Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ArtsMemphis
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Community Great Performers 1 min read

Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ArtsMemphis

Elizabeth Rouse evolved into the role of cheerleader for the Memphis arts community. As a transplant born in Mobile, Ala., her mother put her in ballet

Gary W. Lendermon
Marketing and Communications

Elizabeth Rouse evolved into the role of cheerleader for the Memphis arts community. As a transplant born in Mobile, Ala., her mother put her in ballet, but Rouse wanted to watch the graceful dance, not perform it. She moved to the Bluff City nine years ago for a job with ArtsMemphis, not expecting to stay forever. But she discovered a buffet of artistry here. She fell in love with the city and its talent.

Now Rouse, today ArtsMemphis president and CEO, fills her days and nights with the arts. Arts meetings. Arts fundraisers. Arts openings. No opportunity to cheer, to support, to promote the arts is too small. She told a ladies garden club recently, “Don’t ever let anyone tell you there’s nothing to do here. There’s constantly something happening in Memphis.”

ArtsMemphis, a nonprofit organization formerly known as Memphis Arts Council, has been an advocate for the arts 50 years. This year, ArtsMemphis awarded grants totaling $3 million to about 60 organizations and six individuals. It also mentors organizations and helps with business and fundraising plans.

Gary W. Lendermon

Written by

Gary W. Lendermon

Gary is responsible for Marketing and Communications for Duncan Williams Asset Management. In this role, he oversees all facets of the regional firm's internal and external communications and marketing efforts. Gary brings more than 30 years of experience in the marketing and communications field to Duncan Williams Asset Management. Previously, he served as a divisional president for Archer/Malmo, a Memphis, Tenn.-based AAAA advertising agency, the largest in the Mid-South region. His creative and strategic initiatives have won multiple ADDY® Awards, MarCom Awards, PRSA Awards, and an Emmy. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Gary serves on the Director Advisory Council of The Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC), a past member of the Memphis Botanic Garden Board and the Indie Memphis Board. He graduated from the New Memphis Institute's Leadership Development Intensive (LDI) Program and served on the Greater Memphis Chamber's Board of Advisors. Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis and has his master’s in strategic public relations from George Washington University. He previously held the series 7 and 63 General Securities licenses. Gary is also a professor at Christian Brothers University, where he teaches MBA students Corporate Social and Legal Responsibility.

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