April 4th Foundation Events

Robert Lipscomb is a native Memphian whose leadership is felt throughout the community.

He was appointed as Executive Director of Memphis Housing Authority in February 1999 and Director of The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development in December 1999 and served as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Memphis from September 2005 until July 2007.

Since taking the reins of both agencies, Mr. Lipscomb has lead the way in procuring over $200 million in competitive federal grants to revitalize Memphis’ inner city.  He also developed the city’s first strategic housing plan along with several major affordable housing initiatives such as the Housing Trust Fund, the Equity Fund, the Down Payment Assistance Program and the Housing Resource Center additionally, he created The RISE Foundation and The Renaissance Business Center.

Mr. Lipscomb’s leadership and community service has gathered him numerous awards and recognition.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Small Business Administration nationally recognized his housing initiatives.  He also is the recipient of the National Child Labor Commission’s prestigious Lewis Hines Award, and a Tennessee Jaycees Outstanding Young Tennessean honoree.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from LeMoyne-Owen College and a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.