MEMPHIS — Several prominent Memphis organizations reported leadership changes this week that will influence enrollment strategy at a public health university, preservation priorities at a local nonprofit and account leadership at a regional public relations firm.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center names enrollment chief
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has appointed Kristi Forman as associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management in a newly created role. Forman, who joined UTHSC in 2021, will be responsible for executing the institution’s Strategic Enrollment Plan and aligning enrollment initiatives across the campus.
Forman’s appointment builds on a background in higher-education admissions and enrollment management. Before joining UTHSC, she was director of admissions at Christian Brothers University and held enrollment positions at Strayer University and Belmont University. The new role at UTHSC centralizes leadership over enrollment strategy at a time when many higher-education institutions are continuing to refine recruitment, retention and strategic-growth plans.
Memphis Heritage elevates preservation specialist to executive director
Memphis Heritage has selected Trey Crump as its new executive director. Crump has more than 20 years of experience in historic preservation, community revitalization, design and advocacy, and previously served on Memphis Heritage’s board of directors for three years. Since 2024 he has been the organization’s preservation specialist.
Crump holds a Master of Heritage Preservation degree from Georgia State University and has prior experience with the State of Louisiana Historic Preservation Office, where he worked as the Certified Local Government Coordinator and the Louisiana Main Street Design Coordinator. In his new post, he will oversee daily operations and will be charged with enhancing preservation and educational programming, increasing fundraising, facilitating partnerships and expanding community engagement.
Obsidian Public Relations promotes multiple account leaders
Local communications firm Obsidian Public Relations announced internal promotions that advance several staffers into client-facing leadership roles. Among them, Carlee Smith was promoted to senior account manager after joining the firm in 2017 as an intern; her responsibilities will include expanding her roster and serving as a primary resource for clients seeking PR support. Peyton Gardner was elevated to account manager. Gardner, who joined Obsidian in 2022, will take on enhanced client-service and strategic account duties.
These personnel moves at Obsidian signal the firm’s emphasis on bolstering client service continuity and deepening its account-management bench amid steady demand for communications and reputation services.
Implications for local business and community sectors
Collectively, the appointments reflect sector-specific priorities in Memphis: higher education institutions are consolidating leadership to meet enrollment targets; preservation groups are investing in experienced leadership to expand advocacy and partnerships; and communications firms are promoting internally to maintain client relationships and deliver strategic counsel.
- Higher education: centralizing enrollment leadership may streamline recruitment and retention efforts tied to strategic plans.
- Nonprofit preservation: leadership with state-level preservation experience could broaden programmatic and funding opportunities.
- Communications: internal promotions suggest a focus on continuity and scaling client service capacity.
Each move draws on existing institutional knowledge: Forman’s prior admissions roles, Crump’s preservation credentials and state experience, and Obsidian’s practice of advancing staff who have developed client relationships internally. For Memphis businesses and civic partners, those changes may translate into new or expanded collaborations, shifts in outreach and fundraising strategies, and continued emphasis on messaging and community engagement.
| Organization | Person | New Role |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Kristi Forman | Associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management |
| Memphis Heritage | Trey Crump | Executive director |
| Obsidian Public Relations | Carlee Smith | Senior account manager |
| Obsidian Public Relations | Peyton Gardner | Account manager |
These appointments were reported Aug. 13, 2026. Organizations and stakeholders in Memphis will be watching how these leadership changes influence enrollment outcomes, preservation initiatives and the delivery of communications services in the months ahead.
