The conversation examines real-world leadership challenges where competing priorities, diverse stakeholders, limited resources, ethical considerations, and public accountability all intersect — connecting lessons from government and executive leadership directly to the challenges project professionals face every day. A moderated conversation with former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland on ethics, governance, and leadership challenges at the intersection of politics, law, and project management.
⚖️ Event Overview
October 2026 PMI Memphis Chapter Meeting | Politics, Ethics, Law & Governance: From the Project Management Perspective | A Moderated Leadership Conversation with Jim Strickland.
Join PMI Memphis for a unique moderated conversation with Jim Strickland, former Mayor of Memphis and current Dean & Professor of Law at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
In an engaging interview-style discussion, Strickland will draw from his experiences in law, public service, executive leadership, and higher education to explore the intersection of politics, ethics, law, governance, and project management.
Rather than a traditional presentation, this conversation will examine the real-world leadership challenges that emerge when competing priorities, diverse stakeholders, limited resources, ethical considerations, legal responsibilities, and public accountability all intersect.
The discussion will explore ethical leadership and decision-making; governance and accountability; navigating competing stakeholder interests; managing risk and organizational constraints; communicating difficult or unpopular decisions; and leading complex initiatives where success requires more than simply meeting a deadline.
Whether you lead projects in healthcare, technology, government, education, nonprofit organizations, or private industry, this conversation offers an opportunity to think beyond schedules and deliverables and examine the broader responsibility of leading people, navigating complexity, and making sound decisions when the stakes are high.
👥 Presenter
Jim Strickland is the tenth Dean of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Prior to his appointment as Dean, he was the 64th mayor of the City of Memphis.
Jim Strickland served two terms as Mayor of the City of Memphis and his work to reinvest in our neighborhoods, citizens, and economy is evident throughout our city. Before serving as Mayor, he was elected to the Memphis City Council in 2007 to represent District 5 and served as the Council Chairman in 2014. Before entering political life, he worked for the law firm of Glankler Brown before opening his own private practice, where he remained until becoming Mayor.
Dean Strickland has made community service a priority throughout his life and career. He has devoted extensive volunteer time and effort to many community organizations including Alpha Omega Veteran’s Services, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis Club of Memphis, and Leadership Memphis. He has also served on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the University of Memphis Alumni Association, the University of Memphis Tiger Scholarship Fund, The Tennessee Municipal League, and the Memphis Botanic Garden. He and his wife Melyne have two children.
🏷 PDU Classification
Attendees receive 2 PDUs (all credentials).
🍽️ Catering
Provided by Trap Fusion.
🎟️ Tickets
$30.00 Member Registration / $35.00 Non-Member Registration
