CONVERGENCE Memphis Inc. Names Doreen Graves Executive Director

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 12, 2023) — CONVERGENCE Memphis Inc. announced today that Doreen Graves has been named Executive Director. In this role, Graves will be responsible for leading efforts to strengthen ties within the local Memphis community to promote affordable housing and increase Black homeownership. She will join CONVERGENCE Memphis Inc. on April 17.

“Doreen is passionate about enriching the Memphis community and has demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout her career as an executive and affordable housing advocate,” said Steve O’Connor, Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Senior Vice President for Affordable Housing Initiatives. “CONVERGENCE Memphis Inc. strives to improve and promote opportunities for minority homeownership and Doreen will play an integral role in leading those efforts.”

Graves most recently served as the West Tennessee Liaison at the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and was responsible for promoting the production and rehabilitation of homes in 26 counties as part of the organization’s industry and government affairs team. Graves also has 20 years of executive experience in the broadcast media industry. 

“I am excited for Doreen’s opportunity to lead CONVERGENCE Memphis, as I have seen firsthand her strong leadership ability and passion for promoting homeownership in the city and throughout Tennessee,” said Ralph Perrey, THDA’s Executive Director. “Doreen is devoted to her work, and I am confident she will excel in her new position.”

Launched in March 2020, CONVERGENCE Memphis is an initiative led by MBA and the THDA to increase Black homeownership in Memphis. CONVERGENCE Memphis Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization created to help fulfil that mission. 

CONVERGENCE Memphis has made significant strides in amplifying existing local resources and deploying additional national and state resources such as hosting homebuyer fairs, offering financial education courses, and providing affordable housing practitioners the tools they need to improve their outreach strategies to reach aspiring homeowners.