Meet Our People: Welcome to Memphis - Board of Directors - Sherryl Tucker
Sherryl Tucker
Welcome to Memphis Board of Directors
Sherryl Tucker has been in the hospitality and operations field her entire career. She was introduced to the industry with a University of Memphis internship with Memphis Tourism (formerly the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau). Under the internship's umbrella, Sherryl had the pleasure of working with many different hospitality locations, including Embassy Suites.
“That experience helped me realize my passion for connecting with guests and helping to achieve guest satisfaction in multiple areas,” she says.
Her experience and passion are put to good use in her current role as Senior Director of Operations for the National Civil Rights Museum. Please meet one of WTM’s invaluable Board members, Sherryl Tucker!
How did your career path lead you to where you are today?
With each role, I acquired new responsibilities. I started off as an intern, then a guest-facing frontline staff member, a lead, a manager, director, and senior director in varied industries all centered around operations and hospitality. Although not required for success, every step that I experienced in my journey was crucial to my development. Each role gave me a new perspective and added a layer of experience that was so valuable to my career path.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The diversity and the multi-faceted aspects of my role. You never know what the day will bring. It is hard to predict the occurrences and constant pivots but the variety sure makes my day interesting! Each area of my responsibility affects the guest experience, either directly or indirectly.
I know it’s cliché, but I love meeting guests from all over the world. I love to walk through the museum, soak up the history, engage in conversation, and receive immediate feedback regarding the impact this wonderful place has on our guests. I also enjoy working with our incredible guest-facing frontline team who understands the goal of striving to provide each guest with the best visit to this treasured location.
What do you find most rewarding about being a leader in the Memphis hospitality industry?
The opportunity to show that hospitality is a valid and wonderful career. I love to share what is possible. It is a pleasure to be part of an effort that showcases the wonderful offerings of Memphis, our southern hospitality, and creates a positive narrative of the City of Memphis. It is so rewarding to have an opportunity to be an example of hospitality as a long-lasting career and not just an “in-between jobs” role.
Why does the Welcome to Memphis mission resonate with you?
Everyone benefits from a robust hospitality industry. The mission of Welcome To Memphis resonates with me because it helps persons to engage, be city ambassadors, and provide positive experiences that shape opinions of the City of Memphis. Any organization that takes the baton to inspire, train, and introduce endless hospitality career opportunities is commendable. The celebration of team members who influence the guest experience is fun to watch! This agency provides valuable resources and information to help hospitality professionals and their organizations.
I was very proud to witness and participate in Welcome To Memphis’ efforts to make valuable resources available during COVID-19. It was heartfelt and provided tangible aid when it was needed most.
What do you think the future holds for Welcome to Memphis?
Welcome to Memphis will be a difference maker! Exposure and training made available by WTM will allow persons to not only enter the hospitality industry but be EXCITED in their roles. Increased reach and effectiveness by Welcome to Memphis is anticipated and will help contribute to more positive personal experiences for both guests and residents alike. I look forward to a great future!
We do, too, Sherryl! Thank you for your inspirational words!
