 1988 and began volunteering for the LampLighter in 1989. Her job as a flight attendant for the past 20 years gives her the flexibility and time to give back to the community. Along with her husband Steve and son Jonathan, she enjoys everything about the neighborhood. Walking to visit friends and businesses is a daily practice for the Bishop's. Emily served as president of the CYCA from April 1999 to April 2001 and her proudest accomplishment was the dedication of the Trestle Art in 2000. "To me the beauty of CY is it's interesting people and that they take the time to get to know one another."

Joe France - Code Enforcement Chair

Joe France has been a Cooper-Young Resident since 2003. He is an Affiliate Broker with Kendall Haney Realty Group and he is a member of the National Association of Realtors. During his residency in our neighborhood he has improved some of the more blighted properties and aided in the clean up of the many grown-over alleyways here in Cooper Young. Joe is an advocate for a clean, safe and secure neighborhood for all are residents. Joe enjoys spending time at home with his wife and four dogs. When he's not helping to improve our neighborhood he enjoys playing golf, running and fishing on weekends at Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas.

Robert Grisham - Block Club Committee Chair

Robert, along with his wife Mandy and son Adam, moved into Cooper-Young in 2006. A native of the Mid-South, his undergrad is in music and he has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. He currently works as a loan officer for Midtown Mortgage Group, and he's one of the pastors of Neighborhood Church. "I'm excited to be back in the Memphis area, and am looking forward to working alongside this board to help make Cooper-Young into an even greater neighborhood."

Alan Ray - Festival 4-Milers Committee Chair

Alan moved to Cooper-Young in March 2002. He has a degree in Aviation Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is currently the Manager of Flight Safety at FedEx Express. Alan is a native Memphian and graduated from Memphis Catholic High School. His past experience includes service in the Marine Corps Reserve with an honorable discharge in 1998 as well as attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the BSA. "I look forward to serving on the board and working with others to continue the development and promotion of Cooper-Young as a community," says Alan.