Kuhn’s tenure as Deputy Director of Community Services involved managing victim and offender services alongside aging and veterans divisions, demonstrating executive oversight of social welfare operations within the county government. Her role leading the development of a new Training Center from concept to operation highlights project management capabilities relevant to departmental infrastructure. As Special Assistant and Lead Strategist to Sheriff Bill Oldham, she researched and implemented policies for law enforcement and jail operations, providing direct exposure to corrections administration and strategic planning.

Smiley serves as Chair of Public Works and Vice Chair of City Council, demonstrating executive management experience within a municipal government structure. His role as liaison for shared services like MATA aligns with intergovernmental coordination needs. A Tennessee-licensed attorney, he possesses working familiarity with legal frameworks relevant to county governance. As policy advisor to the Shelby County Clerk, he engaged in local administrative operations.

Burgess served as Shelby County Assessor of Property since 2018, managing a department that contributed to reducing the property tax rate from $3.39 to $2.69 per $100 assessed value. His prior role as Chief Internal Auditor for Memphis/Shelby County Schools and founding of the Commission’s Audit Committee demonstrates financial oversight experience relevant to budget management. He previously represented District 7 on the Board of Commissioners from 2010 to 2018, providing legislative familiarity. Burgess holds a B.S. in Accounting from Grambling State University.

Lowery’s two decades at FedEx as a Managing Director demonstrate executive management experience within a large corporate structure. His tenure on the Shelby County Commission provides direct familiarity with county governance and budgetary processes. Community board service, including the Memphis Housing Authority, suggests intergovernmental coordination capacity. He holds degrees in Business and Operations Management from LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Arkansas. Public-facing communication skills are evidenced by his recognition in Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40.

As Chief Administrative Officer since 2022, Collins oversees daily operations for Tennessee’s largest county, providing direct executive management experience of a consolidated government structure. His tenure involves coordinating across health, public works, and corrections departments under the Mayor’s direction. Prior service as Memphis City Councilman and Chairman offers legislative negotiation background relevant to budget defense before elected bodies. A Master’s in Public Policy and Administration supports theoretical familiarity with administrative frameworks, while his role as Special Assistant to the District Attorney General highlights engagement with criminal justice systems.

Feagins served as Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools for less than a year before her termination in January 2025. Her campaign proposes an audit of the Shelby County jail and a joint legislative agenda through a mayors' huddle, addressing intergovernmental coordination with suburban municipalities. She advocates for building 500 homes and establishing a shuttle network to improve public safety and transportation. Feagins holds a doctorate and launched her bid with a platform focused on education and economic growth.

Qualls operates multiple Shelby County businesses, including tax services, providing direct experience in financial management and small enterprise operations. He describes himself as a small business owner rather than a career politician, having moved to Memphis twenty-five years ago for his family’s education. His background involves building boats and barges in Mississippi before relocating to the region.

DeBerry served over two decades in the Tennessee State House and as a committee chairman, demonstrating legislative experience relevant to negotiating with the County Commission. His appointment as senior advisor to Governor Bill Lee indicates intergovernmental capacity with state leadership. A former pastor and civil rights marcher suggests public-facing communication skills for a diverse electorate. However, his career is rooted in state legislation rather than metropolitan executive management of consolidated departments like health or corrections.