The Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) recently announced the hire of Abigail (Abby) Sheridan as the organization's Chief Operating Officer. Sheridan brings 15 years of operations and finance experience working with local and national non-profits to the MMDC team.

Most recently, Abby served as Deputy Director for the Congress for the New Urbanism, where she was responsible for implementing the strategy and managing the operations of a national nonprofit dedicated to championing the development of walkable, mixed-use urbanism.

At MMDC, Sheridan will lead the operations of the organization as it embarks upon a new strategic plan. Sheridan will oversee financial management of the organization, and provide leadership and execution capacity for special projects, strategic planning, grant applications, and board relations.

Abby brings a passion for people-centered communities to Memphis and looks forward to working with the MMDC staff, partners, and community to build a more vibrant and prosperous Medical District.

The MMDC recently announced the passing of Tommy Pacello, who was President and Founder of the organization.

"Tommy was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion and vision to help us all imagine a more vibrant and inclusive Memphis and Medical District. His leadership and friendship will be celebrated by all of us who knew him," Abby Miller, Executive Vice President, MMDC.

Dr. Lewis Reich, Chairman of the Board of Directors, issued the following statement on behalf of the Board of Directors: "Tommy Pacello accomplished volumes in his short life and Memphis has lost a true champion. We were so very fortunate to have been able to get to know and work with him on the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. His intelligence, dedication, and integrity were values ingrained in Tommy's character. The MMDC was Tommy Pacello's professional vision, one that he spent the final years of his life building and tirelessly nurturing. However, his smile turned incandescent when he talked about his wife and two young daughters. Tommy will be deeply missed."

Alex Feldman has been named Interim President.