Beverly Robertson: A Trailblazing Leader in Business, Community, and Civic Transformation
Beverly Robertson is a name synonymous with leadership, resilience, and transformative vision. From her early beginnings in Memphis, Tennessee, to her groundbreaking role as President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, Robertson has shaped industries, strengthened communities, and elevated institutions. Her journey spans corporate America, entrepreneurial ventures, and nonprofit leadership—showcasing the power of determination and strategic vision.
This article highlights the remarkable career of Beverly Robertson, focusing on her leadership at Holiday Inn Worldwide, Trust Marketing & Communications, the National Civil Rights Museum, and ultimately, the Greater Memphis Chamber.
Early Life and Education
Roots in Memphis
Born and raised in Memphis, Beverly Robertson grew up with a strong sense of community and perseverance. She attended Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1973. Her foundation in education and communication prepared her for a career that would combine business acumen with social impact.
Professional Development
Beyond her formal education, Robertson expanded her leadership skills through prestigious executive programs. She completed the Executive Leadership Development Program at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, and attended the Getty Museum Leadership Program in Los Angeles. These experiences enriched her perspective, enabling her to guide organizations through innovation, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
Corporate Career at Holiday Inn Worldwide
Starting the Journey
Beverly Robertson began her professional career at Holiday Inn Worldwide, where she spent 19 years mastering multiple disciplines, including marketing research, product development, strategic planning, and communications.
Rising Through the Ranks
Her hard work and expertise propelled her through leadership positions, culminating in her role as Chief Communications Officer and later acting Vice President of Marketing Communications. In these roles, she managed large teams across multiple continents—Canada, Mexico, Asia/Pacific, and Africa—while overseeing national advertising, product launches, and brand campaigns.
Major Achievements
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Played a role in developing new hotel brands, including Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza, and Hampton Inns.
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Served on the Public Relations Committee for the Travel Industry Association of America in Washington, D.C.
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Honed her expertise in corporate communications, which later became central to her nonprofit and civic leadership success.
Entrepreneurial Success: Trust Marketing & Communications
Founding a Minority-Owned Firm
In 1991, Beverly Robertson and her husband, Howard Robertson, co-founded Trust Marketing & Communications, the largest minority-owned public relations and marketing consulting firm in Memphis.
Driving Business Growth
As Principal and later Chief Operating Officer, Robertson spearheaded new business development, strategic direction, and client engagement. She worked with top-tier clients in the travel and tourism industry, including:
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Harrah’s Casinos
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Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Missouri Tourism
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State of Tennessee Tourist Development
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Holiday Inn Worldwide
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Holiday Inn Sugar Bay Plantation in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Core Expertise
At Trust Marketing, Robertson built a reputation as an exceptional focus group facilitator, conducting qualitative research for Fortune 500 companies. Her ability to simplify complex business challenges earned her respect as a strategic thinker with common-sense solutions.
Leading the National Civil Rights Museum
Becoming President
In 1997, Beverly Robertson was appointed President of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. What began as an interim role quickly became a defining chapter in her career.
Achievements at the Museum
During her 17-year tenure, Robertson raised an astounding $43 million through campaigns and expansions that elevated the museum to world-class status.
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$11 million expansion project: Modernized exhibits and facilities.
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$32 million capital and endowment campaign: Secured long-term stability and international recognition.
Impact on History and Community
Her leadership not only safeguarded the museum’s financial health but also amplified its global cultural influence. The museum became a premier destination for education, reflection, and social change—reinforcing Memphis as a hub of civil rights history.
President & CEO at Greater Memphis Chamber
Breaking Barriers
In 2019, Beverly Robertson became the President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, making history as the first African American and the first woman to lead the organization in over 185 years.
Strategic Vision
At the Chamber, Robertson provided strategic direction, vision, and management across economic development, member services, fundraising, and policy advocacy. She forged powerful partnerships with business and community leaders, ensuring regional growth while promoting inclusive prosperity for all.
Notable Accomplishments
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Attracted Ford’s Blue Oval City: A $5.6 billion electric vehicle complex projected to create nearly 6,000 jobs in the Memphis area.
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Protest to Progress initiative: Brought together business, community, and activist voices to create collaborative solutions.
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Small Business Resiliency Playbook: Guided small businesses through economic uncertainty and crisis recovery.
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Strongest financial year (2021): Achieved record-setting economic development performance.
Leadership Legacy
Robertson’s tenure has been described as transformative. She positioned Memphis as a forward-looking city with competitive advantages in manufacturing, logistics, and workforce development—all while emphasizing equity and inclusion.
Recognitions and Leadership Style
Awards and Honors
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Named one of USA Today’s Women of the Century (2020).
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Honored as CEO of the Year (2022) by Memphis Magazine.
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Recipient of multiple accolades for civic leadership and corporate responsibility.
Leadership Traits
Robertson is admired for her:
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Strategic planning ability: Always aligning vision with measurable goals.
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Community-focused mindset: Balancing business growth with social progress.
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Collaborative leadership: Building coalitions across public and private sectors.
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Practical wisdom: Applying common sense to complex challenges.
A Lasting Legacy
Beverly Robertson’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact. From her beginnings in education to her corporate ascent at Holiday Inn Worldwide, from entrepreneurial leadership at Trust Marketing to transformative stewardship at the National Civil Rights Museum, and finally, to her groundbreaking role at the Greater Memphis Chamber—Robertson’s influence has been profound.
She represents not just business excellence but also the integration of community values with economic vision. Her efforts have elevated Memphis on national and global stages, ensuring that the city thrives as a place of opportunity, culture, and progress.
Conclusion
Beverly Robertson is a living example of what it means to lead with purpose. Her diverse career proves that leadership is not defined by a single sector but by the ability to inspire change, mobilize resources, and deliver results. Whether in corporate boardrooms, nonprofit institutions, or civic organizations, she has consistently raised the bar for what leadership looks like.
As Memphis continues to grow and redefine itself, the legacy of Beverly Robertson will remain a guiding light—proving that vision, courage, and inclusivity can transform not just organizations but entire communities.
