Meet Our Team

Nigel brings over 30 years of high-impact community and economic development experience, collaborating at many levels of the community development process—with nonprofits, municipal agencies, state government, federal government, philanthropic partners, and impact investors. Most recently, he served as senior vice president at Hope Enterprise Corporation in Memphis, where he managed financing plans for healthcare centers, charter schools, housing developments, grocery stores, and other critical facilities across Tennessee and Alabama.

Prior to that, he led community and workforce development efforts for the Jefferson County Commission in Birmingham, Ala. There, he connected local strategies to federal funding via the Economic Development Administration, the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), among other programs. His experience also spans agencies and programs in East Point, Fairfield, and Mobile, Ala.; Delray Beach, Fla., and Atlanta, Macon and Fulton County, Ga.

Nigel earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Alabama A&M University and his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Emmabeth Weaver joined LISC Memphis as Assistant Program Officer in July 2022; and has seved as Porgram Officer since 2024. She possesses years of local non-profit management experience in roles such as Volunteer Services Program Manager with the Memphis Zoo, AmeriCorps Program Coordinator with Porter-Leath, and, more recently, Senior Companion Program Coordinator with Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). In her previous roles, she focused on program delivery, equipping teams, and community resourcing.

Emmabeth grew up in Memphis and is the youngest of five siblings. She recalls education as a significant focus in their home. Her commitment to being the change is demonstrated in social services, education-based programming, and non-profit leadership. She is a previous member of the Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) and served on the Aging Commission of the Mid-South’s Advisory Board. She is a budding crochet craftswoman who enjoys working on puzzles, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors. One of her favorite quotes is, “Be the change you would like to see in the world.” by Mahatma Gandhi.

Kenya Johnson joins LISC Memphis as the Program Officer for Safety & Justice. With over 20 years of transformative leadership experience, Kenya is an energetic, results-driven professional dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening organizations, and championing equitable solutions. Combining visionary leadership with strategic expertise, she drives high-impact programs that elevate organizational performance, build high-performing teams, and inspire lasting change. A natural connector and advocate, Kenya has successfully led dynamic executive development initiatives that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and growth. Through a people-centric consulting approach, she partnered with diverse clients to advance inclusive practices, promote diversity, and nurture community-focused cultures where everyone can thrive.

Utilizing her background in compliance and affirmative action planning, Kenya implemented strategies that promote equal opportunity and drive diverse initiatives. She is recognized for her ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, community leaders, and corporate partners, consistently delivering community-focused programs and initiatives that leave a lasting impact. With an MBA in HR Management and a commitment to continuous improvement, she is dedicated to fostering cultures of excellence, inclusion, and community engagement across all sectors. Every project and partnership is an opportunity for Kenya to spark positive change, supporting equitable solutions that ripple across organizations and into the communities they serve.