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Bio of Pamela D. Marshall
“Contribute to something significant. Most of us have a need to create something positive, to contribute, to pursue a cause in which we can see that what we are doing is worthwhile. There is value in what we are doing. And that fulfills the need to contribute to something significant. This is an inherent need in all of us. Fill that need.” Pamela Marshall follows that mantra in all she does in life.
In December 2009, Pamela Marshall became the first African-American, female Chief of Staff in Shelby County government history. She was appointed as chief of staff by Interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford. The Office of the Chief of Staff provides advice and guidance to the Mayor on legislative and political issues and serves as liaison to the public and private sectors in fostering partnerships and the development of initiatives. The Office of the Chief of Staff also provides supervision and policy direction over external affairs & international relations, as well as constituent services, communications, special events and special projects. Her job involves supervising other staffers, and drawing on her extensive background as a broadcast journalist to help Ford get his message to the media.
Armed with a background in public policy-making and her past jobs including roles as public policy director at hospital group, Methodist-LeBonheur Healthcare, general assignment and anchor reporter, community relations officer at the Tennessee Department of Transportation and vice president of public policy and community affairs for the Greater Memphis Chamber she provides the perfect fit for her role in government.
Marshall gravitated toward broadcasting and in 1988 earned a bachelor's degree from Columbia College in Chicago. She’s held positions in locations ranging from Davenport, Iowa, to Champaign, Illinois. Pamela Marshall has over 25 years of journalistic and community relations experience, from covering everyday issues to lawmakers from Capitol Hill, and local governments – and as an advocate for change as a Lobbyist for public policy of healthcare and housing for the underserved.
Pamela grew up on a farm near Jackson, Tennessee with her parents and 12 siblings. Her inspiration is her parents - her father, a farmer and preacher who also did other jobs and her mother, who also worked on the farm, her father only making it into the third grade and mother through the eighth grade. Their inspiration led Pamela to know that through hard work, dedication and motivation anything is possible.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Marshall has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to bettering her community at every stage in her life. Pamela is a member of the Board of Directors for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. She is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, Commissioner of the Civil Service Board, Women’s Rape Resource And Assistance Program , Jackson Symphony Board, and the Reelfoot Girl Scouts Board of Directors.
Her greatest accomplishment is being Mom for her son, 14 year old Brennan.
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