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Memphis, TN – The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is excited to announce Erik E. Stevenson as the new Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Programs, and Chundra Smith as the new Public Information Officer.
"MATA is thrilled to welcome Erik Stevenson and promote Chundra Smith," said Bacarra Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA. "Their expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the enhancement of our communication efforts and the strategic development of key partnerships and programs."
About Erik E. Stevenson
Having served in the United States Army as a Sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Erik
learned a great deal about leadership and the importance of uplifting others. He held key
translator security and Quick Response Force (QRF) roles and also managed a multi-million
dollar equipment and supply budget as well as implemented a training process for more than
300 area soldiers and civilians.
His professional work is centered around developing communities that have been historically
underserved. Erik most recently worked as The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce’s first
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where his work focused on discovering a pathway
to an equitable economy that is inclusive of Memphis’ socioeconomically diverse landscape. His
methods are steeped in data and the principles of American democracy. While at The P3 Group, Inc., the Nation's largest minority-owned public/private partnership developer, he served as the Chief Administrative Officer and later as Chief Data and Compliance Officer, where he was responsible for administering upwards of $650 Million in projects across the country, including the Build Better Student Housing Initiative, focused on providing high-quality housing for HBCU campuses in an economically responsible way.
At the Downtown Memphis Commission, Erik held multiple roles to advance the Downtown
community. Erik initially started his tenure at the Downtown Memphis Commission as a
Commercial Strategist, but during the pandemic he pivoted to lead the company’s Equal
Business Opportunity program as the EBO Specialist.
Community engagement has always been a core value for Erik. As immediate past Polemarch (President) of the Southaven Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Erik has been able to connect directly with the community and impact others directly. He also serves as the Vice Chair for the Shelby County Lead Prevention and Sustainability Board and was the chair of the Shelby County Mayor’s Young Professional Council. Erik was also honored with the 2022 Memphis Business Journal 40 Under 40 as well as the 2023 Urban Elite 40 Under 40.
About Chundra Smith
With 10 years of marketing and communications experience, MATA is confident that Chundra is the best fit for this role. She was previously the Community Engagement Manager, where she introduced seasonal transit center activities and education for riders and citizens of Memphis about upcoming service changes. She also managed projects and participated in community events to educate citizens about MATA and listened to their concerns.
Before MATA, Chundra worked with national brands such as T-Mobile/ Metro by T-Mobile and local entities of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Arkansas Adult Education. She's a native of Little Rock, Arkansas but has resided in the Mid-South for the last six years.
Serving her community has also been a priority. Currently, she's the corresponding secretary of the Alpha Alpha Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Chundra is also on the leadership board for Brown Christian Academy and is a member of the 45th class of Leadership Memphis.
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